Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Baked Mac and Cheese Recipe. Is the ultimate comfort food. Velveeta melts down. To create a super creamy base. While sharp cheddar adds that perfect cheesy bite. It’s a one-dish recipe—just bake it all together. For an easy, no-fuss meal. My family loves it. For its rich, satisfying flavor. And it's always a hit. At family dinners. Or cozy weeknights. If you're looking for a dish. That brings both nostalgia. And flavor. This mac and cheese is sure to please.
6 Servings
Ingredients
- 16 oz Velveeta cheese
- 1 lb elbow macaroni pasta
- 3 c heavy cream
- 1 c water
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp butter
- 2 c sharp cheddar cheese shredded (added at the end)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the Velveeta cheese block. In the center of a 9x13-inch baking dish. Scatter the uncooked elbow pasta. Around the cheese.
- Pour the heavy cream. And water. Evenly over the pasta. Season with salt. And pepper. Then add 1 tablespoon of butter. To each corner of the pan. (Hold off on adding. The sharp cheddar for now.)
- Cover the dish tightly. With aluminum foil. Bake for 45-60 minutes. Depending on the pasta brand. If, after 45 minutes. The pasta isn't tender. Check for moisture. You can add ½ to 1 cup. Of heavy cream. Or milk. Cover it again. And return to the oven. For another 15 minutes.
- Once the pasta. Is fully cooked. Carefully remove the foil. Using oven mitts. Stir the pasta mixture. And gradually add. The shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Stirring in one cup. At a time. Until it's fully melted. And combined.
Notes
To make this recipe gluten-free. Simply swap out the elbow macaroni. For a gluten-free pasta option. Many brands now offer great alternatives. Made from rice, corn, or quinoa. Which still gives you that classic mac and cheese texture. Just be sure to check the cooking time. As gluten-free pasta. Can cook a little faster. Also, double-check. That your Velveeta and cheddar cheeses. Are gluten-free. As some processed cheeses may contain additives. This way, everyone can enjoy. This cheesy, delicious dish!