Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
This classic Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese features a rich, velvety sauce made with a combination of Velveeta and sharp cheddar, creating an ultimate comfort dish with a bubbly, golden-brown crust.
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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Dry elbow macaroni pasta | 1 lb. |
| Salted butter | 1/2 cup |
| All-purpose flour | 1/2 cup |
| Milk, at room temperature (2% or whole) | 2 cups |
| Half-and-half, at room temperature | 2 cups |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 teaspoon |
| Cubed Velveeta cheese, at room temperature | 12 ounces |
| Grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided (at room temperature) | 3 cups |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dry mustard | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Black pepper | 1/4 teaspoon |
| Nutmeg | Pinch |
How To Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese:
- Step 1: Preheat Oven and Prepare Pasta: Preheat oven to 2325∘F.3 Grease a 49×13-inch baking dish and set aside.5 In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 1 minute less than the package suggestion for al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Make the Roux: While the pasta boils, melt 1/2 cup butter in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add 1/2 cup flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Create the Sauce Base: Very gradually, whisk in the 2 cups milk and 2 cups half-and-half. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat.
- Step 4: Add Flavor and Cheese: Whisk in the 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce. Gradually add all of the Velveeta cheese and half (1 1/2 cups) of the cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and pinch of nutmeg.
- Step 5: Combine and Bake: Add the cooked, drained pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 1/2 cups of grated cheddar on top. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted on top and the sauce is bubbly.
- Step 6: Broil for Finish (Optional): For a crispier, browner top, pop the dish under the broiler for 2-5 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
