Rich and Fattening Macaroni and Cheese
This is the most wonderful mac & cheese, but a version I make only once or twice a year because it is too-too rich. Of course, you can use whole-wheat pasta, skim milk, and a diet substitute instead of the cream and butter, and 2% cheeses to enjoy this more often, but it's nice to have a really sinful dish once in a while.
This is the most wonderful mac & cheese, but a version I make only once or twice a year because it is too-too rich. Of course, you can use whole-wheat pasta, skim milk, and a diet substitute instead of the cream and butter, and 2% cheeses to enjoy this more often, but it's nice to have a really sinful dish once in a while.
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 pound velveeta cubed
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni noodles
- 2 1/2 cups light cream
- 1 1/2 cups cooper's sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1/4 teaspoons white pepper
- 1/2 cup ritz cracker crumbs
- Carbohydrate 158.30467125 g
- Cholesterol 930.1175 mg
- Fat 288.18558 g
- Fiber 4.9225000333786 g
- Protein 94.6708475 g
- Saturated Fat 176.87579575 g
- Serving Size 1 1 Serving (1420g)
- Sodium 1979.308875 mg
- Sugar 153.382171216621 g
- Trans Fat 15.3968668749999 g
- Calories 3567 calories
Step-by-step
- Preheat oven to 350°.
- Cook the macaroni to "al dente", drain, rinse in cold water, and set aside.
- Mix the shredded cheddar cheeses together and set aside.
- Melt Velveeta cubes on low heat in ½ cup of milk, stirring occasionally until melted.
- Mix cornstarch, salt, pepper, and mustard together.
- Melt butter in a large pan. Add the cornstarch mixture, stirring to blend into a paste. To this, add the rest of the cream, stirring constantly. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat and boil 1 minute. Remove from the heat and add 2 cups of the mixed shredded cheeses.
- Blend both melted cheese sauces together. Fold in cooked macaroni.
- Pour into a 9" x 13" greased baking dish. Top with the rest of the shredded cheese mix, and sprinkle with cracker crumbs.
- Bake uncovered until lightly browned, approximately 30 to 40 minutes.
- OPTIONAL: Mix 2 heaping cups of fully baked diced ham or Polish krakowski into the casserole before topping with cheese.
My Guilty Pleasure: The Richest Mac and Cheese You'll Ever Taste
As a busy working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Weeknights are a whirlwind of school pick-ups, homework help, and dinner prep. My meals tend towards the practical – quick, healthy, and easy to clean up. But every now and then, I crave indulgence. There's nothing quite like the comfort of a truly decadent meal to unwind after a long day. That's where this recipe comes in: my Rich and Fattening Macaroni and Cheese.
This isn't your average weeknight mac and cheese. This is a special occasion dish, the kind you save for birthdays, holidays, or those rare evenings when you just need a little extra TLC. It's rich, creamy, cheesy, and utterly irresistible. I've perfected this recipe over the years, tweaking it to achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sharp cheddar, the creamy Velveeta, the hint of mustard – every ingredient plays a crucial role in creating this culinary masterpiece. The crispy cracker topping adds a delightful textural contrast to the smooth, cheesy interior.
I know what you're thinking: "It's too rich!" And you'd be right. That's precisely what makes it so special. It's a guilty pleasure, a moment of self-indulgence that I savor every time I make it. It's a reminder that sometimes, it's okay to abandon the healthy eating plan for a night and embrace the pure, unadulterated deliciousness of a truly decadent meal. The aroma alone is enough to transport you to a state of pure bliss. Imagine the golden-brown crust, bubbling with cheesy goodness, beckoning you to dig in.
The process itself is surprisingly straightforward. While the recipe might seem lengthy, it's mostly hands-off cooking time. The most labor-intensive part is shredding the cheese, which is easily manageable. The baking process allows me to catch up on some much-needed relaxation or spend quality time with my family. It’s the perfect accompaniment to a cozy night in or a relaxed get-together with loved ones.
For those who prefer a lighter version, feel free to substitute ingredients. Whole wheat pasta, skim milk, and lower-fat cheeses can certainly be incorporated without sacrificing too much flavor. But honestly, every once in a while, you deserve the full, unadulterated experience. Embrace the richness, the creaminess, the pure, unfiltered indulgence of this truly extraordinary macaroni and cheese. It’s not just a meal; it's a celebration of comfort food at its finest.
The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. It’s easily adaptable to your preferences. Want to add some protein? A simple addition of diced ham or Polish sausage elevates this dish to a whole new level. Experiment with different cheeses, or add a sprinkle of herbs for a unique twist. The possibilities are endless. But whatever you do, don't skip the cracker crumbs! That crispy topping is the perfect finishing touch.
So, my friends, if you're looking for a dish that will transport you to culinary heaven, look no further. This mac and cheese is more than just food; it's an experience. It’s a reminder to embrace those moments of pure, unadulterated deliciousness. It's a celebration of comfort, indulgence, and the simple joy of a truly extraordinary meal. Make it on a special occasion, or just because you deserve it. You won't regret it.
Trust me on this one. Make this recipe. You won't regret it. But fair warning: Prepare for a serious case of cheesy deliciousness!
