Patrick Oconnell
Baked macaroni and cheese with Velveeta is a quick, tasty, and filling meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. The recipe involves cooking elbow macaroni pasta and making a cheese sauce with butter, flour, milk, and shredded cheddar cheese. The cooked macaroni is then stirred into the sauce, and the mixture is transferred to a baking dish. The dish is then baked in the oven for 20-30 minutes, resulting in a creamy and cheesy meal. This recipe can be customised by adding spices, hot sauce, or different types of cheese, such as parmesan, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Elbow macaroni, milk, butter, flour, Velveeta, cheddar, seasonings |
| Toppings | Cracker crumbs, breadcrumbs, shredded cheese, bacon bits, ham, beef, sausage, vegetables |
| Preparation | Cook macaroni, melt butter, add flour and milk, add cheese, combine, bake |
| Time | 10 minutes prep, 20-30 minutes bake time |
| Servings | 8 oz for saucy macaroni, full box for more pasta |
| Variations | Use different pasta, add hot sauce, cayenne, or other cheeses |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Preparing the cheese sauce
Next, add the cheese. You can use Velveeta, cheddar, parmesan, gouda, Monterey Jack, or a combination of these cheeses. For the creamiest sauce, grate your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, which can leave a gritty mouthfeel when melted. Cube the cheese and add it to the milk mixture. Microwave at 30-second intervals, stirring often, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more milk or using pasta water to thicken it.
Finally, stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. You can also add crispy bacon pieces, cubed ham, browned ground beef, or sausage crumbles at this stage for extra flavour. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, and it's ready to be baked!
Mac and Cheese: Adding Eggs for a Creamy Delight
You may want to see also
Cooking the macaroni
The first step in making baked macaroni and cheese with Velveeta is to cook the macaroni. You can use elbow macaroni, which is a popular choice for mac and cheese, or any other type of pasta you have on hand, such as shells, penne, or rotini.
Follow the package directions to cook the pasta until it is almost done. You want it to be slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. Use well-salted water for cooking the pasta, and you can also add other seasonings like garlic powder and onion powder to the water for extra flavour.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain the water and set it aside. You can either cook 8 ounces of pasta for a super saucy mac and cheese or use a full box of pasta for a more substantial dish.
If you want to add some extra flavour and texture to your mac and cheese, you can also try mixing in some crispy bacon bits or cubed ham with the cooked macaroni. You could also add in some vegetables, such as broccoli, to make it a more well-rounded meal.
At this stage, you can also prepare the cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan, whisking in flour, and gradually adding milk to create a roux. Then, add in the Velveeta and stir until it is melted and combined with the milk mixture. You can also add in some shredded cheddar cheese for an extra cheesy kick.
Mac and Cheese: Salty or Not?
You may want to see also
Combining the sauce and macaroni
Next, add the cubed Velveeta to the milk mixture and microwave at 30-second intervals until melted, stirring often. You can also do this step in a saucepan on the stove. Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until it is evenly coated. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese. For a true cheese lover, you can add up to two cups of cheddar. You can also add other shredded cheeses like parmesan, gouda, or Monterey Jack.
For a crispy topping, mix melted butter with cracker crumbs and sprinkle over the casserole. You can also add breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or Ritz cracker crumbs. If you want to add some spice, include a pinch of cayenne pepper or a mild vinegar-based hot sauce. Finally, bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
Mac and Cheese: Vegetarian or Not?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding toppings
Cheeses
While the classic pairing is cheddar and Velveeta, you can experiment with other cheeses like parmesan, gouda, Monterey Jack, white cheddar, smoked gouda, havarti, mozzarella, Colby, or sharp cheddar. Adding a variety of cheeses will enhance the flavour and creaminess of the dish.
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs, especially panko breadcrumbs, can add a crispy texture to your macaroni and cheese. You can mix them with melted butter and sprinkle them on top before baking.
Meat
Adding meat toppings like crispy bacon bits, cubed ham, browned ground beef, or sausage crumbles can provide a savoury contrast to the creamy pasta.
Crackers
Buttery cracker toppings, such as Ritz crackers, can add a crunchy texture and a salty flavour to the dish. You can crush the crackers and sprinkle them on top or mix them with melted butter for an even more indulgent treat.
Spices
A pinch of your favourite spices can elevate the flavour of your macaroni and cheese. Try adding garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, white or black pepper, or a mild vinegar-based hot sauce. Just remember to start with a small amount and adjust to your taste preferences.
Vegetables
If you want to add some greenery to your dish, consider topping your macaroni and cheese with vegetables like broccoli. This can provide a nutritious and flavourful addition to your meal.
Feel free to mix and match these toppings to create a unique and delicious baked macaroni and cheese with Velveeta!
Black People Invented Mac and Cheese?
You may want to see also
Baking
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 2-quart baking dish with butter or nonstick spray. You want to use a dish that is deep enough to accommodate the pasta, sauce, and topping. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. It should be slightly firm to the bite, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta well and set it aside.
In a large saucepan, heat the milk over medium heat until it is warm but not boiling. Add the Velveeta cheese, a little at a time, whisking continuously until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Some recipes suggest adding a dash of hot sauce or ground mustard to add a little kick to the sauce.
Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, stirring gently to ensure all the pasta is coated. Transfer this mixture to your prepared baking dish. At this point, you can choose to add some extra toppings. Some people like to add a layer of sliced tomatoes or chopped green onions on top. You could also sprinkle some breadcrumbs over the macaroni; this will give it a crispy, golden topping.
Bake the macaroni for 20-25 minutes, until it is hot and bubbling. If you want a deeper golden color and a crispier topping, you can place it under the grill/broiler for a few minutes, but watch it carefully to avoid burning. Finally, let it stand for 5-10 minutes before serving. This allows the sauce to thicken and ensures you don't serve scalding hot cheese.
Stouffer's Mac and Cheese: Phthalates Included?
You may want to see also
