Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese, a cherished recipe passed down through generations. Featuring perfectly cooked elbow macaroni enveloped in a rich, velvety cheese sauce, this dish strikes the perfect balance between creamy goodness and baked perfection. Velveeta cheese lends an unparalleled creaminess, making each bite irresistibly satisfying. Top it off with a crispy breadcrumb layer for an extra crunch, and it's sure to become a family favorite for years to come. Perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
16 ounces (cooked)
butter
1/2 cup (melted)
salt
1 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
flour
1/2 cup (all-purpose)
milk
3 1/2 cups (whole or 2%)
cheese (Velveeta)
1 lb (cut into cubes)
breadcrumbs
to taste (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the salt, pepper, and flour to create a smooth roux.
4
Gradually whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil, about 5-7 minutes.
5
Once it starts boiling, let it cook for 1 more minute while stirring constantly.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and add the cubed Velveeta cheese, mixing until fully melted and combined.
7
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, mixing well to coat all the pasta.
8
Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish and evenly spread it out.
9
Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top for added texture.
10
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
11
Let it cool for a few minutes before serving and enjoy your creamy delight!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is for Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese.
What is the main type of cheese used in this macaroni and cheese?
The recipe specifically uses Velveeta cheese for its unparalleled creaminess.
What kind of pasta should I use?
You should use 16 ounces of elbow macaroni.
What temperature should I preheat the oven to?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does this macaroni and cheese need to bake?
It needs to bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crispy.
What type of topping is added for extra texture?
Breadcrumbs are sprinkled over the top before baking to provide an extra crunch.
How much milk is required for the cheese sauce?
The recipe calls for 3 1/2 cups of milk.
What kind of milk is recommended?
You can use either whole or 2% milk.
How much Velveeta cheese is needed?
You will need 1 lb of Velveeta cheese.
How should the Velveeta cheese be prepared before adding it to the sauce?
The cheese should be cut into cubes to help it melt more easily.
How do I prepare the elbow macaroni?
Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente, then drain it.
What ingredients are used to make the roux?
The roux is made by melting 1/2 cup of butter and stirring in salt, pepper, and 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
How long should I cook the milk and flour mixture?
Whisk and cook for about 5-7 minutes until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle boil.
Do I need to grease the baking dish?
Yes, the instructions specify transferring the mixture into a greased baking dish.
When should I add the Velveeta cheese to the saucepan?
Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cubed cheese.
How much butter is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of melted butter.
Is this a family recipe?
Yes, it is described as a cherished recipe passed down through generations.
What are the primary seasonings used?
The primary seasonings are 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
You will need 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour.
What should I do after the milk mixture starts boiling?
Let it cook for 1 more minute while stirring constantly before removing it from the heat.
Should I let the dish cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool for a few minutes after baking before serving.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 8 ingredients in total.
For what occasions is this dish suitable?
It is perfect for weeknight dinners, holiday gatherings, or potlucks.
What makes this macaroni and cheese 'creamy'?
The combination of the roux-based milk sauce and melted Velveeta cheese creates a rich, velvety texture.
Can I adjust the amount of breadcrumbs?
Yes, the amount of breadcrumbs is listed as 'to taste' for the topping.
What is the texture of the macaroni before mixing with the sauce?
The macaroni should be cooked until it is 'al dente'.
Is this recipe categorized as comfort food?
Yes, it is tagged and described as the ultimate comfort food.
What color should the top be when finished?
The top should be golden brown.
What is the purpose of the salt and pepper in the roux?
They are stirred into the melted butter and flour to season the base of the cheese sauce.
Does this recipe include nutritional information?
No, the specific calorie, fat, and carbohydrate counts are not provided in the source data.