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-Kickin’ Good 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.
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.
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Kickin’ Good 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!