Introduction

Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food with countless variations. While there are numerous recipes available, I’d like to share my personal favorite way of making this dish, which my family also adores.

Ingredients

• 1 lb. dry elbow macaroni pasta
• ½ cup salted butter
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk, at room temperature (2% or whole milk)
• 2 cups half-and-half, at room temperature
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 12 ounces cubed Velveeta cheese, at room temperature
• 3 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese, divided (at room temperature)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon dry mustard
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish and set aside.
2. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta for 1 minute less than the package suggestion for al dente (about 8 minutes). Drain and toss with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. While the pasta boils, melt butter in a large Dutch oven (about 6-7 quarts) over medium heat. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute.
4. Very gradually, whisk in the milk and half-and-half. Bring to a boil over medium heat, whisking constantly. Remove from the heat.
5. Whisk in the Worcestershire sauce. Gradually add all of the Velveeta cheese and half of the cheddar cheese (1 ½ cups). Stir until the cheese is completely melted and smooth.
6. Stir in the salt, dry mustard, pepper, and nutmeg. Add cooked, drained pasta and stir to coat.
7. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1 ½ cups of grated cheddar on top.
8. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted on top and the sauce is bubbly.
9. For a crispier, browner top, place the dish under the broiler for 2-5 minutes.

Note: Feel free to adjust the ingredients and cooking times according to your preferences.