Baked Macaroni And Cheese With Hot Dogs

Pregătirea ingredientelor

Ingrediente

Mod de preparare

Pas cu pas

1. 1

   Preheat your oven to 190°C (375°F) and lightly grease a 2.5-quart (or 9x13 inch) baking dish.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

2. 2

   Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until it is al dente.

   Aproximativ 10 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Slightly undercooking the pasta will prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.

3. 3

   While the pasta cooks, melt the unsalted butter in a large saucepan or Dutch oven over medium heat.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

4. 4

   Whisk in the all-purpose flour to form a thick, smooth paste (a roux) and cook for one minute, stirring constantly.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

   Nota bucătarului: Cooking the flour for a minute removes its raw taste.

5. 5

   Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent any lumps from forming.

   Aproximativ 2 min.

6. 6

   Bring the sauce to a simmer, then reduce heat and cook for 3-5 minutes, stirring often, until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.

   Aproximativ 5 min.

7. 7

   Remove the pan from the heat and add the sauce portion of the shredded cheddar cheese, dry mustard, salt, and ground black pepper.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

8. 8

   Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

   Nota bucătarului: The residual heat of the sauce is enough to melt the cheese without making it grainy.

9. 9

   Drain the cooked macaroni thoroughly in a colander.

   Aproximativ 1 min.

10. 10

    Add the drained macaroni and the sliced hot dogs to the cheese sauce in the saucepan.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

11. 11

    Stir gently until the pasta and hot dogs are evenly coated.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

12. 12

    Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread it out in an even layer.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

13. 13

    Sprinkle the topping portion of the shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the surface.

    Aproximativ 1 min.

14. 14

    Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the cheese on top is melted and lightly golden.

    Aproximativ 20 min.

15. 15

    Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving.

    Aproximativ 5 min.

    Nota bucătarului: Resting allows the sauce to set slightly, making it easier to serve.