Mac and Cheese is just one of those childhood meals that nobody should ever outgrow. I finally created a recipe of mac and cheese that I like better than the boxed kind—this quick and easy Mac and Cheese with Velveeta. Noodles, velveeta, cheddar cheese, milk, paprika, salt, pepper, and creole for a little kick! My toddler loved this mac and cheese, and didn’t even notice the little kick from the creole (or if he did, the absolute cheesy goodness of this recipe outweighed the little spice!). If you like kick, feel free to add more.If you just like ‘plain old mac & cheese’ leave it out.
Read below to learn how to make Macaroni and cheese with velveeta.
Ingredients + Substitutions
Noodles: I used penne noodles to make this look more like fancy mac and cheese, but you can try any kind of noodle you want.
Cheese: this is the most important ingredient. Apparently, when you shred your own cheese it melts better than the pre-shredded kind. So I shredded my own cheddar cheese, however if you are in a pinch you can still use pre-shredded. Of course, velveeta..is velveeta even really cheese? I would look it up, but honestly I don’t even want to know. Ignorance is bliss? If eating velveeta is how I go, I am ok with it.
Milk: Use any kind of milk for this recipe, however, I have used 1/2 cup heavy cream in this recipe in place of milk and holy creaminess..so good!
Seasonings: the usual salt and pepper, to your taste. Paprika tastes great, and creole if you are looking for a kick like I am! If you do not like creole, think about adding dry mustard or even chili powder to dress the dish up a bit. Garlic is also a must in this recipe. I used minced garlic, the kind you have to store in the refrigerator after opening, but literally use any kind of garlic you have on hand.
Other: A few other ingredients include a bit of flour to thicken the cheese and of course butter.
Substitutions: As I mentioned above, dry mustard or chili powder could replace the creole seasoning.
Heavy cream can substitute some of the milk.
Use any kind of shredded cheese your heart desires.
Add sausage, kielbasa, fajita chicken etc. for a little protein! Or eat this mac and cheese with a big juicy steak like I do! Here is a recipe for beef tenderloin that might be worth trying. Beef is a great way to get your B12 vitamins , protein and much more.
Mac and Cheese variations: add 1-2 tbsp taco seasoning for a taco Mac and cheese.
For a fall dish, add pumpkin purée for pumpkin Mac and cheese (don’t hate on it until you try it!).
How to make Mac and Cheese:
- Heat skillet/pan on medium heat.Boil noodles in a pot per the package instructions.
- In the heated skillet, add 2 tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted add 2 tbsp of flour and mix together. Add the seasonings, mix well. Then add the milk slowly. Stir for 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Once thickened, add the grated cheese and cubed velveeta. Stir for about 5 minutes on medium heat until all cheese is melted. You may want to taste the cheese sauce to ensure it is seasoned to your liking.
- Add the cooked, drained, noodles to the cheese sauce. Enjoy!
Mac and Cheese FAQs:
Is this a spicy Mac & cheese?
It can be! If your family doesn’t like spice remove the creole seasoning and cut back on chili powder. Likewise, if your family loves a kick- add more to taste!
Is this Mac and Cheese with velveeta freezer friendly?
If you choose to freeze this, be prepared to add a little milk to make it ‘creamy’ again! Cool your leftovers and freeze in a freezer safe container- thaw and reheat in microwave.
Is this Mac & cheese good for leftovers?
similar to the freezer instructions, leftovers of this kickin’ good macaroni and cheese may need some milk to make creamy again.
Can you bake the Mac & cheese?
You could bake this instead of making on skillet- but it will dry out easier in my opinion. Just make sure to stir once or twice while baking.
Can you substitute the velveeta in this pasta dish?
Kind of? I think that velveeta does make the recipe, but if you are not a fan of the huge ingredient list try American cheese from your local deli. (Fareway had it behind the counter).
Or, if you have time, make your own velveeta- I’ll link a recipe here- homemade velveeta.
What to pair with Mac & Cheese?
Try our muffin tin meatballs – they would be perfect to side!
Always room for dessert!
Since Velveeta Mac and Cheese is a staple – may as well make some chocolate chip cookies (another staple) to go along with it! Try our chocolate chip cookies with vanilla pudding.
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Quick and Easy Mac and Cheese with Velveeta
Equipment
- 1 pot for boiling noodles
- 1 skillet or pan for making cheese sauce (must be large enough for sauce + noodles)
- measuring utensils
- 1 strainer
- spoon, whisk, etc. `
- cheese grater if grating your own cheese (recommended)
Ingredients
- 2 cups noodles ex. penne, maccaroni
- 4-6 oz velveeta
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1.5 cups milk can use heavy cream for all or part of milk if desired
- 1/4 tsp pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1/4 tsp salt to taste
- 1/2 tsp minced garlic or garlic powder
- 1-2 tsp creole seasoning optional
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Instructions
- Heat skillet/pan on medium heat.Boil noodles in a pot per the package instructions.
- In the heated skillet, add 2 tbsp of butter. Once the butter is melted add 2 tbsp of flour and mix together. Add the seasonings, mix well. Then add the milk slowly. Stire for 3-5 minutes until it starts to thicken.
- Once thickening. Add the grated cheese and cubed velveeta. Stir for about 5 minutes on medium heat until all cheese is melted. You may want to taste the cheese sauce to ensure it is seasoning to your liking.
- Add the cooked, drained, noodles to the cheese sauce. Enjoy!
This turned out great thank you for sharing this recipe, the entire family loved it.
I am so glad to hear that! Thank you for the feedback!