BEST Baked Mac and Cheese with Velveeta Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 celbow macaroni pasta
300 grams
- 3 tbspbutter
42 grams
- 3 tbspall-purpose flour
- 1 tsponion powder
- 1 tspgarlic powder
- ½ tspground black pepper
- salt*
optional, see notes
- 2 ½ cwhole milk
- 8 ozvelveeta
cut into cubes
- 1 cfreshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese**
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 350 F (176 C) and lightly grease an 8x11 casserole dish.
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta to al dente (according to the package instructions). Once the pasta is finished cooking, drain it through a colander.
- 3
Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the butter and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. When the butter has melted, sprinkle the flour over the butter, and whisk to create a roux.
- 4
Slowly pour the milk into the roux while whisking constantly. Continue whisking until smooth.
- 5
Whisk in the onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper. Bring to a simmer. Simmer the sauce until thickened while whisking constantly (about 3 minutes).
- 6
Add in the Velveeta cubes, and stir until the cubes have melted.
- 7
Remove the sauce from the heat. Taste the sauce and add salt if you like.
- 8
Add in the cooked pasta, and gently stir until the noodles are evenly coated. Pour into the prepared casserole dish.
- 9
Top with the shredded cheese. Place the casserole into the preheated oven and bake until the cheese has melted (about 10 minutes) then broil until golden brown and bubbly (about 2-4 minutes - keep a close eye on it while it broils so that it doesn’t burn).
BEST Baked Mac and Cheese with Velveeta Recipe
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About this Recipe
Craving that ultimate, soul-satisfying comfort food that brings everyone to the table? This BEST Baked Mac and Cheese with Velveeta Recipe delivers an ultra creamy, cheesy experience that’s truly a family favorite.
Why This Mac and Cheese Works
What sets this baked mac and cheese apart is the ingenious combination of Velveeta and freshly shredded sharp cheddar. The Velveeta melts down into an incredibly smooth, velvety sauce base, ensuring every bite is luxuriously creamy and never gritty. Paired with sharp cheddar, you get a beautiful balance of that classic, rich cheddar flavor without sacrificing the dreamlike texture. It’s the secret to achieving that perfect, comforting consistency without much fuss, making it quick and easy.
What to Expect
Prepare yourself for a truly decadent dish. You’ll be greeted with tender elbow macaroni enveloped in a velvety, golden cheese sauce. The Velveeta provides an unparalleled creaminess, while the sharp cheddar adds depth and a pleasant tang. Baked to perfection, the edges offer a slight chew, complementing the smooth, gooey center. It’s the kind of comforting, hearty meal that fills you up and leaves you utterly satisfied, perfect for a cozy evening.
Customization & Variations
While this recipe shines on its own, feel free to make it your own. For an extra kick, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the sauce, or a dash of your favorite hot sauce. You can also experiment with different shredded cheeses alongside the Velveeta, such as Monterey Jack for milder flavor or a touch of smoked gouda for complexity. Adjust the onion powder, garlic powder, and black pepper to suit your family’s taste preferences.
Serving & Context
This Baked Mac and Cheese with Velveeta is the quintessential dish for family dinners, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight meal. Serve it alongside a simple green salad for balance or as a hearty side dish to roasted chicken or BBQ.