Description
There’s nothing quite like the warm, creamy indulgence of baked macaroni and cheese. This easy baked macaroni and cheese recipe delivers the perfect blend of gooey, cheesy goodness with a golden, crispy top. It’s a comforting classic that’s ideal for weeknight dinners, holiday spreads, or any time you crave a dish that feels like a warm hug.
Ingredients
- 1 large egg
- 1 (13 oz.) can evaporated milk
- ½ teaspoon dry mustard powder
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- Fresh black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons salted butter
- 8 oz medium cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 8 oz Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
Instructions
-
Preheat Your Oven:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish or pan to ensure the macaroni and cheese doesn’t stick. -
Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until just al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside.
-
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the evaporated milk, whole milk, and softened cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
-
Add Flavor to the Sauce:
- Stir in the Cajun seasoning, dry mustard powder, ground nutmeg, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the shredded cheddar and Swiss cheeses, stirring continuously until the sauce becomes velvety and creamy.
-
Temper the Egg:
- Whisk the egg in a small bowl.
- Slowly add a few spoonfuls of the hot cheese sauce to the egg while whisking constantly to prevent it from scrambling.
- Stir the tempered egg mixture back into the cheese sauce until fully combined.
-
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked macaroni and pour the cheese sauce over it.
- Mix until every piece of pasta is coated with the sauce.
-
Assemble and Bake:
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish.
- Bake for 25–30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
-
Serve:
- Remove from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve warm and enjoy this creamy, cheesy masterpiece.
Notes
- For Extra Crunch: Add breadcrumbs or crushed crackers to the top before baking for a crispy layer.
- Make It Your Own: You can mix in bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted vegetables for added flavor.
- Reheating: To reheat, add a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American