Cheesy Dream Shells: Grandma's Ultimate Mac and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Grandma's Cheesy Dream Shells. This rich and creamy macaroni and cheese recipe features a blend of Velveeta cubes and sharp cheddar, creating a luxurious cheese sauce that envelops al dente pasta shells. With a dash of black pepper and a hint of butter, this dish hits all the right notes of nostalgia and satisfaction, making it the perfect family meal or cozy night in. Serve it up bubbly and golden-brown for a dish that’s not just a meal but a heartfelt embrace from Grandma’s kitchen.
N/A
Servings
590
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
Velveeta cheese
3 (cups, cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
Milk
1 (cup)
Butter
3 (tablespoons, melted)
Black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Medium pasta shells
3 (cups)
Sharp cheddar cheese
8 (ounces, sliced)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook medium pasta shells for 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a microwave-safe 2-quart casserole dish, coat the bottom with melted butter.
4
Add the Velveeta cheese cubes, milk, and black pepper to the butter-coated dish. Microwave on medium power for approximately 6 minutes, stopping to stir every 2 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted and the mixture is smooth.
5
Carefully fold in the cooked pasta shells, ensuring each one is generously coated with the cheese sauce.
6
Slice the sharp cheddar cheese into approximately 3/8-inch slices and gently layer them on top of the macaroni and cheese mixture.
7
Bake in the preheated oven for 35 minutes or until the top is bubbling and golden brown. Enjoy this cheesy delight hot from the oven!
Nutrition Information
36g
Fat
45g
Carbs
23
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheesy Dream Shells?
It is Grandma's ultimate macaroni and cheese recipe featuring a blend of Velveeta and sharp cheddar over pasta shells.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of medium pasta shells.
How long do I cook the pasta?
Boil the pasta in salted water for 10 minutes or until it is al dente.
What is the oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius).
How long does the mac and cheese bake?
Bake the dish for 35 minutes until the top is bubbling and golden brown.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The sauce is a luxurious blend of Velveeta cheese cubes and milk.
How do I prepare the Velveeta cheese?
Cut the Velveeta into 1/2 inch cubes; you will need 3 cups in total.
What type of cheese is used for the topping?
The recipe uses 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese sliced into 3/8-inch pieces.
How do I melt the cheese sauce?
Microwave the Velveeta cubes, milk, and pepper for 6 minutes, stirring every 2 minutes.
Is butter used in this recipe?
Yes, 3 tablespoons of melted butter are used to coat the bottom of the casserole dish.
What seasonings are added?
The recipe uses 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper for a simple, nostalgic flavor.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 590 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 23 grams of protein in each serving.
How much fat is in this dish?
This mac and cheese contains 36 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count?
There are 45 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What size casserole dish is required?
A microwave-safe 2-quart casserole dish is recommended.
Do I need to stir the mixture during microwaving?
Yes, stop to stir the cheese and milk every 2 minutes to ensure a smooth consistency.
How do I incorporate the pasta?
Carefully fold the cooked shells into the cheese sauce until they are generously coated.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While shells are traditional for this recipe, you can substitute with other medium pasta like macaroni.
Is the sharp cheddar shredded?
No, the recipe specifically calls for the sharp cheddar to be sliced and layered on top.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 main ingredients: Velveeta, milk, butter, black pepper, pasta shells, and sharp cheddar.
Is this a good meal for families?
Yes, it is described as a perfect family meal and a heartfelt embrace from Grandma’s kitchen.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, cheesy pasta, grandma's recipe, and mac and cheese.
Can I make the sauce on the stove?
The instructions specify using a microwave for the sauce, but it could be adapted for a stovetop.
Does this recipe include salt?
Salt is used in the water for boiling the pasta, but the cheese provides most of the saltiness.
Should the dish be served hot?
Yes, it is best enjoyed hot and bubbly directly from the oven.
Is there any fiber in this recipe?
The nutritional information provided does not list a specific fiber count.
Can I use skim milk?
The recipe calls for milk; while skim can be used, whole or 2% milk will yield a creamier sauce.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
How do I know when the cheese is fully melted in the microwave?
The mixture should be completely smooth after about 6 minutes of cooking and stirring.