Homemade Macaroni & Cheese

I am the first to admit that I have a great weakness for comfort food. With some people it's desserts or simply chocolate but with me it's comfort food - ESPECIALLY pasta! My two favorite foods are mac & cheese and pizza. You know what's really good? Mac & Cheese Pizza from CiCi's... is anyone grossed out yet? I know, it's horribly unhealthy but once in awhile you just want some comfort food! A couple years ago I stumbled upon a recipe for 4 cheese mac & cheese and it has become my comfort food staple. So without further adieu here is my favorite version of homemade mac & cheese!

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• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
• 9 tablespoons butter
• 1/2 cup shredded Muenster cheese*
• 1/2 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1 1/2 cups half-and-half
• 8 ounces cubed processed cheese food
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper

*I just wanted to note that I've used many different types of cheese when making this. I often do not buy the Muenster because it is much more expensive so if you feel like just doubling the amount of cheddar or substituting a different kind that will work just fine!

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the oil and the pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain well and return to cooking pot.
2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 8 tablespoons butter; stir into the macaroni.
3. In a large bowl, combine the Muenster cheese, mild and sharp Cheddar cheeses, and Monterey Jack cheese; mix well.
4. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
5. Add the half and half, 1 1/2 cups of cheese mixture, cubed processed cheese food, and eggs to macaroni; mix together and season with salt and pepper. Transfer to a lightly greased deep 2 1/2 quart casserole dish. Sprinkle with the remaining 1/2 cup of cheese mixture and 1 tablespoon of butter.
6. Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes or until hot and bubbling around the edges; serve.

~Christi