Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

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.