- Salt (to taste, adjust for SEO: add "seasoning" keyword)
- Black pepper (to taste, optimize with "freshly ground")
- Fresh tomatoes (2 medium-sized), diced
- Italian seasoning (1/2 teaspoon) - for a more flavorful dish
- Optional: breadcrumbs (1/4 cup) for topping and extra crunch
**SEO-friendly Tips:** To enhance the visibility of this recipe in search engine results, use relevant keywords like "macaroni," "cheese," "tomato," and "seasoning" to optimize your content. Additionally, including specific measurements can help in ranking better as it provides detailed information that search engines value.
Steps
### Perfectly Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Tomato - A Hearty Comfort Food Delight
#### Introduction:
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved classic that can be elevated by adding a touch of sweetness from tomatoes. This baked macaroni and cheese recipe combines the creamy richness of cheese with the tangy flavor of tomatoes, creating a dish that’s both comforting and delicious.
#### Ingredients:
- 12 oz (340 g) elbow macaroni
- 1 lb (450 g) sharp cheddar cheese, grated
- 8 oz (227 g) mozzarella cheese, shredded
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1 can (28 oz or 793 g) crushed tomatoes, drained
- Fresh parsley for garnish
#### Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. **Preheat the Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
2. **Cook the Macaroni:**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving some pasta cooking liquid if needed for adjusting consistency later.
3. **Make the Sauce:**
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over low heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until smooth and thickened (about 5-7 minutes).
- Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well.
4. **Combine the Cheeses:**
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese until melted.
- Add mozzarella cheese and mix thoroughly.
- Gently fold in the cooked macaroni and crushed tomatoes.
5. **Adjust Consistency:**
- If the mixture is too thick, gradually add some of the reserved pasta cooking water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
6. **Bake the Mac and Cheese:**
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish.
- Bake for 20-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top.
7. **Serve:**
- Let the dish cool slightly before serving.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
#### Tips:
- For a richer flavor, use both sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheese.
- To make it vegan-friendly, replace butter with vegan margarine and use plant-based milk.
- For added texture, mix in some bread crumbs or crushed cornflakes on top of the macaroni and cheese before baking.
#### SEO Keywords:
Baked Macaroni and Cheese, Tomato Mac and Cheese, Comfort Food Recipes, Creamy Cheesy Dishes, Baking Techniques, Vegan Mac and Cheese
### Conclusion:
This baked macaroni and cheese with tomato is a comforting meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its creamy texture, combined with the tanginess of tomatoes, makes it a unique twist on a classic dish. Enjoy this delicious recipe today!