Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry elbow macaroni pasta
- ½ cup salted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
at room temperature, I use 2%, but whole milk will also work well
- 2 cups half-and-half
at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 12 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese
at room temperature
- 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
divided, at room temperature
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Pinch of nutmeg
Directions
- 1
Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
- 2
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.
- 3
While the pasta boils, melt butter in a large Dutch oven (about 6-7 quarts) over medium heat. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. Very gradually, whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat.
- 4
Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce. Gradually add all of the Velveeta cheese and half of the cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Stir in the salt, dry mustard, pepper and nutmeg. Add cooked, drained pasta and stir to coat.
- 5
Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar on top. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted on top and the sauce is bubbly.
- 6
For a crispier, browner top, pop the dish under the broiler for 2-5 minutes.
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
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Based on 41 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Searching for the ultimate comfort food experience that tastes like pure nostalgia? This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is designed to be the best you’ll ever taste, delivering that ooey, gooey, and irresistibly cheesy goodness you crave. What makes this mac and cheese stand out is its masterful blend of classic ingredients for unparalleled texture and flavor. It combines the silky melt of Velveeta cheese with the sharp, complex bite of grated sharp cheddar, creating a sauce that's both supremely smooth and deeply cheesy. The addition of half-and-half alongside milk ensures a rich, luxurious base, while a secret trio of Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and a pinch of nutmeg elevates the savory profile, making every forkful unforgettable. Prepare for a truly indulgent experience. You’ll be greeted by perfectly tender elbow macaroni swimming in a velvety smooth cheese sauce, all baked to golden perfection. The result is a comforting dish that's incredibly creamy and bursting with rich, savory cheese flavor, satisfying even the most intense cravings. This recipe yields a generous 10 servings, making it ideal for sharing or enjoying over several meals. While the combination of 2% or whole milk is perfect for this recipe's intended creaminess, feel free to use your preferred fat content. For those who enjoy a subtle kick, you can increase the amount of black pepper or dry mustard to taste, adjusting to your preference for spice and tang. This recipe truly shines with the specific cheeses listed, providing its signature melt and sharp flavor profile. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the quintessential centerpiece for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion calling for hearty, heartwarming comfort food. Serve it alongside roasted chicken, a simple green salad, or as the star of your next casual gathering.