Patti Labelles Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Mom's Macaroni and Cheese

Total Time

Prep: 30 min. Bake: 30 min.

Makes

6 servings

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 cubed Velveeta
2 tablespoons dry bread crumbs

Directions

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 for 2 minutes or until thickened. Reduce heat. Add the cheeses, stirring until cheese is melted. Drain macaroni.
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.