How to Make the Best Velveeta Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is the epitome of comfort food. Creamy, cheesy, and indulgent, it’s hard not to love this classic dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or a potluck, it’s guaranteed to be a hit. Today, I’m sharing my go-to recipe for mac and cheese that hits all the right notes: rich, creamy, and full of flavor. Plus, I’ll walk you through some variations, answer common questions, and give you tips on how to store and freeze it.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This mac and cheese is everything you want it to be:
- Velvety smooth thanks to the addition of Velveeta.
- Ultra creamy with both whole milk and half and half, creating a rich base.
- Cheesy and indulgent with a blend of Velveeta and cheddar.
Once you try this recipe, you’ll find it becomes your staple for all occasions.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 16 oz Elbow Pasta (cooked al dente): You want a pasta shape that holds onto the sauce well.
- 16 oz Velveeta Loaf: This is the secret to that smooth, melty texture.
- 1 Quart Half and Half: For a rich and creamy sauce.
- ½ Cup Butter: Adds richness and depth of flavor.
- 2 Cups Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar gives a great cheesy bite and balances the mild Velveeta.
- 2 Cups Whole Milk: This helps thin the sauce slightly while maintaining creaminess.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by cooking your elbow pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. You want the pasta to be slightly firm, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
- Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add in the Velveeta. Stir until the Velveeta has melted completely.
- Add the Liquids: Slowly pour in the half and half and whole milk, stirring constantly to combine everything smoothly. Keep stirring until the mixture is warm and well incorporated.
- Stir in the Cheddar: Add the cheddar cheese and stir until it’s melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Once the cheese sauce is ready, add the cooked pasta to the pot. Stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy goodness.
- Serve: Your mac and cheese is ready to serve immediately, but it’s also fantastic when baked for a few minutes to get that crispy top layer.
FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While elbows are traditional, other small pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or cavatappi work great too. Just make sure you cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy when combined with the sauce.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! All you need to do is swap out the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.
Q: Is Velveeta necessary for the recipe?
Velveeta gives this mac and cheese its signature creamy texture, but if you’re not a fan, you can use cream cheese or mascarpone as a substitute. It won’t be exactly the same but will still be delicious.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the mac and cheese ahead and store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, reheat it gently on the stove or in the oven.
Q: How do I reheat mac and cheese without it drying out?
To reheat, add a splash of milk or half and half to bring back the creaminess. Warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
Variations on This Recipe
One of the best things about mac and cheese is how versatile it is. Here are a few ways to make this dish your own:
- Add a Crispy Topping: Before baking, sprinkle some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter over the top for an extra crispy layer.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Cook some crispy bacon, chop it up, and stir it into the mac and cheese. The smoky flavor complements the creamy sauce beautifully.
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese: Stir in some shredded, cooked chicken and a drizzle of buffalo sauce for a spicy twist.
- Broccoli Mac and Cheese: For a veggie-loaded version, add some steamed broccoli florets to the mix. It adds color and texture to the dish.
- Extra Cheesy: Swap out the sharp cheddar for a mix of cheeses like Monterey Jack, Gouda, or even Parmesan for added depth of flavor.
Pairing Suggestions
Mac and cheese is hearty and rich, so you’ll want to pair it with sides and drinks that complement, rather than compete, with it. Here are some ideas:
- Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad with a light vinaigrette helps cut through the richness of the dish.
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted Brussels sprouts or green beans for a crunchy, savory side.
- Protein: Mac and cheese pairs well with grilled or baked chicken, pork chops, or even steak.
- Wine: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs wonderfully with the creamy sauce. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir works too.
- Beer: A light lager or a slightly hoppy IPA can complement the richness without being too overpowering.
Storing and Freezing
One of the great things about mac and cheese is that it’s perfect for leftovers. Here’s how to store and freeze it properly:
Storing in the Refrigerator:
- Once your mac and cheese has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Instructions:
- If you want to make a larger batch to freeze, mac and cheese freezes very well. After cooking, let it cool completely. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months.
How to Reheat Frozen Mac and Cheese:
- To reheat, thaw the mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight. Then, warm it up on the stove with a little extra milk or in the oven at 350°F until heated through. If you’re baking it, you can also top it with breadcrumbs before popping it in the oven.
Make it a Meal
Mac and cheese can easily be the star of the show, but if you’re serving it as part of a bigger spread, here are a few ways to round out the meal:
- BBQ Mac and Cheese: Pair it with barbecued meats like pulled pork or smoked ribs for a Southern-inspired feast.
- Mac and Cheese Bar: Set up a “build-your-own” mac and cheese bar with a variety of toppings like crumbled bacon, green onions, sautéed mushrooms, and different cheeses. Let guests create their own perfect bowl.
- Family-Style Comfort: Serve mac and cheese alongside classic comfort food dishes like meatloaf or fried chicken.
Final Thoughts
This mac and cheese recipe is easy, delicious, and endlessly customizable. Whether you’re making it for a holiday meal, a potluck, or just a cozy weeknight dinner, it’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Plus, with so many variations and pairing options, you can make it your own every time.
Give this recipe a try, and I’m sure it will become a staple in your home just like it has in mine!
Velveeta and Cheddar Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow pasta cooked al dente
- 16 oz velveeta loaf
- 1 qt half and half
- 1/2 cup butter
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- to taste salt and pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large pot, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the Velveeta and stir until melted and smooth.
- Gradually pour in the half and half and whole milk, stirring continuously.
- Add the shredded cheddar cheese and stir until fully melted.
- Stir in the cooked pasta, ensuring it’s well-coated with the cheese sauce.
- Serve immediately or bake for a crispy top.