Randy Chandler
Velveeta cheese is a versatile and tasty processed cheese product known for its distinctively deep yellow colour and smooth, velvety texture. It is commonly enjoyed by both kids and adults in dishes like mac & cheese, casseroles, and nachos. Melting Velveeta cheese can be tricky due to its tendency to burn or become lumpy, but it can be done successfully in a microwave with the right technique. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to melt Velveeta block cheese in a microwave, ensuring a smooth and creamy result without any burning.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Velveeta |
| Method | Microwave |
| Preparation | Cut into cubes, add butter and/or milk, season to taste |
| Time | 2-3 minutes |
| Temperature | High |
| Intervals | 30-second intervals, stir in between |
| Consistency | Smooth, thick without milk, thinner with milk |
| Serving suggestion | Over vegetables, as a dip for nachos, in casseroles, mac & cheese |
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What You'll Learn
Cut cheese into cubes
To cut Velveeta cheese into cubes, start by using a sharp kitchen knife to cut the cheese brick into evenly sized cubes. The cubes should be about 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm) in every dimension. Smaller cubes are better since they will melt quicker and more evenly than larger cubes. Make sure that all the cubes are roughly the same size to ensure even melting. If the cubes are unevenly sized, some may burn before the rest melts.
Once you have cut the cheese into cubes, you can melt it in the microwave by placing the cubes in a microwave-safe dish and adding milk. The milk helps to prevent the cheese from burning and creates a smoother sauce. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheese is melted. You may need to microwave the cheese for up to 2 to 3 minutes total.
Alternatively, you can melt the cubed cheese on the stovetop by adding butter to a saucepan and heating it over medium-low heat until melted. Then, add the cubed cheese and stir until melted, being sure to scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent burning. You can also add milk to the stovetop method to help create a smoother sauce and prevent burning.
Velveeta cheese is known for its easy meltability and is commonly used in mac and cheese, casseroles, dips, and other dishes. It can be melted in the microwave, on the stovetop, in a crockpot, or in a double boiler. When melting Velveeta cheese, it is important to work carefully and stir frequently to prevent burning and lumpiness.
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Use a microwave-safe dish
To melt Velveeta cheese in the microwave, you'll need to use a microwave-safe dish. Here's a step-by-step guide:
First, cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes. The cubes should be evenly sized, with each side measuring about 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.25 to 2.5 cm). Smaller cubes will melt quicker and more evenly than larger ones. Place the cubed cheese into your chosen microwave-safe dish.
Next, you'll want to add some butter and milk to the dish. The butter will act as a barrier between the cheese and the dish, preventing the cheese from burning. Add about 2 tablespoons (30 ml) of butter to the dish and place it in the microwave. Set the heat to medium and cook for a couple of minutes until the butter has melted.
Once the butter has melted, remove the dish from the microwave and stir the contents to ensure the cheese is coated. You can then add up to 7 tablespoons (105 ml) of milk. The milk will help prevent burning and create a smoother sauce. Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
Now, you're ready to microwave your cheese! Place the dish back into the microwave and cook on high in 30-second intervals. After each interval, remove the dish and stir the contents to prevent burning. Repeat this process until the cheese has melted into a smooth sauce. This should take around 2 to 3 minutes in total.
Finally, serve your melted Velveeta cheese immediately. If you let it sit for too long or try to refrigerate it, the cheese will start to solidify again. Enjoy your creamy, smooth cheese sauce!
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Add butter and/or milk
Adding butter and/or milk is a crucial step in melting Velveeta cheese, as it ensures a smooth and creamy texture while preventing burning. Here's a detailed guide on how to incorporate these ingredients for optimal results:
Adding Butter:
When melting Velveeta cheese, adding butter is highly recommended. Butter acts as a protective barrier between the cheese and the direct heat source, reducing the risk of burning. To add butter, follow these steps:
- Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes of roughly 1/2-inch to 1-inch in size. Smaller cubes will melt faster and more evenly.
- Place a small saucepan on the stove and add 2 tablespoons of butter. You can also adjust the amount of butter according to your preference.
- Heat the butter over medium-low heat. Stir it frequently with a wooden spoon until it has completely melted and coated the bottom of the pan.
- Add the cubed Velveeta cheese to the melted butter, stirring continuously to coat the cheese evenly.
- Continue heating and stirring the mixture until the cheese is partially melted. Ensure that you scrape the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking or burning.
Adding Milk:
Milk is another essential ingredient when melting Velveeta cheese, especially if you're using a microwave. Milk helps prevent burning and promotes a smoother sauce. Here's how to incorporate milk:
- Arrange the cubed Velveeta cheese in a microwave-safe dish.
- Pour up to 7 tablespoons of milk over the cheese cubes. You can adjust the amount of milk to your desired consistency.
- Cover the dish with a lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap.
- Place the dish in the microwave and cook on high in 30-second intervals. Stir the mixture well after each interval to ensure even melting and prevent burning.
- Continue microwaving and stirring until the cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy. This process may take up to 2-3 minutes in total.
Combining Butter and Milk:
For an even richer and smoother sauce, you can combine both butter and milk when melting Velveeta cheese:
- Follow the steps mentioned above to melt butter in a saucepan and add the cubed Velveeta cheese, stirring continuously.
- Once the cheese is partially melted and combined with the butter, add up to 7 tablespoons of milk to the saucepan.
- Continue heating and stirring the mixture until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add more milk to adjust the consistency to your liking.
Remember, when melting Velveeta cheese with butter and/or milk, constant stirring is crucial to prevent burning and ensure a smooth and creamy final product.
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Microwave in 30-second intervals
To melt Velveeta cheese in the microwave, cut the cheese into cubes of roughly equal size, as smaller cubes melt quicker and more evenly than larger ones. Place the cubes in a microwave-safe dish and pour milk over them—this will prevent the cheese from burning in the microwave and will make the sauce smoother.
Now, for the key part: place the dish in the microwave and cook the mixture on high for 30 seconds. Then, remove the dish and stir the contents well. Repeat this process: microwave for 30 seconds, then stir. Keep doing this until the cheese has reached your desired consistency. This may take up to 2 or 3 minutes in total.
Note that you should serve the cheese as soon as it comes out of the microwave, as it will start to solidify if you let it sit for too long or attempt to refrigerate it.
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Stir well and serve immediately
To stir well and serve your melted Velveeta cheese, follow these steps:
First, cut your Velveeta block into small, evenly sized cubes. Smaller cubes will melt quicker and more evenly than larger ones. Next, place a microwave-proof bowl with a small amount of butter in the microwave and set the heat to medium. Add your cubed cheese to the bowl and cook for about two minutes.
Once the cheese has melted, remove the bowl from the microwave. Stir well, ensuring that the cheese and butter are fully combined. You want the liquid mixture to be hot all the way through. If you desire a thinner consistency, add milk, continuing to stir until the mixture reaches your preferred smoothness. Now, season with your favorite spices and serve immediately.
Note that Velveeta cheese tends to solidify again if it sits out too long or is refrigerated, so it is best to use or serve it right away.
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Frequently asked questions
Using a double boiler is the best way to melt Velveeta cheese without burning it. This handy tool can perfectly melt fragile substances like Velveeta without burning because it avoids direct heat.
First, fill the bottom pot with an inch or two of water and let it simmer on low heat. Place a bowl or pot with some butter in it on top of the pot, ensuring it's stable and not touching the water. Once the butter melts, add in your cubed Velveeta and stir until it melts and combines with the butter.
Cut the Velveeta into small cubes and place them in a microwave-safe bowl with some butter. Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and microwave the cheese for about two minutes on medium heat. Once the cheese has melted, remove the bowl from the microwave, add milk, and stir well.
