Table of Contents
Make quick velveeta mac and cheese with simple ingredients like elbow pasta, velveeta cheese, milk, butter, and flour. This easy recipe takes 15 mins to prep and 10-15 mins to cook. Follow key steps to make a smooth cheese sauce using a roux, properly melt the cheese, and cook pasta al dente. Customize with add-ins like bacon, broccoli, extra cheese, or spices. Serve hot and store leftovers in fridge or freezer. Reheat in microwave or oven with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
Question | Answer |
|---|---|
What ingredients do I need for velveeta mac and cheese? | You need elbow macaroni, velveeta cheese, milk, butter, flour, and optional extras like cheddar or bacon. |
How long does it take to make this recipe? | Total time is about 25-30 minutes including prep and cooking. |
How can I prevent grainy cheese sauce? | Use low heat, add cheese gradually, and avoid boiling after adding cheese. |
Can I add vegetables or meat to the dish? | Yes, mix in broccoli, bacon, ham, or diced tomatoes for extra flavor. |
How should I reheat leftover mac and cheese? | Microwave or bake with a little milk to restore creaminess. |
Quick Velveeta Mac and Cheese Ingredients
You need few basic items for this velveeta mac and cheese.
- Elbow macaroni - 2 cups dry pasta
- Velveeta cheese - 12 oz block
- Milk - 1 cup
- Butter - 2 tbsp
- All-purpose flour - 2 tbsp
- Salt and pepper to taste
Some recipes use extra cheese.
- Cheddar cheese - 1 cup shredded
- Bread crumbs - 1/2 cup for topping
Ingredient Notes
Cut velveeta into small cubes. This helps it melt smooth.
Use 2% or whole milk. Skim milk makes sauce thin.
Flour makes a roux with butter. This thickens the cheese sauce.
Prep Steps
Measure everything before cooking.
- Boil water for pasta
- Cube the velveeta cheese
- Shred cheddar if using
- Mix bread crumbs with butter for topping
This recipe serves 4 people.
Item | Amount |
|---|---|
Pasta | 2 cups dry |
Velveeta | 12 oz |
Milk | 1 cup |
Butter | 2 tbsp |
Flour | 2 tbsp |
Total active time is 15 minutes.
Cook time is 10-15 minutes.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Follow these steps to make homemade velveeta mac and cheese.
Cook the Pasta
- Boil 4 cups water in a pot
- Add 2 cups elbow macaroni
- Cook 8-10 minutes until tender
- Drain pasta in colander
- Do not rinse the noodles
Make Cheese Sauce
Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a saucepan.
- Use medium heat
- Add 2 tablespoons flour
- Stir for 2 minutes
- Gradually add 1 cup milk
- Keep stirring while heating
Add cubed velveeta cheese.
- Stir until fully melted
- Cook 3-5 minutes
- Add salt and pepper
Combine and Serve
- Mix cooked pasta with cheese sauce
- Stir until well coated
- Serve hot immediately
Optional baking step:
- Transfer to greased baking dish
- Top with bread crumbs
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes
Step | Time |
|---|---|
Cook pasta | 10 minutes |
Make sauce | 10 minutes |
Combine and bake | 5-20 minutes |
Total time is 25-30 minutes.
Tips for Creamy Texture Every Time
Follow these tips to make perfect creamy velveeta mac and cheese every time.
Sauce Making Tips
Make a proper roux with butter and flour.
- Melt butter on medium heat
- Add flour slowly while stirring
- Cook for 2 minutes minimum
- This prevents flour taste
Heat milk before adding to roux.
- Warm milk mixes better
- Reduces lumps in sauce
- Add gradually while whisking
Cheese Handling
Cut velveeta into small cubes.
- 1-inch pieces work best
- Add cheese gradually
- Stir constantly while melting
- Remove from heat when almost melted
Use fresh velveeta blocks.
- Avoid pre-shredded cheese
- Pre-shredded doesn't melt smooth
Pasta Preparation
Cook pasta al dente.
- Firm texture holds sauce better
- Do not overcook noodles
- Reserve some pasta water
Do not rinse cooked pasta.
- Rinsing removes starch
- Starch helps sauce stick
Problem | Solution |
|---|---|
Grainy sauce | Low heat, gradual cheese mixing |
Thin sauce | More flour in roux |
Dry pasta | Extra milk or pasta water |
Stir gently after combining.
Avoid vigorous mixing.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
Customize your velveeta mac and cheese with these add-ins.
Protein Additions
- Cooked bacon bits - 1/2 cup
- Diced ham - 1 cup
- Pulled chicken - 1 cup
- Ground beef - 1 lb cooked
Add protein during final mixing.
Vegetable Options
- Steamed broccoli - 1 cup
- Diced tomatoes - 1/2 cup
- Sautéed onions - 1/2 cup
- Roasted red peppers - 1/2 cup
Cheese Variations
Mix velveeta with other cheeses.
- Sharp cheddar - 1 cup
- Pepper jack - 1/2 cup
- Gouda - 1/2 cup
- Colby jack - 1/2 cup
Use 3 cheese blend combinations.
Seasoning Upgrades
- Garlic powder - 1 tsp
- Onion powder - 1 tsp
- Paprika - 1/2 tsp
- Cayenne pepper - pinch
Add seasonings to cheese sauce.
Texture Changes
Make baked version.
- Top with bread crumbs
- Add shredded cheese layer
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes
Create stovetop version.
- Skip baking step
- Serve immediately
- Add fresh herbs on top
Type | Add-In | Amount |
|---|---|---|
Meat | Bacon | 1/2 cup |
Veggie | Broccoli | 1 cup |
Cheese | Cheddar | 1 cup |
Spice | Garlic | 1 tsp |
Experiment with different combinations.
Serving Suggestions and Storage Tips
Serve velveeta mac and cheese hot for best texture.
Serving Ideas
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley
- Add cracked black pepper on top
- Serve with dinner rolls
- Pair with green salad
Make individual portions.
- Use ramekins for baking
- Top with extra cheese
- Serve in hollowed bread bowls
Storage Methods
Refrigerate within 2 hours.
- Store in airtight container
- Lasts 3-4 days in fridge
- Cover with plastic wrap
Freeze for longer storage.
- Use freezer-safe containers
- Lasts 2-3 months frozen
- Leave space for expansion
Reheating Instructions
Microwave method:
- Heat on high for 1-2 minutes
- Stir halfway through
- Add splash of milk if dry
Oven method:
- Preheat to 350°F
- Cover with foil
- Heat 15-20 minutes
Method | Time | Temperature |
|---|---|---|
Microwave | 1-2 minutes | High |
Oven | 15-20 minutes | 350°F |
Stovetop | 5-10 minutes | Low heat |
Add milk when reheating.
Stir gently to maintain creaminess.