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Creamy, nostalgic comfort food awaits with this easy, cheesy classic Velveeta mac and cheese with buttery panko crumb topping.
A Cheesy Comfort Classic
This Velveeta mac and cheese recipe is the ultimate shortcut to pure comfort food bliss. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a side dish that will steal the show, this classic pasta is sure to become a family favorite, like it has for us.
Similar to our Pasta Bake – this dish is all about creamy, yummy goodness. The kids love any Mac and Cheese, and this one has become a new fav they request often.
Why We Love It:
- Ultra creamy. Dive into a velvety cheese sauce made with melty Velveeta, creating an unmatched level of creamy comfort.
- Fast & easy. Skip the fancy cheeses and complex steps – this easy dinner idea delivers pure cheesy goodness in minimal time.
- Pure nostalgia. Relive happy childhood memories with this classic easy pasta recipe, a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for all ages.
Ingredients
PREP TIME: 25 minutes
COOK TIME: 18 minutes
- 2 cups elbow macaroni – or cavatappi, ditalini, rotini, farfalle, small shells
- cooking spray
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups milk – whole milk creates a creamier sauce, but you can use lower-fat milk.
- ½ pound VELVEETA®, cut into ½-inch cubes
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes
- ½ cup KRAFT shredded cheddar cheese – some other cheese flavors you can use include Colby jack, sharp cheddar, pepper jack, muenster, fontina cheese
- ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
How to Make Velveeta Mac and Cheese
- PREP. Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 11×7 (or 2 quart) casserole dish with cooking spray.
- PASTA. Cook 2 cups elbow macaroni as directed on the package. Once done, drain and set aside.
- SAUCE. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter. Whisk in ¼ cup flour, to create a roux, cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly stir in 1½ cups milk and bring to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in ½ pound Velveeta, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and 1 teaspoon garlic salt with parsley flakes. Cook until melted. Stir in cooked macaroni and mix to combine.
- Pour the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese.
- BAKE. Mix ½ cup Panko crumbs and 2 tablespoons melted butter and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until heated through.
Complete the Meal
- Sides: Arugula Salad, Cheesy Garlic Bread, Oven Roasted Vegetables
- Desserts: Chocolate Pudding, Homemade Brownies, Best Chocolate Chip Cookies
- More macaroni and cheese recipes: Homemade Mac and Cheese, Mac and Cheese with Ham, Crock Pot Mac and Cheese
More collections: Dinner Ideas for Kids, Easy Dinner Ideas, Quick Dinner Ideas
Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe
Creamy, nostalgic comfort food awaits with this easy, cheesy classic Velveeta mac and cheese with buttery panko crumb topping.
Equipment
- colander
- 11 x 7 baking dish
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F and lightly grease an 11×7 (or 2 quart) casserole dish with cooking spray.
- Cook elbow macaroni as directed on the package. Once done, drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour, to create a roux, cooking and stirring for about 2 minutes.
- Slowly stir in milk and bring to a boil. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, for about 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened.
- Stir in Velveeta, garlic powder, onion powder, and garlic salt with parsley flakes. Cook until melted. Stir in cooked macaroni and mix to combine.
- Pour the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish and sprinkle with shredded cheddar cheese.
- Mix Panko crumbs and melted butter together and sprinkle over the casserole.
- Bake for 18-20 minutes or until heated through.
Video
Nutrition
Serving: 1g, Calories: 329kcal, Carbohydrates: 37g, Protein: 11g, Fat: 15g, Saturated Fat: 9g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 2g, Trans Fat: 0.3g, Cholesterol: 46mg, Sodium: 859mg, Potassium: 235mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 5g, Vitamin A: 477IU, Vitamin C: 0.2mg, Calcium: 176mg, Iron: 1mg
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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Recipe FAQ
Upgrade my Velveeta Mac n Cheese?
- Vegetables. broccoli florets or green peas
- Seasonings. Sprinkle with black pepper, paprika, or add heat with red pepper flakes
- Meat. Sprinkle in cubed ham or bacon bits on top
How to Store Velveeta Mac and Cheese?
- Whether you’re making this ahead of time or storing leftovers, place the cooled baked mac and cheese into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for 3-4 days or the freezer for up to 3 months.
- Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or use the microwave. Add a little more milk to help smooth out the sauce texture.
This is hands down the best Mac and Cheese recipe that I’ve tried! It’s comforting and comes together quickly!
Every spoonful is like a warm hug! Can’t get enough of this bliss!
Enjoyed this for dinner last night and it was a savory success! Quick, easy and delicious; my kind of comfort food, indeed!