Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with creamy baked macaroni and cheese. This classic dish combines tender macaroni noodles enveloped in a velvety smooth cheese sauce, baked to golden perfection. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures, with the soft pasta mingling harmoniously with the rich, creamy sauce.
The cheese sauce, a decadent blend of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and perhaps a hint of nutty Parmesan, coats every strand of pasta, ensuring that each mouthful is bursting with flavor. As the macaroni and cheese bakes in the oven, the sauce becomes infused with the essence of the pasta, creating a dish that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Upon emerging from the oven, the mac and cheese presents a tantalizing sight, with its golden-brown crust hinting at the gooey, cheesy goodness that lies beneath. The aroma that fills the kitchen is nothing short of intoxicating, evoking memories of cozy family dinners and comforting childhood meals.
As you take your first forkful, the creamy cheese sauce gently caresses your palate, leaving behind a lingering richness that is both comforting and satisfying. The texture of the pasta is perfectly al dente, providing just the right amount of bite to complement the creaminess of the sauce.
With each subsequent bite, you discover new layers of flavor and texture, as the cheese sauce melds with the pasta to create a symphony of taste sensations. Whether enjoyed as a hearty main course or served as a side dish alongside your favorite protein, creamy baked mac and cheese is sure to warm your soul and leave you craving more.
Ingredients:
1 pound of uncooked macaroni elbows
½ cup of butter, unsalted
½ cup of all-purpose flour
2 cups of milk, at a comfortable temperature
2 cups of half-and-half
1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce
12 ounces of Velveeta cheese, cubed
3 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided
½ teaspoon of powdered mustard
Salt and pepper to taste
Dash of nutmeg
Instructions:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook the dry macaroni elbows according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the cooked pasta and set it aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir continuously for about 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk and half-and-half, stirring constantly to combine with the roux. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth.
Add the Worcestershire sauce, cubed Velveeta cheese, and 2 cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese to the saucepan. Stir until the cheeses have melted completely and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Remove the saucepan from heat and season the cheese sauce with salt, dry mustard, black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Stir well to incorporate the seasonings.
Add the cooked macaroni elbows to the cheese sauce, mixing until all the pasta is evenly coated.
Grease a 9×13 casserole dish and transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into it, spreading it out evenly.
Sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of grated sharp cheddar cheese over the top of the macaroni mixture.
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Once baked, remove the casserole from the oven and allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving.
As you take your first bite, the combination of rich, gooey cheese and tender pasta will transport you to a place of pure bliss. The Creamy Baked Mac & Cheese is perfect as a comforting main course or as a side dish to complement any meal. Whether you’re cooking for your loved ones or hosting a gathering, this recipe is guaranteed to make any occasion memorable. So, go ahead, save it, and let the magic of this indulgent mac and cheese envelop your senses. Your taste buds will thank you.
