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Mama’s Baked Macaroni and Cheese

A dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate has a very special quality, and Mama's Baked Macaroni and Cheese is just that to me. Family dinners, holidays, and warm evenings spent indoors when the entire house smelled of melted cheese and delicious butter are all evoked by this recipe. It's a classic comfort food that's creamy, cheesy, and baked to golden perfection—it's not just macaroni and cheese.
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Course: Lunch, Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 16 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 lb Velveeta cheese cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 1 1/2 cups milk divided
  • 3 tablespoons butter or margarine
  • 8 oz mild cheddar cheese shredded (divided)
  • 8 oz Monterey Jack cheese shredded (divided)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten

Method
 

Cook the Macaroni:
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
  1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add half of the milk and the Velveeta cubes. Stir frequently until the cheese melts and the mixture is smooth.
Combine Cheeses:
  1. Stir in half of the shredded cheddar and half of the shredded Monterey Jack cheese into the cheese sauce. Continue stirring until cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
Mix Seasonings and Eggs:
  1. Remove the cheese sauce from heat. Whisk the salt, pepper, and lightly beaten eggs into the warm cheese sauce until fully combined. Be sure the sauce is not too hot to avoid scrambling the eggs.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
  1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce mixture and stir well to coat all the pasta evenly.
Prepare for Baking:
  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. Pour half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into the dish.
Add Cheese Layers:
  1. Sprinkle half of the remaining shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses evenly over the first layer. Then, pour the rest of the macaroni mixture on top and finish by sprinkling the remaining cheeses.
Bake:
  1. Bake uncovered for 30–35 minutes or until the top is bubbly and golden brown.
Serve:
  1. Let the baked macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your creamy, cheesy comfort food!
  2. Enjoy!