The Easy Guide to Mac and Cheese with a Velveeta Box: A Comfort Food Classic

Mac and cheese is a beloved dish for its creamy, comforting taste. While many prefer to use real cheese, there's undeniable joy in making it with a Velveeta box. This quick and simple recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or when you just want to indulge in comfort food.

Ingredients

1 box Velveeta Shells Cheese 2 cups milk or as directed on the box 1 tablespoon butter (optional for extra creaminess) 1 cup shredded cheese (optional for added flavor) Bread crumbs (optional for topping) Seasonings (salt, pepper, paprika, etc.) (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add the pasta shells from the Velveeta box and cook according to the package instructions (usually about 8-10 minutes until al dente). Drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a separate saucepan, combine the cheese sauce packet from the Velveeta box with 2 cups of milk and the butter if using. Heat over medium heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is smooth and heated through. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked pasta in the pot. Stir until the pasta is well coated. Transfer to Baking Dish: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. If desired, sprinkle shredded cheese on top for extra cheesiness. Add Topping (Optional): If you like a crunchy topping, sprinkle bread crumbs over the mac and cheese. You can also add seasonings like paprika or black pepper for extra flavor. Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.

Enjoy your homemade baked mac and cheese!

Note: I prefer to use the Velveeta and throw the box away, but if you have a workable recipe with real cheese, go for it!