Patrick Oconnell
Velveeta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from creamy dips to melty casseroles, soups, and even desserts. Its smooth and velvety texture makes it perfect for adding creaminess and richness to recipes. One of the most popular ways to use Velveeta is in macaroni and cheese, where it creates a smooth and creamy cheese sauce that coats the pasta perfectly. In addition to the classic mac and cheese, Velveeta can be used in grilled cheese sandwiches, broccoli cheese soup, and even fudge. It is also a key ingredient in dips such as queso, Rotel dip, and spicy sausage dip. For those who enjoy a little kick in their food, adding jalapenos, green chiles, or hot sauce to Velveeta-based dishes can take them to the next level. With its long refrigerator life and unique flavour, Velveeta is a handy ingredient to have on hand for quick and easy meals or indulgent treats.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Use | Melting into casseroles, pastas, dips, soups, appetizers, sauces, sandwiches, and spreads |
| Flavour pairings | Jalapeños, garlic, onions, spicy sausage, green chillies, hot sauce, taco seasoning, ground sausage, chorizo sausage, cream cheese, cotija, cilantro, chicken, broccoli, noodles, ham, bacon, eggs, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, tortilla chips, pita or tortilla chips, oven-crisped bread |
| Recipes | Mac and cheese, queso, Rotel dip, campfire queso, chilli cheese stuffed peppers, chicken enchilada soup, spinach Maria, chilli cheese dog cornbread, hand pies, broccoli and cheese casserole, crunchy cheeseroni, tortilla soup, broccoli cheese soup, potato soup, vegetable potato soup, cheeseburger soup, goulash, lasagna, grilled cheese sandwiches, baked potato |
| Storage | Unmelted Velveeta stays fresh for up to eight weeks after opening. Melted Velveeta should be cooled completely before refrigerating and used within three to five days |
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What You'll Learn
How to make mac and cheese with Velveeta
Velveeta mac and cheese is a simple, creamy, and comforting dish that can be made in under 30 minutes. The recipe can be adapted to your taste, and you can add extra ingredients such as bacon, broccoli, ham, or cauliflower. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to make mac and cheese with Velveeta:
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Milk
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Smoked paprika
- Velveeta
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Method
- Cook the pasta in well-salted water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan, heat the milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika over medium heat. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined and heated through, but be careful not to let the mixture boil.
- Cut the Velveeta into cubes and add them to the saucepan. Stir the mixture until the cheese has melted and combined with the milk to form a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the cooked pasta. You can also add shredded cheddar cheese to the mixture for extra sharpness.
- Season with additional salt and pepper to taste and enjoy your Velveeta mac and cheese!
Tips and Variations
- You can use other types of pasta such as shells, penne, ravioli, or gnocchi.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pasta or zoodles.
- To make the dish even creamier, use whole milk or half-and-half instead of regular milk.
- If you want your mac and cheese to be extra spicy, add some hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- For a more indulgent dish, top with fried onions or serve with garlic bread.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and reheat in the oven, microwave, or stovetop.
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How to make dips with Velveeta
Velveeta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of dips, ranging from creamy and smooth to spicy and bold. Here are some tips and recipes to make dips with Velveeta:
Classic Velveeta Cheese Dip
This simple recipe requires just two ingredients and can be made in under 10 minutes. Cut the Velveeta cheese into cubes and place them in a saucepan or a slow cooker along with a can of RO*TEL (diced tomatoes and green chilies). Cook over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted. Reduce the heat to low and keep it warm while serving. This dip can be served with tortilla chips, sliced baguette, pretzels, or vegetable sticks.
Spicy Fiesta Velveeta Dip
For those who prefer their dips with a kick, this spicy version is perfect. Amp up the heat by using hot breakfast sausage and a spicy variety of RO*TEL. You can also add a dash of cayenne pepper or finely diced jalapeños for an extra zing. This dip is sure to delight those who enjoy bold and irresistible flavors.
Smoky Bacon Velveeta Dip
Add a smoky depth to your Velveeta dip by replacing the sausage with crispy, chopped, thick-cut bacon. For an even richer taste, mix in a spoonful of bacon grease. This variation provides a luxurious and savory dimension that bacon lovers will adore.
Vegetarian Velveeta Dip
Create a meat-free version of the classic dip by substituting the sausage with vegetarian alternatives, such as plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms sautéed with onion and garlic. You can also add black beans or corn to create a hearty and veggie-packed dip that will satisfy both vegetarians and meat-eaters alike.
Customizing Your Velveeta Dip
Feel free to experiment with additional ingredients to create unique flavors. Jalapenos, garlic, onions, or spicy sausage can enhance the depth and flavor of your dip. To increase the spice level, add crushed red peppers, green chiles, hot sauce, or taco seasoning. These additions work well in warm party dips or Tex-Mex skillet queso. You can also include ground beef or stir in leftover Velveeta to make it even cheesier.
Remember to keep your Velveeta dip warm to prevent it from hardening. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days and reheated gently to preserve its creamy texture.
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How to make soups with Velveeta
Velveeta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of soups. Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:
Potato Soup
One of the most popular soups made with Velveeta cheese is potato soup. This soup is cozy, comforting, and can be made in just 30 minutes. To make it, simply chop some potatoes into equal-sized chunks (about 1 inch) and place them in a large pot. You don't need to peel the potatoes. Add enough water to cover the potatoes, along with some salt and pepper. Bring the pot to a boil and cook until the potatoes are fork-tender, which should take around 25 minutes. Next, stir in some cream of chicken soup and Velveeta cheese, and let it simmer until the cheese has melted. Finally, stir in some milk and heat it through. You can top it with finely diced chives for an extra touch.
Broccoli Cheese Soup
Another option is to make a broccoli cheese soup with Velveeta. You can either follow a similar recipe as the potato soup, substituting broccoli for potatoes, or you can add broccoli to your potato soup for a heartier dish. You can also add cooked ham to this soup for extra flavor.
Vegetable Soup
If you're looking for a soup with more vegetables, you can make a vegetable potato soup with Velveeta. In addition to potatoes, you can add frozen vegetables, such as carrots, celery, and onions, to a crockpot along with Velveeta, seasoning, and water or stock. This soup is a great way to get your daily dose of vegetables and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
Cheesy Chicken Broth
For a simple, comforting soup, you can make a basic chicken broth with Velveeta. Melt some butter in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and add onions. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onions are crisp-tender. Then, whisk in some flour until blended. Add chicken broth and milk, and cook over medium heat for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Finally, add Velveeta and cook for another 3 minutes, stirring, until the cheese is melted. You can add cooked chicken pieces to this soup for a heartier meal.
Tips and Variations
When making soups with Velveeta, you can experiment with different ingredients and spices to create your own signature recipe. Here are some ideas:
- Add ground sausage or spicy sausage to your soup for a heartier and more flavorful dish.
- Include green chiles, hot sauce, or taco seasoning for a spicy kick.
- Try using different types of potatoes, such as small red potatoes or medium russet potatoes, to find your preferred texture and flavor.
- If you're a fan of broccoli, you can add it to any of these soups for an extra serving of vegetables.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices, such as cayenne pepper, thyme, or Italian seasoning, to find your perfect flavor combination.
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How to make casseroles with Velveeta
Velveeta cheese is a versatile ingredient that can be used to make a variety of casseroles. Here are some ideas and recipes to get you started:
Broccoli and Cheese Casserole
This casserole is a great way to get your family to eat their vegetables. It's quick, easy, and delicious. Here's what you'll need:
- Broccoli
- Velveeta cheese
- Ritz crackers
- Butter
First, cook the broccoli and drain the water. Then, add the Velveeta cheese and cook until melted. In a separate pan, melt the butter and remove it from the heat. Add the crumbled Ritz crackers to the butter and stir until well combined. You can crumble the crackers by hand or by putting them in a storage bag and crushing them with a rolling pin.
Next, spray a 1 3/4 quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Spoon half of the cracker and butter mixture into the dish. Pour in the broccoli and cheese mixture, and cover with the remaining cracker mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is browned.
Loaded Baked Potato Casserole
This casserole is a hearty and comforting dish that's perfect for a weeknight dinner or a potluck supper. It's also a great way to use up leftover Velveeta. Here's what you'll need:
- Baked potatoes
- Velveeta cheese
- Bacon
- Broccoli
- Salt and pepper to taste
Simply cook the bacon and broccoli according to your preference. Cut the baked potatoes in half and scoop out the insides into a large bowl. Add the cooked bacon, broccoli, and Velveeta cheese to the bowl, and mash everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Finally, scoop the mixture back into the potato skins and bake in the oven until heated through.
Chicken Casserole
For a rich and zippy chicken casserole, you can combine the following ingredients:
- Cooked chicken
- Velveeta cheese
- Cream of chicken soup
- Water
- Cooked rice
- Salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to taste
Simply mix all the ingredients together in a large bowl until well combined. Transfer the mixture to a casserole dish and bake in the oven until heated through.
Cheesy Casserole
For a simple and comforting cheesy casserole, you can combine Velveeta with other cheeses, such as cheddar or mozzarella, and add some crushed Ritz crackers for a crunchy topping. You can also add some vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, and meats, such as ham or bacon, to make it a more substantial meal.
Additional Tips
When making casseroles with Velveeta, feel free to experiment with different ingredients and add-ins to suit your taste preferences. You can try mixing in green chiles, hot sauce, or taco seasoning for a spicy kick, or adding ground sausage or spicy sausage for extra depth of flavor.
Leftover casseroles can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently to preserve their creamy texture. They can also be frozen for up to three months and then thawed overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
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How to make grilled cheese with Velveeta
Velveeta is a pasteurized prepared cheese product that can be used to make grilled cheese sandwiches. Here is a simple recipe for a delicious grilled cheese sandwich using Velveeta.
Ingredients
- Velveeta cheese
- Bread
- Butter
- Mayonnaise
- Optional: dill pickle slices, chips, bacon, broccoli, ham, or cauliflower
Method
- Cut Velveeta into slices.
- Place four slices of bread on a flat surface and top each slice with the cheese.
- Cover the cheese with the remaining bread slices.
- Spread mayonnaise evenly on the outside of the sandwich.
- Heat a skillet to medium heat and place the sandwich in the skillet. Cook until lightly browned on both sides.
- Cut the sandwich diagonally from corner to corner.
- Serve with dill pickle slices and chips, or any other sides of your choice.
You can also experiment with adding other ingredients to your grilled cheese, such as bacon, broccoli, ham, or cauliflower. Simply cook these ingredients separately and add them to your sandwich along with the cheese.
Some people also like to add butter to the outside of the sandwich for extra flavor and crispness. You can also try adding sliced pears, brie, or tomato jam to your sandwich for a unique twist.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several recipes that use Velveeta cheese, including mac and cheese, broccoli cheese soup, baked potato topped with broccoli, cabbage and cheese, and grilled cheese sandwiches.
To make a basic mac and cheese with Velveeta cheese, you will need elbow pasta, Velveeta, cheddar cheese, and seasonings like salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder, and smoked paprika. First, cook the pasta in well-salted water, drain it, and set it aside. In a saucepan, add milk, salt, pepper, and the seasonings, and heat until hot. Next, add in the Velveeta and shredded cheddar and whisk together until smooth and creamy. Finally, remove from heat and stir in the cooked pasta.
Unmelted Velveeta cheese stays fresh for up to eight weeks after opening when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. Melted Velveeta cheese should be cooled completely before refrigerating and used within three to five days.
Yes, many dishes made with Velveeta cheese freeze well, especially casseroles, mac and cheese, and cheesy dips. While the texture may change slightly after reheating, they will still hold up well if stored in airtight containers or wrapped tightly.
