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
How To Make Creamy Baked Mac And Cheese
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set it aside. This will ensure your mac and cheese doesn’t stick to the dish and makes for easy serving later.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the package suggestion for al dente, which is usually about 8 minutes. This ensures the pasta retains some firmness as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Drain the pasta: Once cooked, drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Set it aside.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
Melt the butter: While the pasta boils, melt the butter in a large Dutch oven (about 6-7 quarts) over medium heat.
Add the flour: Once the butter is melted, add the flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute to create a roux. This will thicken your cheese sauce.
Whisk in the milk and half-and-half: Very gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth sauce. Once it reaches a boil, remove it from the heat.
Step 4: Combine and Melt the Cheese
Add Worcestershire sauce: Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce to add depth to the flavor.
Melt the cheeses: Gradually add all of the cubed Velveeta cheese and half of the grated cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups) to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
Season the sauce: Stir in the salt, dry mustard, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. These seasonings enhance the flavor of the cheese sauce, making it rich and flavorful.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked, drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat every piece of pasta evenly with the sauce.
Step 6: Bake the Mac and Cheese
Transfer to baking dish: Transfer the pasta and sauce mixture to the prepared baking dish. Spread it out evenly.
Top with cheese: Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar cheese over the top of the pasta.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted on top and the sauce is bubbly.
Step 7: Broil for a Crispier Top (Optional)
Broil for crispiness: For a crispier, browner top, pop the dish under the broiler for an additional 2-5 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Variations and Substitutions
Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese. Gruyère, fontina, or even a bit of blue cheese can add unique flavors.
Add-ins: Mix-ins like cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or steamed broccoli can be added for extra texture and flavor.
Spice it Up: For a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or some diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend to make this dish suitable for those with gluten intolerance.
Conclusion
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, offering a rich, creamy texture and a golden, bubbly topping that’s hard to resist. It’s a dish that brings back fond memories of family dinners and gatherings, and it’s perfect for making new memories with your loved ones. Whether you’re serving it as a main course or a side dish, it’s sure to be a hit. Enjoy the process of making it and, even more so, the satisfaction of sharing and savoring this delightful dish.
