There are very few comfort foods that hit the spot like a bubbling pan of baked mac and cheese fresh from the oven. This Baked Mac and Cheese with Velveeta is rich, creamy, cheesy and made with simple ingredients that work every single time.
I’ve been creating comfort food recipes for families for more than 15 years, and this is exactly the kind of dependable, nostalgic recipe people come back to again and again. The Velveeta melts into the smoothest cheese sauce, creating that classic old fashioned texture so many of us grew up loving.
This is one of those recipes that disappears shockingly fast in our house. I always hope for leftovers and almost never get them. If you love ultra creamy, cheesy mac and cheese with a golden baked top, this recipe is for you.
Why This Recipe Works
- This is one of those recipes I make constantly for weeknight dinners, holidays, potlucks and cozy family gatherings because everyone devours it every single time.
- My teenage boys absolutely adore this mac and cheese. My youngest calls it his “all time favorite pasta recipe ever,” which feels like a pretty solid endorsement.
- I’ve been creating comfort food recipes for more than 15 years, and this is one of those dependable recipes that turns out creamy, cheesy and delicious every single time. Never fails, just like my famous chili and homemade meatloaf recipes.
- The Velveeta melts into the smoothest, dreamiest cheese sauce without needing heavy cream or complicated steps.
- Made with simple ingredients and minimal prep, this recipe is easy enough for chaotic weeknights but cozy enough for holiday dinners.
- The top gets perfectly golden and cheesy while the inside stays rich, creamy and ridiculously comforting.
- It works perfectly as both a hearty main dish or an easy crowd pleasing side dish for just about any meal.
Why Velveeta Makes Mac and Cheese So Creamy
Velveeta melts incredibly smoothly compared to traditional cheeses, which is why it creates such a creamy, silky cheese sauce. It helps prevent grainy or clumpy mac and cheese and gives this recipe that nostalgic, super comforting texture so many people grew up loving.
Velveeta Mac and Cheese Ingredients
This cozy baked mac and cheese comes together with a handful of simple ingredients that create the creamiest, cheesiest comfort food situation.
Parmesan cheese – Adds a savory, cheesy finish to the top layer. Grated or shaved both work great.
Elbow macaroni – Cook the pasta about 3 minutes shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven. I also love using large elbow macaroni or rotini for extra texture and cheesy goodness.
Cheddar cheese – Adds a classic sharp, cozy homemade mac and cheese flavor. Freshly shredded melts best!
Mozzarella cheese – Helps create the ultra gooey, stretchy texture everyone loves. You can swap in another melty cheese like muenster or gouda if desired.
Velveeta – The secret to the unbelievably creamy cheese sauce. A little goes a long way and helps everything melt together perfectly smoothly.
Butter – I recommend salted butter for the best flavor.
How To Make Baked Mac and Cheese With Velveeta
- Prep the pan.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Cook the pasta.
Cook the pasta about 3 minutes shy of al dente. If the package says 8 minutes, cook it for about 5 minutes instead. Drain and immediately return the pasta to the hot pot.
- Make the cheese sauce.
Add the cheddar cheese, Velveeta and butter to the pasta. Stir until everything melts into a smooth, creamy cheese sauce.
- Assemble the casserole.
Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread into an even layer.
- Make it cheesy.
Top with mozzarella cheese and Parmesan.
- Bake until bubbly.
Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the edges are lightly golden brown.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking the pasta before baking can lead to mushy mac and cheese.
- Pre shredded cheese does not melt as smoothly as freshly shredded cheese.
- Baking too long can dry out the cheese sauce, so remove it (and serve!) once the top is golden and bubbly.
Mac and Cheese Recipe Tips and Variations
- Swap the elbow macaroni for another pasta shape like large shells, rotini or bowtie pasta. Anything that grabs onto that creamy cheese sauce works great.
- Boil the pasta a few minutes shy of al dente. The pasta continues cooking in the oven, and nobody wants mushy mac and cheese.
- Want a little crunch? Sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs over the top before baking for a crispy golden topping.
- Freshly shredded cheddar melts much more smoothly than pre shredded cheese and creates the creamiest texture.
- This recipe freezes surprisingly well, making it perfect for prepping ahead for busy nights or holiday gatherings.
- Make it your own with fun mix ins like crispy bacon, shredded chicken, diced jalapeños, caramelized onions or extra cheese. See more ideas below!
Delicious Mac and Cheese Mix In Ideas
One of my favorite things about homemade mac and cheese is how easy it is to customize. You can keep it simple and classic or bulk it up with hearty mix ins to turn it into a complete meal.
Vegetables – Broccoli, cauliflower, peas, corn, diced tomatoes or roasted vegetables all work great in this recipe.
Meats – Cooked bacon, diced ham, ground beef, ground turkey, shredded chicken or steak bites all taste amazing mixed into cheesy macaroni.
Seafood – Shrimp, crab and lobster instantly make this feel extra cozy and special.
What To Serve With Mac and Cheese
This creamy baked mac and cheese pairs beautifully with all sorts of cozy comfort foods. Serve it as a hearty side dish with your favorite proteins or enjoy it as a main meal with soup or salad.
Some of our favorite pairings include:
- Sloppy Joes sandwiches
- Pork ribs or pork chops
- Homemade Chicken Tenders
- Meatloaf
- Meatballs
- Burgers
- Hot dogs, little smokies or pigs in a blanket
- Chili
- Tomato soup
- Chopped salad or other green salads
- Hashbrown casserole for the ultimate comfort food dinner
FAQ
Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before storing. Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
Yes! Store in freezer safe containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. I like freezing individual portions for easy comfort food lunches and dinners later on.
For the creamiest leftovers, reheat mac and cheese in the oven covered with foil and add a splash of milk or cream before warming.
You can also microwave individual portions with a teaspoon or two of milk or water, stirring halfway through heating.
Add a little whole milk, half and half or heavy cream before reheating to bring the creamy texture back to life.
Absolutely. Assemble the mac and cheese up to 24 hours ahead, cover tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Yes! Toss breadcrumbs with a little melted butter before sprinkling over the top for a crispy, golden topping.
Classic elbow macaroni works beautifully, but shells, rotini and cavatappi are also great choices because they hold onto the creamy cheese sauce so well.
More Velveeta Recipes
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Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese with Velveeta
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 4 oz Velveeta cut into chunks
- 4 tbsp butter cut into chunks
- 1 1/2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Coat a 9×13 baking dish with cooking spray and set aside. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Cook the pasta in boiling water 3 minutes shy of al dente. If package directions recommend 8 minutes of cook time, cook for no longer than 5 minutes.
- Drain pasta and immediately add cheddar cheese, Velveeta and butter. Stir until cheeses and butter have melted.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and spread in an even layer. Top with the mozzarella cheese and sprinkle the Parmesan cheese over the top.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until cheese is melted and the top is a nice golden brown around the edges.
Video
Notes
- Cook the pasta slightly shy of al dente since it will continue cooking in the oven.
- Freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly and creates the creamiest texture.
- For a crispy topping, sprinkle buttery breadcrumbs over the top before baking.
- This is a creamy baked mac and cheese, not a dry casserole style mac and cheese.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
- Freeze in airtight freezer safe containers for up to 3 months.
- Add a splash of milk or cream before reheating leftovers to bring back the creamy texture.
Nutrition
Megan Porta is a comfort food recipe creator who specializes in easy family meals and Instant Pot desserts, and the founder of Pip and Ebby. She has been cooking for three decades and developing recipes for over fifteen years, helping home cooks make reliable, cozy recipes for real life.
YUM! Loved this quick meal for my family!
Quick, easy and cheesy! After a busy day at work, this comes together fast. Some garlic bread on the grill, and we were set. Leftovers are amazing!
My kids love Mac and cheese. This was a quick and easy recipe. Comfort food like this will always be a family tradition
This is dangerously good!