Macaroni & Cheese Over-the-Rainbow

Photograph by Leticia Alaniz © 2014

On movie night as a family we’re always trying to decide what good and yummy treats we can enjoy while watching a wonderful movie. One of my favorite options is always a creamy Macaroni and Cheese.  This is a favorite no fail recipe by Patty LaBelle.  She calls it Over-the-Rainbow Macaroni & Cheese and it does literally transport you to magic land. This delicious casserole dish is always a great crowd pleaser! Because this recipe only takes about 35 minutes to bake you can enjoy it every movie night!  Follow the recipe for an Over-the-rainbow Macaroni and Cheese and enjoy a great movie night with your family.  

Servings: Serves 4 to 6

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 8 tablespoons (1 stick) plus 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Muenster cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded mild Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack
• 2 cups half-and-half
• 1 cup (8 ounces) Velveeta, cut into small cubes
• 2 large eggs , lightly beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoned salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Farenheight. Lightly butter a deep 2 1/2-quart casserole.

Bring the large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the oil, then the elbow macaroni, and cook until the macaroni is just tender, about 7 minutes. Do not overcook. Drain well. Return to the cooking pot.

In a small saucepan, melt eight tablespoons of the butter. Stir in the melted butter into the large cooking pot with the macaroni. 

In a medium bowl, mix the Muenster, mild and sharp Cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses. 

To the macaroni, add the half-and-half, 1 1/2 cups of the shredded cheese mixture, the cubed Velveeta, and the eggs. 

Season with salt and pepper. 

Transfer to the buttered casserole. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese and dot with the remaining one tablespoon of butter.

Bake until it's bubbling around the edges, about 35 minutes. Serve hot.