Grandma'S Mac And Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and comforting, grandma's mac and cheese combines tender pasta with rich cheese sauces, perfect for family dinners or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni until al dente, then drain.
- Place the cooked macaroni in a greased 2 1/2 quart casserole dish.
- In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Stir in flour and mix well to form a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens.
- Add salt, sugar, and cubed Velveeta cheese; stir until cheese melts and sauce is smooth.
- Mix sour cream and cottage cheese into the cheese sauce.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well.
- Sprinkle grated cheddar cheese and bread crumbs over the top.
- Dot the top with small pieces of butter.
- Optionally, freeze the dish at this point.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 45-50 minutes until bubbly and golden on top.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding an extra cup of milk to the cheese sauce. You can substitute the Velveeta cheese with a combination of cheddar and cream cheese for a different flavor profile. If you're looking to lighten the dish, use low-fat milk and reduced-fat cheese. Make sure to cook the macaroni just until al dente to avoid mushiness after baking.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this hearty mac and cheese as a main dish or as a comforting side alongside grilled meats or a fresh salad. It pairs beautifully with A Whole Meal In A Baked Potato for a complete meal. For added texture, consider serving with a side of roasted vegetables or garlic bread.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in a baking dish with a splash of milk and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-25 minutes.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Grandma'S Mac And Cheese contains roughly 694 calories, with 15g protein, 55g carbohydrates, and 46g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (29% of the Daily Value) and calcium (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1292mg per serving (56% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. Just be sure to cover it tightly with plastic wrap or foil. When ready to bake, remove it from the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking.
What can I use instead of cottage cheese?
If you prefer not to use cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese for a similar texture and flavor. Alternatively, you can use an equal amount of cream cheese, though this will make the dish richer. Adjust the seasoning if needed to maintain flavor balance.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
To make gluten-free mac and cheese, simply substitute regular macaroni with gluten-free pasta. Additionally, ensure your flour is a gluten-free blend or use cornstarch to thicken the cheese sauce. The other ingredients should be naturally gluten-free, but always check labels to be safe.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).