Creamy Mac and Cheese with Evaporated Milk Recipe

Introduction

Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort dish, and using evaporated milk creates an extra creamy and rich sauce. This recipe combines cheddar and mozzarella for a perfect balance of sharpness and gooey meltiness.

This image shows a white dish filled with creamy baked macaroni and cheese. The top layer is golden and bubbling melted cheese with small browned spots, giving it a crispy texture. Underneath, you can see soft macaroni coated in thick, creamy white cheese sauce. A spoon lifts a scoop from the dish, stretching gooey, stringy cheese from the scoop back to the dish. The dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 3 cups macaroni pasta
  • 8.5 oz cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 2 ½ cups evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a pan, melt the butter and fry the flour together for about 3-4 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
  2. Step 2: Gradually add the evaporated milk to the roux while mixing continuously until the mixture begins to boil and thickens.
  3. Step 3: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until fully melted and smooth.
  4. Step 4: Boil the macaroni pasta according to package instructions, but cook it 2 minutes less than the recommended time to keep it firm.
  5. Step 5: Drain the pasta and transfer it to a casserole dish, then pour the cheese sauce over the pasta evenly.
  6. Step 6: Spread the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and sauce.
  7. Step 7: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the casserole for 8-10 minutes, or until the mozzarella is melted and bubbly.

Tips & Variations

  • For a richer flavor, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cheese sauce while cooking.
  • Use a mix of white and yellow cheddar for a more complex cheese taste.
  • Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables for extra texture and flavor.
  • If you want a crispy topping, sprinkle some breadcrumbs on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk if the sauce has thickened too much.

How to Serve

A curved white bowl holds one layer of pasta shells covered in creamy melted cheese with some golden browned spots. The cheese looks thick and smooth, wrapping around the pasta tightly and stretching slightly between the shells. On top, a small bunch of fresh green basil leaves adds a touch of color and freshness, placed slightly off-center. The bowl is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular milk instead of evaporated milk?

While regular milk can be used, evaporated milk provides a creamier and thicker texture that improves the sauce’s richness.

How do I prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy?

Cook the pasta 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest to ensure it stays firm during baking.

Print
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Creamy Mac and Cheese with Evaporated Milk Recipe


  • Author: Charlotte
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

A creamy, comforting Mac and Cheese recipe using evaporated milk to create a rich cheese sauce with a perfect blend of cheddar and mozzarella, baked to golden, melty perfection.


Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 3 cups Macaroni pasta

Cheese

  • 8.5 oz Cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 8 oz Mozzarella cheese, grated

Dairy & Flour

  • 2 ½ cups Evaporated milk
  • 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons Butter

Seasoning

  • Salt to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare roux: In a pan, melt butter and fry the flour together for about 3 to 4 minutes, stirring constantly to cook the flour without browning it.
  2. Add evaporated milk: Gradually pour in the evaporated milk while continuously stirring until the mixture starts to boil, creating a smooth cheese sauce base.
  3. Add cheddar cheese: Turn off the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and fully incorporated into the sauce.
  4. Cook pasta: Boil macaroni pasta for 2 minutes less than the package instructions to ensure it stays firm for baking.
  5. Assemble casserole: Drain the pasta and transfer it to a baking casserole dish, then pour the prepared cheese sauce evenly over the pasta.
  6. Add mozzarella topping: Spread the grated mozzarella cheese over the top of the pasta and cheese sauce evenly.
  7. Bake: Preheat the oven to 350°F (180°C) and bake the assembled dish for 8 to 10 minutes or until the mozzarella cheese is melted and bubbly.

Notes

  • Boiling the pasta slightly less than package instructions helps prevent it from becoming mushy after baking.
  • You can adjust the salt to taste, depending on the saltiness of the cheeses used.
  • Use freshly shredded cheese for better melting and texture compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • This recipe can be enhanced with optional additions like cooked bacon bits or vegetables like peas for variation.
  • Ensure continuous stirring when adding evaporated milk to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Evaporated Milk, Cheesy Pasta, Comfort Food, Baked Macaroni and Cheese

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