Creamy Velveeta Mac And Cheese With Bacon
My husband was hit by a car on his motorcycle yesterday and will be in bed for a while with his now broken leg and a whole lot of bumps and bruises. To make it more bearable I am loading him up with all kinds of comfort foods. Today I whipped up this creamy velveeta mac and cheese and topped with with bacon crisped to perfection.
If you are looking for an easy meal or side dish that is hearty and filling for comfort after a long hard day you will love making your own mac and cheese using a block of Velveeta cheese.
How to make creamy cheese sauce using Velveeta
Cube or Grate Velveeta: Cut or grate the Velveeta cheese into smaller pieces. Smaller pieces will melt more easily, resulting in a smoother and creamier texture.
Room Temperature: Allow the Velveeta to come to room temperature before using it. This can help it melt more evenly and smoothly into your dishes.
Low and Slow Heat: Melt the Velveeta cheese over low to medium heat. Avoid high heat, as it can cause the cheese to become grainy or separate.
Stir Constantly: Stir the Velveeta cheese continuously as it melts. This helps distribute the heat evenly and prevents the cheese from sticking to the pan or developing a lumpy texture.
Use a Double Boiler: To melt Velveeta more gently, consider using a double boiler. This method provides indirect heat, preventing the cheese from overheating or scorching.
Add Liquid Gradually: If you’re using Velveeta in a sauce, add any liquids gradually. This can include milk, cream, or broth. Adding liquid in small increments while stirring helps achieve a smoother consistency.
Combine with Other Cheeses: Mix Velveeta with other cheeses, such as sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack. Combining different cheeses can enhance flavor and texture, making the sauce even creamier.
Add Fat: Incorporate a small amount of butter, cream, or whole milk to the Velveeta for extra richness. The additional fat content contributes to a creamier texture.
Season Thoughtfully: Velveeta is pre-seasoned, so taste the dish before adding more salt. Adjust the seasoning carefully to avoid oversalting, which can impact the creaminess.
Avoid Overheating: Be cautious not to overheat or overcook the Velveeta. Overheating can lead to a grainy or separated texture. Once it’s melted and smooth, remove it from the heat.
Melt in Stages: If you’re using Velveeta in a slow cooker or crockpot recipe, consider adding it in stages. Add some at the beginning and the rest closer to the end to maintain a creamier consistency.
Cover When Melting: When melting Velveeta in a pot or microwave, cover it to trap the heat. This can help the cheese melt more evenly and maintain its creaminess.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your dishes with Velveeta cheese turn out extra creamy and delicious.
What you need to make this mac and cheese
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni or your favorite pasta
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 pound Velveeta cheese, cubed
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
How to make creamy Velveeta mac and cheese
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to make a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, making sure to whisk out any lumps. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes.
Add the cubed Velveeta and shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth. If desired, add onion powder and garlic powder for extra flavor.
Season the cheese sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Remember that Velveeta is already seasoned, so be cautious with the salt until you taste the final result.
Add the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the creamy cheese sauce.
Cook the bacon until crispy. Once cooked, crumble it into small pieces.
Serve the creamy mac and cheese in individual bowls or a baking dish. Top each serving with the crumbled bacon.
Enjoy!
Serve the creamy mac and cheese immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness.
Feel free to customize the recipe by adding your favorite seasonings, such as a pinch of cayenne for a bit of heat or a dash of mustard for tanginess. This mac and cheese is sure to be a comforting and indulgent dish, especially with the addition of crispy bacon on top!
