Dinner

Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe

Name: Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup milk; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ cups water; ½ tsp onion powder; ½ tsp garlic powder; ¼ tsp pepper; 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked); 2 Tbsp butter; ½ lb Velveeta cheese (cubed); ½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

ByHarper Ellington December 30, 2025December 30, 2025

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Introduction

This Velveeta Mac and Cheese recipe comes together in just 15 minutes for a quick, comforting meal. Creamy, cheesy, and perfectly tender pasta makes it a favorite for both kids and adults alike.

The image shows a white plate with a thin brown rim, placed on a white marbled surface. On the plate, there is a serving of curly macaroni pasta in the front, cooked and covered with creamy yellow cheese sauce that looks smooth and shiny. Behind the macaroni, on the left side, there are two pieces of crispy fried chicken with a golden-brown crunchy crust. On the right side, there is a mix of colorful cooked vegetables, with bright green beans, orange carrots, and yellow corn, all neatly arranged. The overall look is warm and inviting. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 ½ cups milk (divided into 1 cup and ½ cup portions)
1 ½ cups water
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp garlic powder
¼ tsp pepper
2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
2 Tbsp butter
½ lb Velveeta cheese (cubed)
½ cup sharp cheddar cheese (shredded)

Instructions

Step 1: In a large pot over medium-high heat, combine 1 cup of milk, 1 ½ cups water, onion powder, garlic powder, and pepper. Stir gently to blend the flavors.
Step 2: Add the uncooked elbow macaroni to the pot and stir to evenly distribute the pasta in the liquids.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Cook the macaroni for 5-6 minutes until tender but still firm to the bite.
Step 4: Stir in the butter until melted, then add the remaining ½ cup of milk and the cubed Velveeta cheese. Stir continuously until the Velveeta fully melts and coats the pasta in a creamy sauce.
Step 5: Remove the pot from heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly into the sauce, enhancing the flavor.
Step 6: Serve the mac and cheese immediately while warm for the best creamy texture and taste.

Tips & Variations

For extra richness, stir in a splash of heavy cream instead of some of the milk.
Add cooked bacon or sautéed vegetables like peas or broccoli for added flavor and texture.
Use smoked cheddar for a smoky twist on this classic.

Storage

Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring often and adding a splash of milk to restore creaminess.

How to Serve

A white round plate on a white marbled surface holds a meal with three parts: two pieces of crispy fried chicken with a rough textured brown crust on the left, a serving of creamy, bright yellow macaroni and cheese in the front center with smoothly coated pasta noodles, and a mix of steamed green beans, orange carrot slices, and yellow corn in the back right. The colors are warm and inviting with a variety of textures from crunchy to soft. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any short pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or cavatappi work well with this recipe.

Is Velveeta necessary for this recipe?

Velveeta melts smoothly and creates a creamy sauce, but you can substitute with processed cheese or a combination of cream cheese and cheddar for a similar effect.