Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This family-favorite recipe features a rich, velvety cheese sauce combined with tender macaroni, topped with a golden crust of melted cheese. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or any occasion where you want to serve a heartwarming dish.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni (about 2 cups)
- 3 tbsp butter or margarine
- 1 1/2 cups milk, divided (I used 2%)
- 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
- 1 lb Velveeta cheese, cubed (1/2 inch size)
- 8 oz shredded Kraft mild cheddar cheese (about 2 cups), divided
- 8 oz shredded Kraft Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Directions
- Cook Macaroni: Heat oven to 375°F. Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until tender but firm, about 8-10 minutes. Drain well and transfer to a large mixing bowl.
- Melt Cheese: On low heat, melt Velveeta cheese with 3/4 cup milk until smooth, stirring often. Pour the melted cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine. Add butter, remaining milk, eggs, 1 cup shredded cheeses, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer mixture to a 2-quart baking dish. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Bake until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling, about 25 minutes. Serve hot.
Conclusion and Tips
This Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. For extra flavor, add a pinch of garlic powder or paprika. Serve it with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
Have you tried this recipe? Share your tips and favorite additions in the comments below. What’s your favorite mac and cheese variation?