There’s something irresistibly comforting about a bubbling dish of creamy, cheesy macaroni. This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe combines rich, velvety cheese with perfectly cooked pasta for a classic comfort food that’s guaranteed to please. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a festive gathering, this dish brings warmth and smiles to any table.
Imagine pulling this golden, cheesy goodness out of the oven, where the top layer of cheese has crisped into a perfect crust, hiding a creamy, luscious core. This version uses a blend of cheeses for a depth of flavor that elevates it from a simple meal to a memorable feast. It’s the ultimate comfort dish that appeals to both kids and adults alike.
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 35 minutes
Serving: 8 people
Equipment: Large pot, large mixing bowl, 2-quart baking dish
Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
Ingredients:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni (about 3 cups)
- 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
- 1 ½ cups milk, divided
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 lb (16 ounces) cubed (1/2 inch size) Velveeta cheese
- 8 ounce shredded Kraft Mild Cheddar Cheese (about 2 cups), divided
- 8 ounce shredded Kraft Monterrey Jack Cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until tender but not mushy, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- In a saucepan, melt the Velveeta cheese with ¾ cup of milk over low heat, stirring often until smooth.
- Pour the melted cheese sauce over the pasta and stir. Mix in the butter, remaining ¾ cup milk, eggs, 1 cup of the mixed shredded cheeses, salt, and pepper until well combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheeses over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling, about 25 minutes.
Serve this Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese hot from the oven and enjoy the melt-in-your-mouth texture paired with the rich, cheesy flavor. It’s a dish that promises to make any meal a little more special.