the best macaroni and cheese ever!

Name: The Best Macaroni and Cheese Ever!
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 45 min
Yield: 8
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 pound(s) macaroni, cooked; 2 can(s) campbell's cheddar cheese soup (condensed); 1 can(s) evaporated milk (15 oz can); 1 stick(s) butter (real); dash(es) salt and pepper (to taste); 8 cup(s) shredded cheddar/jack cheese; 9 cubes - velveeta block cheese cut into 1-inch cubes; 1 cup(s) cooked and chopped bacon (optional); 1 cup(s) croutons (your favorite flavor) run through a food processor (optional); 1 cup(s) diced ham (optional); 5-6 slice(s) provolone cheese; 3 box(es) chicken broth (optional); 1/2 cup(s) heavy cream

(1 RATING)

511 Pinches 1 Photo

Katrina Roubedeaux

Fresno, CA

Updated on Nov 20, 2025

A couple of years ago, my friends Kymberli and Courtney shared a recipe for macaroni and cheese with me. I fell in love with it; however, I made several changes to it first. This recipe is a hit with my family and friends! Every year my middle school students beg me to make it for our Thanksgiving potluck! It's that good!!!

Rate

prep time 20 Min

cook time 45 Min

method Bake

yield 8-10 serving(s)

Ingredients

1 pound macaroni, cooked
2 cans campbell's cheddar cheese soup (condensed)
1 can evaporated milk (15 oz can)
1 stick butter (real)
dash salt and pepper (to taste)
8 cups shredded cheddar/jack cheese
9 cubes - velveeta block cheese cut into 1-inch cubes
1 cup cooked and chopped bacon (optional)
1 cup croutons (your favorite flavor) run through a food processor (optional)
1 cup diced ham (optional)
5-6 slices provolone cheese
3 boxes chicken broth (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream

How To Make the best macaroni and cheese ever!

Step 1

Preheat oven to 375.

Step 2

In a large, heavy bottom sauce pan, cook noodles according to package. I prefer to boil my noodles in chicken broth. This adds flavor!
Step 3

In a separate sauce pan, sauté chopped bacon until cooked through. Add the ham to the bacon/grease, and stir until heated through. With a slotted spoon, remove the meat and set aside. Add the butter to the bacon grease and melt it down. Add soups, heavy cream, and evaporated milk mixing constantly over medium heat until smooth.
Step 4

Once the cheese mix is smooth, the the noodles and mix evenly.
Step 5

Add 6 cups of the shredded cheese. Make sure the cheese sauce and shredded cheese evenly coat the noodles.
Step 6

Pour half of the noodle mix into a 13x9 baking dish.
Step 7

Sprinkle half of the bacon and ham mix over the noodles.
Step 8

Top the bacon and ham with the slices of provolone.
Step 9

Add the remaining noodles over the first layer. Spread them evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 10

Layer the remaining shredded cheese, bacon, and ham over.
Step 11

Poke the cubes of block cheese into the Mac evenly spread apart. These pockets of yumminess will surprise your guest!
Step 12

In a food processor or blender, pulse croutons until they become a fine breadcrumb.
Step 13

Sprinkle the crumbs over the top of the Mac.
Step 14

Cover with foil and bake for 35-40 minutes.
Step 15

During the last 10 minutes remove the foil.
Step 16

This recipe is just as good without the bacon and ham.
Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!

Nutrition Facts

(per serving*)

calories: 965kcal, carbohydrates: 36g, cholesterol: 206mg, fat: 71g, fiber: 2g, protein: 45g, saturated fat: 40g, sodium: 2028mg, sugar: 7g, unsaturated fat: 31g

*Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Nutrition information is estimated.

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