Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This recipe for Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a timeless classic that evokes comforting memories of childhood dinners. It features a rich and velvety cheese sauce, made with a combination of creamy milk and half-and-half, and a generous blend of sharp cheddar and creamy Velveeta cheese. The pasta is perfectly cooked al dente and then baked to bubbly perfection, creating a dish that is both satisfying and indulgent. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing side dish at a potluck, this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone.
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Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Elbow Macaroni | 1 lb (dry) |
| Salted Butter | ½ cup |
| All-Purpose Flour | ½ cup |
| Milk (room temperature) | 2 cups (2% or whole milk) |
| Half-and-Half (room temperature) | 2 cups |
| Worcestershire Sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Velveeta Cheese (cubed, room temperature) | 12 ounces |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese (grated, room temperature) | 3 cups (divided) |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry Mustard | ½ teaspoon |
| Black Pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | Pinch |
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 325°F (163°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 1 minute less than package directions for al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil.
- Make the cheese sauce:
- Melt butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in milk and half-and-half.
- Bring to a boil, whisking constantly.
- Remove from heat.
- Whisk in Worcestershire sauce.
- Gradually add Velveeta and 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Stir in salt, dry mustard, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Combine: Add cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Bake: Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining 1 ½ cups cheddar cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, or until bubbly and cheese is melted.
- Optional: For a crispier top, broil for 2-5 minutes.
Enjoy your delicious and comforting Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese!
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