There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, gooey dish of mac and cheese. It’s a dish that transcends age, beloved by kids and adults alike. My earliest memory of mac and cheese is from family gatherings where it was always the centerpiece of the meal. The rich, creamy sauce enveloping the tender pasta, topped with a golden, bubbly layer of cheese, made it irresistible. Over the years, I’ve experimented with various recipes, but this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese stands out as a personal favorite. It’s the perfect blend of simplicity and indulgence, making it a go-to for both everyday dinners and special occasions.
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.
