Description
This Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese recipe is a luxurious take on the classic comfort dish. It combines the rich, velvety textures of sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses with a perfectly seasoned creamy sauce, enveloping the pasta in a decadent, cheesy embrace. Finished with a golden, crispy topping, this dish is the epitome of comfort food, offering a satisfying depth of flavor and a heartwarming experience with every bite. Ideal for family dinners, gatherings, or whenever the craving for something truly comforting strikes, this recipe promises to deliver a memorable and indulgent culinary delight.
Ingredients
16 oz Cellentani Noodles or Macaroni Noodles
1 stick Salted Butter, softened and cubed
1 cup Sour Cream
2 tsp Salt
1 tsp Onion Powder
1 tsp Garlic Powder
1/2 tsp Paprika
8 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese, shredded
4 oz Monterey Jack Cheese, shredded
12 oz Evaporated Milk
8 oz Velveeta Cheese, cubed
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
Boil water in a large saucepan and cook your noodles until soft.
While the noodles are cooking, shred your sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, then cube 8 ounces of Velveeta cheese. Set these aside.
Next, pour the evaporated milk into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Add in the cubed Velveeta and slowly melt the two together.
Drain your pasta noodles and pour them into a greased 9×13 inch oven-safe dish.
Continually stir the Milk/Velveeta sauce until the cheese is melted and combined then remove from heat.
Add the sour cream, butter, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to the warm noodles and stir until completely combined.
Next, add half of the shredded Monterey Jack and sharp cheeses to the noodle mixture and slowly pour in the milk Velveeta sauce, stirring all the ingredients in the pan until fully mixed.
Sprinkle on the remaining shredded cheeses to the top of the mac and cheese mixture then bake at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes or until golden and bubbly.
Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Cheese Selection: The choice of cheese can significantly affect the flavor and texture of the dish. Sharp cheddar provides a deep, tangy flavor, while Monterey Jack adds creaminess. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses to find your perfect blend.
- Pasta Choice: While traditional elbow macaroni is used here, other pasta shapes like shells or penne can also work well, as they hold the sauce effectively.
- Baking Tips: Covering the dish with foil for the majority of the baking time helps to keep the moisture in, preventing the mac and cheese from drying out. Removing the foil towards the end allows the top to become deliciously golden and crispy.
- Customizations: This recipe is highly adaptable. Consider adding cooked bacon, roasted vegetables, or different spices to tailor it to your taste preferences.
- Make-Ahead Option: Assemble the dish up to two days in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to bake. This can be a great time-saver for busy days or when planning for events.
- Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in the oven or microwave, adding a little milk if needed to keep it creamy.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8 servings