Ooey Gooey Macaroni and Cheese
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Category: Cheese
Servings: 6-8
Description:
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Ooey Gooey Macaroni and Cheese recipe, where the sauce is irresistibly smooth, delightfully gooey, and remarkably stable during baking. This recipe ensures a creamy, satisfying dish without the risk of the sauce curdling. The secret ingredient is the mozzarella cheese—don’t skip it, as it contributes significantly to the creamy texture and flavor. If you prefer, you can use noodles from two 7-ounce boxes of regular macaroni and cheese mix; simply discard the cheese packets or experiment by mixing them into the sauce for added flavor. A word of caution: use a large enough baking pan to prevent any delicious cheese sauce from bubbling over into your oven!
Ingredients:
- 12 ounces macaroni noodles
- 3 to 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 to 4 tablespoons margarine
- 2 1/2 to 3 tablespoons flour
- 8 cups milk
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- Cheese slices (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
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Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 2-quart baking pan generously, or if you prefer, use a 9 x 9-inch pan—just ensure it’s large enough to contain the gooey goodness!
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Cook the Macaroni: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook for 6 minutes, until slightly undercooked. Drain the noodles thoroughly and transfer them into the prepared baking pan.
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Make the Sauce: While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter and margarine over medium heat in a heavy-bottomed pan. Once melted, whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
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Add the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring a smooth consistency. Continue to cook the mixture, stirring frequently, until it begins to thicken slightly.
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Incorporate the Cheese: Stir in the Velveeta cheese, shredded mozzarella, and cheddar cheeses. Cook and stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and gooey. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Combine and Bake: Carefully pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni in the baking pan. For a more even mix, you can also stir the noodles directly into the sauce before transferring everything back into the pan. To catch any potential drips, place a cookie sheet under the pan.
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Bake to Perfection: Place the pan in the preheated oven and bake for 40 minutes, or until the macaroni and cheese is bubbly and the top is beginning to turn golden brown.
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Optional Garnish: If you like, cut cheese slices into fun shapes and place them on top of the macaroni and cheese right after removing it from the oven. This adds a touch of creativity and extra cheesy goodness!
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 880
- Fat: 43.5g
- Saturated Fat: 26.9g
- Cholesterol: 140.8mg
- Sodium: 1330.9mg
- Carbohydrates: 81.9g
- Fiber: 2.9g
- Sugar: 6.5g
- Protein: 39.2g
Enjoy your Ooey Gooey Macaroni and Cheese, a dish that’s sure to bring comfort and joy to any meal. Whether it’s a family dinner or a special occasion, this mac and cheese is guaranteed to be a hit with its creamy, cheesy perfection. Bon appétit! 🧀🍲
