Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 50 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 1019 kcal
Description:
This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe combines the richness of Velveeta, cream cheese, and half and half with the comforting texture of a custard-like base, perfect for a satisfying meal that’s both toddler and kid-friendly. It’s ideal for potlucks and winter gatherings, delivering a savory taste in under an hour.
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 10 oz | Macaroni |
| 12 oz | Velveeta cheese |
| 8 oz | Cream cheese |
| 1/2 cup | Parmesan cheese, grated |
| 1 | Egg |
| 1 1/2 cups | Half and half |
| 1/4 cup | Butter |
| 1 tbsp | All-purpose flour |
| 1 tbsp | Worcestershire sauce |
| 1/2 tsp | Dry mustard |
| 1/2 tsp | Salt |
| 1/4 tsp | Pepper |
Instructions:
-
Boil Noodles: Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
-
Prepare Casserole Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a rectangular glass casserole dish.
-
Combine Noodles and Egg: In the greased casserole dish, mix the cooked macaroni with the beaten egg until well combined. Set aside.
-
Make Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat.
- Stir in the flour to create a paste. Cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the half and half, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
-
Add Cheeses and Seasonings:
- Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the Velveeta cheese and cream cheese, cut into small chunks, to the saucepan. Stir until melted and smooth.
- Mix in Worcestershire sauce, dry mustard, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
-
Combine Sauce and Noodles:
- Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce has reached a medium-thick consistency (adjust with more half and half if needed), pour it over the macaroni in the casserole dish.
- Gently stir until the noodles are evenly coated with the cheese sauce.
-
Bake: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
-
Serve: Allow the baked macaroni and cheese to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy the creamy, cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1019 kcal
- Total Fat: 66.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 41.1 g
- Cholesterol: 257.5 mg
- Sodium: 2062.8 mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 69.5 g
- Dietary Fiber: 2.4 g
- Sugars: 8.7 g
- Protein: 36.8 g
Tips for Success:
- Cheese Selection: Experiment with different cheeses for varied flavors. Sharp cheddar or Gouda can be excellent substitutes or additions.
- Consistency: Adjust the thickness of the sauce by varying the amount of half and half or milk to suit your preference.
- Browning: For a more golden crust, broil the macaroni and cheese for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- Variations: Add cooked bacon, diced ham, or vegetables like broccoli for added texture and flavor.
This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe is sure to become a family favorite, combining ease of preparation with rich, cheesy flavors that everyone will love. Perfect for cozy dinners or special gatherings, it promises to satisfy both kids and adults alike with its comforting appeal.
