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Macaroni and Cheese for a Crowd

Cheesy, creamy, satisfying home-cooked comfort food at its finest. Perfect for parties or events, this macaroni and cheese for a crowd recipe is sure to delight. 

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword comfort food, mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese, main dish, pasta, side dish, vegetarian
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 16 people
Author Jessica Nelson

Ingredients

  • 8 cups dried macaroni
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 1/2 cup flour
  • 5 cups milk whole milk recommended
  • 2 tsp dried mustard
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded save 2 tbsp for topping
  • 1 pound swiss cheese, shredded
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp seasoned salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 sprigs fresh thyme

Instructions

  1. Follow package instructions for the macaroni, but cook to a very firm texture. Don't let it get soft. It should seem almost undercooked. The macaroni will soften up more later on when its combined with all of the other ingredients and baked. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain and set aside.

  2. Preheat oven to 350°.

  3. Using a large pot, melt butter over medium low heat and add the flour. Whisk constantly for approximately 6 minutes. The butter and the flour should be integrated and slightly bubbly. Watch the temperature to avoid burning. 

  4. Add the milk and mustard, whisking to a smooth consistency. Whisk regularly for approximately 8 minutes, until thick. Reduce heat to low. 

  5. Temper the eggs. To do this, scoop out 1/2 cup of the butter/flour/milk mixture from the pot, and slowly pour it into the beaten eggs in a separate bowl, all while whisking constantly. 

  6. Now add the egg mixture back into the sauce in the larger pot. Whisk constantly until smooth and integrated. 

  7. Add the cheeses and stir to melt and integrate. 

  8. Add in the salt and seasonings. 

  9. Add in the cooked macaroni and stir until all macaroni is coated with the sauce. 

  10. Pour into two, buttered 9x13 rectangular baking pans or one large 10x13 deep dish baking pan. Sprinkle tops with 2 tbsp of shredded cheese. Bake for 25 minutes until golden and bubbly.