Ultimate Creamy Shells Mac and Cheese Bake
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy baked macaroni and cheese, featuring delightful medium shell pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce. This recipe combines the rich flavors of cream cheese and processed cheese with the tangy sharpness of cheddar, creating a velvety texture that is irresistible. Topped with a golden, crusty layer, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch, making it not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for gatherings or a cozy family dinner, this dish can easily be reheated for leftovers. Simply add a splash of milk, cover with foil, and bake to restore its creamy texture and flavor. Serve it warm and watch it become a family favorite!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
medium shell macaroni noodles
1 lb (cooked according to package instructions and drained)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
dry mustard
1/2 teaspoon (for adding flavor)
flour
1/2 cup (for the roux)
whole milk
3 1/2 cups (for the cheese sauce)
egg
1 (beaten)
cream cheese
8 ounces (cut into cubes)
processed cheese
1 lb (cut into cubes like Velveeta cheese)
shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the medium shell macaroni noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool for a few minutes.
3
In a large mixing bowl, beat the egg and add the drained noodles, stirring until the noodles are evenly coated with egg.
4
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, stir in the salt, pepper, and dry mustard until well combined.
5
Sprinkle the flour over the butter mixture and whisk until smooth, cooking for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux.
6
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, then bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Allow it to boil for 1 minute.
7
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add in the cream cheese and processed cheese. Stir until both are completely melted and smooth.
8
Combine the cheese sauce with the noodles, mixing until well blended. Transfer the mixture into a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
9
Top the macaroni and cheese with the shredded sharp cheddar cheese evenly.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crusty. Let it cool for a few minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is the Ultimate Creamy Shells Mac and Cheese Bake.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
This recipe specifically uses medium shell macaroni noodles.
How much pasta do I need?
You will need 1 lb of medium shell macaroni noodles.
What temperature should I preheat my oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the mac and cheese need to bake?
Bake it in the oven for 40 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
What size baking dish should I use?
A greased 9x13 inch baking dish is required.
Why is an egg used in the recipe?
A beaten egg is used to coat the noodles before adding the cheese sauce to help bind everything together.
What makes the cheese sauce so creamy?
The sauce is a combination of cream cheese, processed cheese, and a flour-based roux with whole milk.
How much cream cheese is required?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cream cheese, cut into cubes.
What kind of processed cheese is recommended?
The recipe suggests 1 lb of processed cheese, such as Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 3 1/2 cups of whole milk.
What spices are used to flavor the cheese sauce?
The sauce is flavored with salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
How much butter is needed for the roux?
You will need 1/2 cup of butter.
How much flour is needed to thicken the sauce?
Use 1/2 cup of flour to create the roux with the butter.
Should the pasta be fully cooked before baking?
No, cook the pasta until it is al dente so it doesn't get too soft while baking.
What kind of cheese goes on top of the bake?
The dish is topped with 2 cups of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
How do I reheat leftovers?
Add a splash of milk, cover with foil, and bake to restore its creamy texture.
Is this recipe good for large groups?
Yes, it is described as perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners.
What is the purpose of dry mustard in the recipe?
Dry mustard is added to provide a tangy depth of flavor to the cheese sauce.
How long should the milk mixture boil?
The mixture should boil for 1 minute while stirring constantly.
Should I grease the baking dish?
Yes, the recipe specifies using a greased 9x13 inch baking dish.
When do I add the cream cheese and processed cheese?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding and stirring in the cream cheese and processed cheese.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after baking to enhance the flavors.
How much salt and pepper should I use?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper, or adjust to your personal taste.
What texture should the top of the bake have?
The top should be golden brown and crusty.
Can I use low-fat milk?
While the recipe calls for whole milk for maximum creaminess, you can substitute, though the texture may vary.
What does 'al dente' mean for the pasta?
It means cooking the pasta so it is still firm to the bite.
Is the egg added directly to the hot sauce?
No, the egg is stirred into the drained noodles first.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 primary ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the description of the final dish?
It is described as a velvety, indulgent comfort food with a satisfying crunch on top.