Classic Country Style Macaroni and Cheese
Overview
This delectable Country Style Macaroni and Cheese has been a cherished family favorite for years, lovingly made since my son was little. It’s incredibly versatile, and while elbow macaroni is traditional, you can easily swap it for rotini (corkscrew) pasta if that’s your preference. This recipe does not include the time required to cook the macaroni separately, so be sure to account for that. If you’re not a fan of a crunchy topping, feel free to skip the breadcrumb layer. Let’s dive into the rich, creamy goodness of this timeless dish!
Preparation & Cooking Time
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 mins |
| Cook Time | 30 mins |
| Total Time | 40 mins |
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni (or rotini for a twist)
- 1 cup Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 3 tablespoons butter, plus extra for the topping
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups half-and-half
- 2 tablespoons prepared mustard
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
- 1-2 tablespoons melted butter (for mixing with breadcrumbs)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
-
Preheat the Oven
Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure your macaroni and cheese bakes evenly and achieves that perfect golden top. -
-
Prepare the Topping
In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs with 1-2 tablespoons of melted butter. Set this mixture aside; it will create a delightful, crispy topping for your dish. -
Cook the Macaroni
In a large saucepan, cook the macaroni according to package instructions until it is firm-tender. Drain the macaroni thoroughly and return it to the saucepan. Add the cubed Velveeta cheese and stir well until the cheese begins to melt and coat the pasta. Set aside. -
Make the Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, stir in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux. This mixture will help thicken your cheese sauce. -
Combine Milk and Half-and-Half
Gradually whisk in the milk and half-and-half, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to stir until the mixture begins to thicken. -
Add Flavorings
Stir in the prepared mustard and cream cheese. Keep stirring until the cream cheese is completely incorporated and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix in the dried parsley to add a touch of color and flavor. -
Combine with Macaroni
Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni mixture and stir to combine thoroughly. Ensure that all the pasta is coated with the creamy sauce. -
Transfer to Casserole Dish
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a large casserole dish, spreading it evenly. -
Add Topping
Sprinkle the prepared breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese. This step adds a satisfying crunch to every bite. -
Bake
Place the casserole dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the topping is a light golden brown and the cheese sauce is bubbly. -
Serve
Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to serve.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 1068.7
- Fat Content: 66.3 g
- Saturated Fat Content: 41.1 g
- Cholesterol Content: 207.2 mg
- Sodium Content: 2392.7 mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 80.5 g
- Fiber Content: 3.5 g
- Sugar Content: 12.7 g
- Protein Content: 38 g
This Country Style Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that brings warmth and joy to any meal. Whether you’re serving it as a hearty main course or a satisfying side dish, it’s sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. Enjoy! 🧀🍽️👨👩👧👦
