elaine's best ever macaroni and cheese

Recipe by
Elaine Douglas
Vancouver, BC

This recipe is a treasure. Don't let the list of ingredients put you off. It comes together very quickly and can be made ahead. I have shown half the ingredients on the right side for a smaller recipe. I have found that evaporated milk can be substituted in many recipes to reduce the calories and cost. It works well with this one too. My family loves this dish.

yield 6 - 10
prep time 20 Min
cook time 25 Min
method Bake

Ingredients For elaine's best ever macaroni and cheese

  • 2 1/2 c
    milk (or evaporated milk diluted half with water) 1 1/4
  • 2 c
    water 1c
  • 1/3 c
    chopped onion 1 1/2 t.
  • 1/4 tsp
    salt 1/8 t.
  • 2 c
    macaroni 1 c.
  • 1/4 lb
    package cream cheese (125 g. metric) 63 g.
  • 1 c
    grated old cheddar cheese 1/2 c.
  • 1 c
    grated swiss cheese 1/2c.
  • 1/2 tsp
    dry mustard 1/4 t.
  • 1 tsp
    worcestershire sauce (5 ml) 1/2 t.
  • 1/4 tsp
    pepper 1/8 t.
  • 1/2 c
    light cream (or evaporated milk) 1/4 c.
  • 2 Tbsp
    grated parmesan cheese 1 t.
  • ALTERNATIVE TOPPING
  • 2 Tbsp
    butter, melted 1 t.
  • 1/4 c
    bread crumbs, dry 1/8 c.
  • 2 Tbsp
    grated parmesan cheese 1 t.

How To Make elaine's best ever macaroni and cheese

  • 1
    In a heavy saucepan bring milk, water, onion and salt to a boil.
  • 2
    Stir in macaroni; partially cover and simmer over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until macaroni is tender, stirring occasionally. (Do not drain. Some of the liquid will remain and will become part of the sauce.)
  • 3
    Remove from heat, stir in softened, cubed cream cheese, Cheddar and Swiss cheese, Worcestershire sauce, mustard and pepper until smooth. Stir in cream.
  • 4
    Pour mixture into greased 2 quart casserole. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese. Alternative topping - combine ingredients lightly with a fork and sprinkle on top of the macaroni mixture.
  • 5
    Bake at 350 degrees F (180 C) for 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbly.
  • 6
    Can be prepared ahead of time to end of step 4, refrigerate until baking time and proceed with step 5.
  • 7
    * remember: cheese does not freeze well
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