Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Velveeta Mac and Cheese recipe! Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying, this homemade baked mac and cheese is perfect for family dinners, holiday gatherings, or whenever you’re craving a hearty dish. Featuring Velveeta cheese for unmatched smoothness and a crispy Panko breadcrumb topping, this dish will be your new go-to for mac and cheese lovers.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Ultra Creamy & Smooth – Velveeta melts beautifully for a rich and silky sauce.
- Perfectly Cheesy – A mix of Velveeta and sharp cheddar for bold flavor.
- Golden Crunchy Topping – Panko breadcrumbs add a satisfying crisp.
- Quick & Easy – Simple steps make this an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients Breakdown
Mac and Cheese Base:
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Elbow Macaroni – The classic pasta shape for soaking up all that creamy cheese sauce.
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Unsalted Butter & All-Purpose Flour – Forms a roux to thicken the cheese sauce.
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Dry Mustard Powder & Onion Powder – Enhances the flavor with a slight tang and depth.
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Whole Milk – Creates a smooth, creamy consistency.
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Velveeta Cheese – The star ingredient, giving the sauce its signature velvety texture.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Adds a bold, cheesy kick and balances the Velveeta’s creaminess.
Topping:
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Panko Bread Crumbs – Provides a crispy, crunchy contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.
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Sharp Cheddar Cheese – Melts into the topping for extra cheesiness.
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Melted Butter – Helps brown and crisp up the Panko for a golden, buttery crust.
Tips and Tricks:
- Extra Creaminess: Add a splash of heavy cream or extra milk to the sauce for an even richer texture.
- Spice it Up: Add a dash of hot sauce, paprika, or cayenne for a little kick.
- More Cheese? Yes Please! Try adding Monterey Jack or Gouda for extra depth of flavor.
Variations and Customizations:
- Meaty Twist: Stir in cooked bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or crispy pancetta.
- Veggie Loaded: Add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted broccoli.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free flour blend for the roux.
Pairing Suggestions:
- Main Course: Serve alongside grilled chicken, BBQ ribs, or roasted turkey.
- Side Dish: Pair with a fresh garden salad or steamed vegetables.
- Beverage: Enjoy with sweet iced tea, lemonade, or a glass of white wine.
Storage Instructions:
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave with a splash of milk, or bake at 350°F until heated through.
- Freeze: Freeze in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Popular Questions:
1. Can I use different pasta shapes?
Yes! Shells, cavatappi, or penne work well for holding the creamy cheese sauce.
2. What’s the best way to make it extra gooey?
Add an extra ½ cup of Velveeta and an extra splash of milk while melting the cheese.
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3. Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve
Print
Velveeta Mac and Cheese
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Velveeta Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food, featuring a creamy cheese sauce and a crispy, buttery Panko topping. Baked to golden perfection, it’s a crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
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Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon dry mustard powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup whole milk
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- ¼ cup Panko bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add elbow macaroni and cook until al dente (follow package instructions).
- Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Whisk in flour, dry mustard powder, and onion powder; cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add milk, whisking continuously until thickened (about 3-4 minutes).
- Add Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
3. Assemble & Bake:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- Combine cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and mix well.
- Transfer to the baking dish.
4. Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, mix Panko breadcrumbs, shredded cheddar cheese, and melted butter.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until golden brown and bubbly.
5. Serve & Enjoy:
- Remove from oven and let cool for a few minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy the cheesy goodness!
Notes
- For a stovetop version, skip the baking step and enjoy right from the pot!
- Make it kid-friendly by serving with crispy chicken tenders or mini hot dogs.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
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