Creamy Mac and Cheese

This recipe is what I have used for years, and my kids have always loved it. I think it’s the creamiest and best mac and cheese ever. I top it with extra cheese, but you can use breadcrumbs if you prefer.

Mac and cheese is one of those meals that just makes you feel good. I recently started feeling more like myself again after fighting off the flu for a couple of weeks. Once I started feeling better, I started craving this mac and cheese and I thought it would be a good idea to add it to my blog. I already have one mac & cheese recipe on this site which is a copycat recipe for Piccadilly Mac & Cheese. I do like that one, but this mac & cheese is my favorite since I prefer the creamier texture.

The best creamy mac & cheese.

Author: Karen - Oventry.com

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Creamy Mac and Cheese

This is the best and creamiest mac and cheese you've ever tasted.

Prep time: 18 MinCook time: 25 MinTotal time: 43 Min

Ingredients

• 8 oz macaroni or medium shell pasta
• 1 Tbsp butter
• 2 1/2 cups medium or sharp block cheddar cheese (shredded)
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk or half & half (or both)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1/4 tsp mustard powder
• pinch of nutmeg
• sprinkle of paprika

Instructions

1. Butter (or spray with oil) a 9 x 13-inch casserole pan.
2. Grate the cheese and set aside.
3. Cook pasta until almost al dente. (The pasta will continue to cook in the oven). Drain, then add the 1 Tbsp butter to the macaroni and stir. Set aside.
4. Preheat oven to 350° F.
5. In a medium saucepan, make a roux by melting the 1/4 cup butter over low heat and then adding in the flour. Whisk the butter and flour for about 1 minute to thicken. Add the milk slowly and continue to whisk until the sauce thickens. Add the salt, pepper, mustard powder, and nutmeg. Whisk to combine.
6. Add the cheeses and whisk until melted, then remove from heat.
7. Place pasta in casserole dish and spread the cheese sauce all over the pasta. Stir to make sure all the pasta is combined with the sauce. Sprinkle more cheese on top if desired.
8. Bake for 25 or 30 minutes or until done and the top is crispy.
9. Enjoy.