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Velveeta is the best cheese for baked mac and cheese because it melts smoothly, stays creamy, and prevents the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. The article explains why Velveeta stands out, gives a step-by-step recipe, shares pro tips for the creamiest results, suggests what to serve with it, and how to store and reheat leftovers.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
Why is Velveeta the best cheese for baked mac and cheese? | It melts smoothly, stays creamy, and prevents the sauce from breaking or becoming grainy. |
What are the key steps to making baked mac and cheese with Velveeta? | Boil pasta, make a roux with butter and flour, whisk in milk and Velveeta, combine with pasta, bake until golden. |
How do you keep baked mac and cheese creamy when reheating? | Add a splash of milk or cream and reheat in the oven or microwave in short bursts, stirring to restore creaminess. |
What pairs well with baked mac and cheese? | A simple green salad, steamed or roasted vegetables, crusty bread, or grilled chicken or shrimp. |
Can you make it ahead and how do you store leftovers? | Yes, you can prep the sauce and pasta separately up to 2 days ahead and store in the fridge. Leftovers can be refrigerated for 4 days or frozen for 2 months. |
What makes Velveeta the best cheese for baked mac and cheese
Velveeta melts smoothly and evenly, giving you that creamy, cheesy texture without the risk of the sauce breaking or becoming grainy. Here's why it stands out:
- It melts at a lower temperature, so the pasta won't overcook while you wait for the cheese to melt.
- It has a mild flavor that pairs well with any pasta shape or add-ins like bacon or veggies.
- It keeps the sauce creamy and thick, so your baked mac and cheese won't dry out in the oven.
Because Velveeta is a "processed cheese product" rather than a block of cheddar, it contains emulsifiers that prevent the cheese from separating or becoming oily under heat. This means your baked mac and cheese will stay creamy and smooth, not grainy or curdled.
Step-by-step: how to make baked mac and cheese with Velveeta
Preheat your oven to 350°F. While it heats, boil the pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the cheese sauce: melt 2 tbsp butter in a saucepan, whisk in 2 tbsp flour to make a roux, then slowly whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth. Add 1 cup of cubed Velveeta and stir until melted and smooth.
Combine the pasta and cheese sauce, then pour into a greased 9x13 baking dish. Top with more Velveeta if you want extra cheesy. Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Let stand 5 minutes to set before serving. This makes 6-8 side-dish servings or 4-6 main-dish servings.
Pro tips for the creamiest baked mac and cheese
Want the creamiest baked mac and cheese? Here's how to make it even better:
- Use whole milk or half-and-half instead of regular milk for a richer sauce.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce for extra flavor depth.
- Top with a mix of shredded cheese and breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping that adds texture contrast.
- Don't overbake! Pull it out when the top is just golden and the sauce is still creamy. Overbaking is the #1 cause of dry mac and cheese.
- Make ahead: you can prep the sauce and pasta separately up to 2 days ahead. Store separately in the fridge and bake when ready to serve.
These tips will make your baked mac and cheese with Velveeta even more delicious and foolproof.
What to serve with baked mac and cheese
Baked mac and cheese is rich and filling, so pair it with lighter sides to balance the meal. Here are some ideas:
- A simple green salad with vinaigrette cuts the richness and adds freshness.
- Steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, green beans, or carrots add color and nutrition.
- Crusty bread or dinner rolls are perfect for sopping up the cheesy sauce.
- Grilled or roasted chicken or shrimp can turn this side dish into a main course.
These pairings make a complete meal out of your baked mac and cheese with Velveeta.
How to store and reheat leftover baked mac and cheese
Leftover baked mac and cheese can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 2 months. Here's how to keep it creamy when reheating:
- Cool it completely before storing to prevent condensation from making the pasta soggy.
- Store in an airtight container to prevent the pasta from drying out.
- Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts, stirring in between, until hot and creamy again.
- Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to restore creaminess.
- Don't reheat more than once, as the pasta will get mushy and the sauce can separate.
These steps will keep your leftover baked mac and cheese tasting fresh and creamy.