Indulge in the ultimate comfort food experience with our delectable Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This classic dish is elevated to new heights with a velvety cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a golden breadcrumb topping. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe promises to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.
ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese
- 1 cup milk, divided
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Seasoned panko crumbs for garnish
Now, let’s dive into the step-by-step instructions:
- Preheat and Prepare: Begin by preheating your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This ensures that your macaroni and cheese bakes evenly. While the oven preheats, generously grease a 9×13 baking dish to prevent the macaroni from sticking during baking.
- Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Al dente means the pasta is cooked but still slightly firm to the bite. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the macaroni well and set it aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the macaroni cooks, it’s time to prepare the creamy cheese sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ½ cup of milk and the Velveeta cheese, stirring constantly until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. The addition of Velveeta cheese ensures a silky texture and a rich flavor to your mac and cheese.
- Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce: Once the cheese sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked macaroni in a large mixing bowl. Gently stir to coat the macaroni evenly with the luscious cheese sauce. This step ensures that every bite of macaroni is infused with creamy cheesiness.
- Prepare the Egg Mixture: In another mixing bowl, combine the beaten eggs, melted butter, garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and 1 cup of each shredded cheese. The addition of eggs and seasonings enhances the flavor and richness of the macaroni and cheese, giving it that homemade taste you crave.
- Combine Everything: Pour the egg mixture into the bowl of macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined. The incorporation of the egg mixture binds the macaroni and cheese together, creating a cohesive and creamy texture that holds up well during baking.
- Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the remaining shredded cheese evenly over the top, creating a gooey and cheesy layer that will melt beautifully in the oven. Then, sprinkle seasoned panko crumbs over the cheese layer for a delightful crunch and added texture.
- Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Keep an eye on the macaroni and cheese towards the end of the baking time to prevent it from over-browning. Once baked to perfection, remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Conclusion:
With its creamy texture, rich cheesy flavor, and irresistible breadcrumb topping, our Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese is sure to become a beloved favorite in your recipe collection. Whether served as a comforting main dish or a crowd-pleasing side, this dish is perfect for any occasion, from family dinners to potluck gatherings. Enjoy the warmth and nostalgia of homemade macaroni and cheese with every delicious bite, and savor the joy it brings to your table!
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