CREAMY BAKED MAC AND CHEESE

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a rich and velvety cheese sauce with a blend of Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheeses. The hint of Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, and nutmeg adds depth to the flavors, making it an irresistible dish for any occasion. Perfectly baked to achieve a bubbly, golden top, this mac and cheese is sure to become a family favorite.

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

Instructions:

1. Preheat Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 325°F (163°C).
• Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.

1. Cook Pasta:

• In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni for 1 minute less than the package directions for al dente (about 8 minutes).
• Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.

1. Prepare Cheese Sauce:

• While the pasta is boiling, melt ½ cup of salted butter in a large Dutch oven (about 6-7 quarts) over medium heat.
• Add ½ cup of all-purpose flour and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute to form a roux.
• Very gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk and 2 cups of half-and-half. Continue to whisk constantly until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
• Remove from heat and whisk in 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.
• Gradually add the 12 ounces of cubed Velveeta cheese and 1 ½ cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth.
• Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of dry mustard, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg.

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce:

• Add the cooked, drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.

1. Assemble and Bake:

• Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of grated sharp cheddar cheese evenly over the top.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the cheese on top is melted and the sauce is bubbly.

1. Optional Broiling:

• For a crispier, browned top, place the dish under the broiler for 2-5 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.

1. Serve:

• Remove from the oven and let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving.
• Enjoy this creamy, cheesy delight warm!

Tips:

• Cheese at Room Temperature: Ensure that the cheeses are at room temperature before adding them to the sauce to ensure smooth melting.
• Customizable Toppings: For added texture, sprinkle breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.
• Reheating: Reheat leftovers in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of milk to retain creaminess.

This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese is a luxurious and satisfying dish that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any gathering. Enjoy the comforting blend of creamy, cheesy goodness in every bite!