Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, loved by people all over the world. There are countless variations out there, and everyone has their own favorite way of making it. Today, I want to share with you the way I make my mac and cheese – the way my family loves it.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. dry elbow macaroni pasta
- ½ cup salted butter
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk, at room temperature (2% or whole milk)
- 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
- Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F and grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for 1 minute less than the package suggests for al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain the pasta and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large Dutch oven (about 6-7 quarts) over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute.
- Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Remove from heat.
- Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce. Gradually add the Velveeta cheese and half of the cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Add the salt, dry mustard, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir well.
- Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar cheese on top.
- Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly.
- For a crispier, browner top, you can put the dish under the broiler for 2-5 minutes.
Enjoy this creamy, cheesy goodness straight from the oven!
Remember, there is no right or wrong way to make mac and cheese. This recipe is just a starting point – feel free to get creative and add your own twist. And most importantly, have fun in the kitchen and enjoy your meal!
