Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

User Reviews

4.8

117 reviews
Excellent
  • Prep Time

    20 mins

  • Cook Time

    20 mins

  • Total Time

    35 mins

  • Servings

    12 (as a side dish) or 6-8 (as an entrée)

  • Calories

    479 kcal

  • Course

    Side Dish, Dinner

  • Cuisine

    American

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Ooey, gooey, and oh-so-cheesy, this is truly the best mac and cheese recipe that you'll ever taste!

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Ingredients

Servings
  • 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 kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon dry mustard
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Pinch of nutmeg
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Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  6. Bake for 15 minutes, or until cheese is melted on top and the sauce is bubbly. If you prefer a crispier, darker brown top on your mac and cheese, place the dish under the broiler during the final few minutes of baking. Just be sure to keep a close eye on it so that the top doesn’t burn.

Notes

  • How to Make Ahead: To prep the dish ahead of time, assemble as instructed -- but do not bake. Cover with foil and refrigerate for 1-2 days. When ready to bake, allow the dish to come to room temperature on the counter for at least 30-60 minutes. Remove the cover and bake at 325°F for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.

Nutrition Information

Show Details
Serving 1/10 of the dish Calories 479kcal (24%) Carbohydrates 40g (13%) Protein 20g (40%) Fat 26g (40%) Saturated Fat 16g (80%) Polyunsaturated Fat 1g Monounsaturated Fat 6g Trans Fat 0.3g Cholesterol 78mg (26%) Sodium 941mg (39%) Potassium 325mg (9%) Fiber 1g (4%) Sugar 7g (14%) Vitamin A 981IU (20%) Vitamin C 1mg (1%) Calcium 465mg (47%) Iron 1mg (6%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 12(as a side dish) or 6-8 (as an entrée)

Amount Per Serving

Calories 479 kcal

% Daily Value*

Serving 1/10 of the dish
Calories 479kcal 24%
Carbohydrates 40g 13%
Protein 20g 40%
Fat 26g 40%
Saturated Fat 16g 80%
Polyunsaturated Fat 1g 6%
Monounsaturated Fat 6g 30%
Trans Fat 0.3g 15%
Cholesterol 78mg 26%
Sodium 941mg 39%
Potassium 325mg 7%
Fiber 1g 4%
Sugar 7g 14%
Vitamin A 981IU 20%
Vitamin C 1mg 1%
Calcium 465mg 47%
Iron 1mg 6%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

Genuine Reviews

User Reviews

Overall Rating

4.8

117 reviews
Excellent

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