This baked Velveeta mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food favorite. With its rich and velvety texture, it’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks.
The recipe is simple and quick, utilizing Velveeta cheese for that signature smoothness. You can easily enhance it with additional ingredients like breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping or spices for extra flavor.
Comforting Creaminess
Baked Velveeta mac and cheese is the epitome of comfort food, offering a rich and velvety texture that warms the soul. This dish is perfect for family gatherings or casual weeknight dinners, providing a satisfying meal that everyone will love.
The use of Velveeta cheese is key to achieving that signature smoothness. It melts beautifully, creating a creamy sauce that clings to every piece of macaroni, ensuring that each bite is a delightful experience. The addition of spices can elevate the flavor profile, making it even more enjoyable.
Simple Preparation Steps
Preparing this dish is straightforward and quick, making it an ideal choice for busy cooks. Start by cooking the elbow macaroni until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. This step is crucial, as it prevents the pasta from becoming mushy during baking.
Next, the cheese sauce is made by melting butter and combining it with cubed Velveeta and milk. Stirring until smooth creates a luscious sauce that envelops the macaroni. Seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder adds depth to the flavor, making it irresistible.
Baking to Perfection
Once the macaroni and cheese mixture is combined, it’s time to transfer it to a greased baking dish. This rustic presentation not only looks inviting but also enhances the overall dining experience.
For those who enjoy a bit of crunch, topping the dish with breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese before baking adds a delightful texture contrast. The baking process allows the top to become golden and bubbly, creating a beautiful crust that is hard to resist.
Serving Suggestions
After baking for about 15-20 minutes, the mac and cheese is ready to be served. Allow it to cool slightly before digging in, as the cheese will be extremely hot. This dish pairs well with a simple side salad or steamed vegetables, balancing the richness of the mac and cheese.
Using a wooden spoon to serve adds a rustic charm to the presentation, making it feel even more homey. Whether it’s a family dinner or a potluck, this baked Velveeta mac and cheese is sure to be a hit.
Nutritional Information
This creamy dish serves six, making it perfect for sharing. Each serving contains approximately 350 calories, with 18 grams of fat and 12 grams of protein. It’s a comforting meal that can be enjoyed without the guilt, especially when paired with healthier sides.
While it’s indulgent, the balance of flavors and textures makes it a worthwhile treat. The combination of macaroni and cheese is timeless, and this version is sure to become a favorite in any household.
Final Thoughts
Baked Velveeta mac and cheese is more than just a meal; it’s a nostalgic dish that brings people together. Its creamy consistency and cheesy goodness make it a beloved classic that never goes out of style.
Whether you’re making it for a special occasion or just a cozy night in, this dish is sure to deliver comfort and satisfaction. With its simple preparation and delicious outcome, it’s a recipe worth keeping in your culinary repertoire.
Easy Baked Velveeta Mac and Cheese
This mac and cheese features elbow macaroni mixed with a creamy Velveeta cheese sauce, then baked to perfection. The dish takes about 30 minutes from start to finish and serves 6 people.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional for topping)
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
Instructions
- Cook the Macaroni: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the cubed Velveeta cheese and milk, cooking until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
- Combine: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish.
- Add Toppings: If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese on top for a crunchy finish.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving. Enjoy your creamy baked Velveeta mac and cheese!
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 18g
- Protein: 12g
- Carbohydrates: 36g