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baked-mac-and-cheese

Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

Nettie
This creamy baked mac and cheese is made with Velveeta, cheddar, and Monterey Jack for a silky cheese sauce, then baked with buttery breadcrumbs until golden and bubbly.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 8 servings
Calories 776 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb elbow macaroni cooked al dente
  • 4 Tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 Tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 cup half & half
  • 1 lb Velveeta cheese cubed
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp white pepper or black pepper, if preferred

For the Topping

  • 2 Tbsp unsalted butter melted
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs regular or panko

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook macaroni until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly, until smooth and bubbly.
  • Slowly whisk in milk and half & half, stirring until smooth. Cook 3–4 minutes, whisking often, until the mixture thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
  • Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in Velveeta, cheddar, and Monterey Jack until completely melted and creamy. Season with salt and white pepper.
  • Fold cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until fully coated. Pour mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
  • In a small bowl, combine melted butter with breadcrumbs. Sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
  • Place in a preheated 350°F oven and bake uncovered for 40 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown on top.
  • Let cool 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy warm and gooey!

Video

Notes

When it comes to the nutrition information provided for recipes, it’s important to keep in mind that it’s just an estimate. The actual nutritional values can vary based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Be mindful that any nutritional information provided is intended as a general guideline rather than exact values.

Recipe Notes

  • Cheese swaps: Try mozzarella for extra stretch, pepper jack for spice, Colby for creaminess, or smoked gouda for a deep savory flavor.
  • Velveeta alternatives: Swap in cream cheese for a less processed option and add an extra ½ cup shredded cheese for balance.
  • Breadcrumb options: Use panko for extra crunch, or substitute crushed Ritz crackers or cornflakes for a fun twist.
  • Make-ahead: Assemble earlier in the day, cover, and refrigerate. Add 5–10 minutes to baking time when ready to cook.
  • Add-ins: Cooked bacon, ham, broccoli, or jalapeños make it even heartier and more flavorful.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 776kcalCarbohydrates: 67gProtein: 37gFat: 40gSaturated Fat: 24gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gTrans Fat: 0.3gCholesterol: 118mgSodium: 1689mgPotassium: 531mgFiber: 3gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 1525IUVitamin C: 0.4mgCalcium: 884mgIron: 2mg
Keyword baked mac and cheese, classic comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, homemade macaroni and cheese
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