Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can compete with a bubbling pan of creamy baked mac and cheese. It’s rich, cheesy, and soul-soothing—perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or holiday gatherings. While there are countless ways to prepare this classic dish, this recipe strikes the perfect balance between creamy sauce and golden, cheesy topping.

Ingredients

• 1 lb elbow macaroni

• ½ cup salted butter

• ½ cup all-purpose flour

• 2 cups milk (2% or whole, room temperature)

• 2 cups half-and-half (room temperature)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 12 oz Velveeta cheese, cubed (room temperature)

• 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (room temperature, divided)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon dry mustard

• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

• Preheat oven to 325°F (165°C).

• Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and set aside.

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

Step 2 – Make the Cheese Sauce

• In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat.

• Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute to remove the raw taste.

• Slowly whisk in the milk and half-and-half until smooth. Continue whisking until the mixture just begins to boil and thickens slightly.

• Remove from heat, then stir in Worcestershire sauce.

• Add the Velveeta and 1½ cups cheddar, stirring until completely melted and creamy.

• Season with salt, dry mustard, pepper, and nutmeg.

Step 3 – Bake It

• Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated.

• Transfer mixture to the prepared baking dish.

• Sprinkle the remaining 1½ cups cheddar evenly on top.

• Bake uncovered for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling.

• For a golden, slightly crispy top, broil for an additional 2–5 minutes.

Tips & Variations

• Extra Creamy: Stir in ½ cup sour cream or cream cheese to the sauce.

• Crunchy Topping: Add buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

• Mix-in Options: Try adding bacon bits, sautéed onions, or steamed broccoli for extra flavor.

✨ This creamy baked mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort dish—creamy in the middle, cheesy on top, and guaranteed to disappear fast. Serve it as a main course with a side salad, or as the perfect side dish to roasted meats.

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