Mom’s Macaroni and Cheese

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.

Makes

6 servings

Updated: Jun. 30, 2023
The wonderful homemade goodness of this creamy Velveeta mac and cheese makes it a staple side dish in my mother's kitchen and in mine as well. It has tender noodles and a crowd-pleasing golden crumb topping. —Maria Costello, Monroe, North Carolina

Ingredients

  • 1-1/2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 5 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 1-1/2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 2 ounces Velveeta, cubed
  • 2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

Directions

  1. Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Stir in flour, salt and pepper until smooth. Gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Reduce heat. Add the cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni.
  2. Transfer macaroni to a greased 1-1/2-qt. baking dish. Pour cheese sauce over macaroni; mix well. Melt the remaining butter; add the bread crumbs. Sprinkle over top. Bake, uncovered, at 375° for 30 minutes or until heated through and topping is golden brown.

Test Kitchen Tips
  • It’s usually cheaper to buy cheese in blocks rather than already shredded. So purchase large quantities of cheddar, Monterey Jack and mozzarella, then use a food processor to shred it. Store the shredded cheese in the freezer so you have it when you need it.
  • Add some sugar to the salted water when cooking macaroni or spaghetti, the noodles have much more flavor.
  • Check out these yummy cheddar cheese recipes.
  • Nutrition Facts

    1 serving: 309 calories, 20g fat (13g saturated fat), 60mg cholesterol, 569mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.