This baked Macaroni and Cheese recipe (mac n cheese, if you prefer) is a family favorite, especially with get togethers and during the holidays. You can easily omit the spicy pepper and cayenne when you have younger kids.
Ingredients
If you don’t want dairy, you’re in big trouble now. There are two kinds of milk and four kinds of cheese!
- 2% milk
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cream cheese
- Monterey Jack cheese
- Sharp Cheddar cheese
- Gouda cheese
I do love Velveeta, of course, (I’ve even got this Cheesy Taco Pasta recipe with Velveeta to prove it) but there is just no comparison to actual real cheese when it comes to something special like a comforting, hot bowl of macaroni and cheese.
I’ve also included some customizable spices. I usually use paprika, seasoned pepper and cayenne. I love spicy cayenne on my mac and cheese, but I know you may have kids so it’s easy to simply omit the peppers. If you want, just offer it after plating.
No Velveeta Mac N Cheese
I have used Velveeta my entire life and I probably have some boxes of Velveeta Shells in my pantry right now. I love it. But, this recipe doesn’t include it.
When it comes time to make a Christmas or Thanksgiving dinner, it’s time for something special and real cheese is essential.
Just letting you know that the cheesy sauce is incredibly delicious. I’m not going to lie. After I poured the sauce into the cooked pasta, grabbing a spoon and cleaning out that bowl is absolutely essential. I would be perfectly happy eating the sauce and pasta together even without baking it. Completely acceptable.
For The Leftovers
This macaroni and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator in an air-tight container for about three days. I like to add a little bit of milk to it before I reheat in the microwave because all pasta soaks up the liquid while it continues to sit.
More Pasta Recipes
Pasta is definitely one of my favorite things. I like to make a lot and then have it in the refrigerator to eat for two or three days. It makes things easier to only have to make one big meal every few days. Here are some of my favorite pasta dishes.
Recipe
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
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For more information, be sure to check the recipe details in the attached 24Bite® post.
Equipment
- Large pan or Dutch oven for cooking pasta
- Large round skillet
- 9 x 13" baking dish
Ingredients
- 1 pound Shell Pasta, or elbows, uncooked
- 4 tablespoons Butter, salted or unsalted
- ¼ cup All Purpose Flour
- 1 ½ cup 2% Milk, or evaporated milk
- 1 teaspoon Seasoned Pepper, or ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Cayenne, optional
- ½ teaspoon Salt, optional
- 4 ounces Cream Cheese, cut into 8 cubes
- 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
- 8 ounces Sharp Cheddar, shred from block, not pre-shredded
- 8 ounces Monterey Jack, shred from block, not pre-shredded
- 8 ounces Gouda, shred from block, not pre-shredded
- Cooking Spray, like spray Pam
Instructions
- Using package instructions, start the water to boil then boil the pasta until al dente, which is usually the first number (i.e., if it says 8-9 minutes, then boil for 8).
- While the water is getting hot, shred the cheeses, but keep them separate.
- When you add the pasta to the water to begin cooking, preheat oven to 350℉.
- In a small bowl, whisk together milk, flour, pepper, paprika, cayenne and salt, until thoroughly mixed without lumps. Set aside.
- Place butter in large round skillet on medium heat.
- Add milk mixture to skillet and continue heating on medium heat. Stir frequently until the milk mixture is thickened, but don't burn it, about 5 minutes. Add cream cheese and whipping cream. Continuously stir until the cream cheese is completely melted.
- Add cheddar and jack cheeses ONLY (not the gouda), one handful at a time, stirring after each addition. Remove from heat.
- Spray 9 x 13" baking pan with Pam. Set aside.
- After draining the pasta, stir in the cheese mixture from the skillet. I used the large Dutch oven type pot to mix everything together. You could use a large mixing bowl, if you prefer.
- Pour pasta and cheese into sprayed baking pan and spread evenly. Sprinkle shredded gouda evenly.
- Place dish in preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes. If you like, you can blast it with the broiler for 2 or 3 minutes. I didn't do that because I wasn't sure my baking dish could handle that heat.
- Remove from oven and allow to set for about 10 minutes before serving.
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Notes
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet. All amounts are estimates and 24Bite® takes no responsibility for actual figures since calculations vary by packaging and supplier. Please calculate the amounts yourself based on package labeling if you have specific dietary requirements. 24Bite®, Kim Guzman or Christian Guzman shall not be liable for adverse reactions or any other outcome resulting from the use of recipes or recommendations on this website or actions you take as a result.
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