Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe

Introduction

Velveeta Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort food classic that’s quick and easy to make. This recipe combines rich Velveeta with sharp cheddar for extra flavor, creating a smooth and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion.

The image shows a close-up of a plate with three main sections of food. The front layer is a thick, creamy yellow mac and cheese with small elbow pasta covered in shiny cheese sauce. Behind it to the left, there is a piece of golden brown fried chicken with a crispy texture. To the right and slightly behind, there is a mix of cooked vegetables including bright green beans, orange carrots, and yellow corn. The food is served on a white plate with a dark brown rim, sitting on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups milk (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup portions)
  • 1 ½ cups water
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp pepper
  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • ½ lb Velveeta cheese (cubed)
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine 1 cup milk, 1 ½ cups water, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir to mix well, then add the uncooked elbow macaroni.
  2. Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes, or until the noodles are al dente.
  3. Step 3: Add the butter and stir until melted. Then pour in the remaining ½ cup milk and add the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
  4. Step 4: Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and well combined.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately while warm for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra creaminess, add a splash of heavy cream instead of milk in the final step.
  • Mix in cooked bacon bits or steamed broccoli for added texture and flavor.
  • Use whole milk or 2% milk for a richer sauce, or try low-fat milk for a lighter version.
  • To make it spicy, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce while cooking.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white plate filled with soft, creamy macaroni and cheese where the macaroni pieces are fully covered in a thick, smooth yellow cheese sauce. Partially seen behind the macaroni and cheese is a piece of crispy, brown fried chicken with a crunchy texture and a bright mix of cooked vegetables including green beans, corn, and carrot slices adding green, yellow, and orange colors. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, you can substitute elbow macaroni with other shapes like shells, rotini, or penne. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on the pasta shape.

How can I prevent the mac and cheese from becoming dry when reheated?

Adding a little milk or butter when reheating helps maintain the creamy texture and prevents it from drying out.

Print
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Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe


  • Author: Victor
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

This creamy and indulgent Velveeta Mac and Cheese recipe combines tender elbow macaroni with a rich blend of Velveeta and sharp cheddar cheeses, enhanced with subtle notes of onion and garlic powders. Easy to make on the stovetop, it’s a comforting classic perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy meal any time.


Ingredients

Scale

Liquid Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups milk (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup portions)
  • 1 ½ cups water

Spices

  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ¼ tsp pepper

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)

Dairy

  • 2 Tbsp butter
  • ½ lb Velveeta cheese (cubed)
  • ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

  1. Add Ingredients: In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine 1 cup of milk, 1 ½ cups water, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir the mixture well to integrate all spices.
  2. Add Pasta: Add the 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to ensure the pasta is submerged evenly in the liquid.
  3. Boil Pasta: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook for 5-6 minutes or until the macaroni is just al dente – tender but still slightly firm to the bite.
  4. Melt Butter and Velveeta: Stir in 2 tablespoons of butter until melted completely. Then add the remaining ½ cup of milk along with the cubed Velveeta cheese. Continue stirring the pasta until the Velveeta is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
  5. Add Sharp Cheddar: Remove the pot from heat. Add the shredded sharp cheddar cheese and stir thoroughly until the cheddar is melted and the sauce is smooth.
  6. Serve: Serve the Velveeta Mac and Cheese immediately while warm and creamy for best texture and flavor.

Notes

  • The macaroni should be cooked to al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed with cheese.
  • For a thicker cheese sauce, reduce the water slightly or use the full amount of milk incrementally.
  • Use freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese for better melting compared to pre-shredded varieties.
  • This recipe serves 4 as a main dish.
  • For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a dash of hot sauce.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Velveeta Mac and Cheese, creamy mac and cheese, stovetop macaroni and cheese, easy mac and cheese recipe, cheesy pasta

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