Macaroni and Cheese Recipe With Velveeta and Cheddar

Super creamy homemade Velveeta Mac and Cheese is the ultimate family favorite recipe we've enjoyed for years. Easy, from scratch, baked macaroni and cheese is comfort food at its best!

Bonus! Directions include adaptations for gluten free mac and cheese, instant pot, or stove top.

a wooden spoon lifting out cheesy baked velveeta mac and cheese

Everyone needs a go-to baked mac and cheese recipe. This homemade Velveeta Mac and Cheese recipe checks all the boxes. It's ridiculously easy, decadently creamy, and hands-down the best version you'll ever eat!

Nothing screams American comfort food more than creamy mac and cheese. It's a timeless classic that will always have a place at dinner tables and family get-togethers. Enjoy it as the main dinner course, or serve it as a side dish. It's a great accompaniment to chicken, pork, bbq dishes, or meatloaf.

This homemade version has been served in my family as long as I can remember. It seems like every birthday party or celebration included a bubbling casserole dish of rich, southern mac and cheese. Adults loved to indulge in their favorite comfort food, and kids were happy to fill their plates with it.

Besides the melty cheese topping and creamy interior, you'll love how easy Velveeta Mac and Cheese is to throw together. Make the quick cheese sauce, stir in cooked macaroni, and finish in the oven to melt gooey cheese on top.

Our traditional family recipe uses Velveeta cheese as the base of the sauce. We prefer it because it makes the creamiest mac and cheese and it's hard to mess up! There's no need to worry about grainy or congealed sauces.

What is Velveeta Cheese?

Technically Velveeta isn't cheese. I know! It's imposter cheese trying to fool us. But damn, does it make some good, creamy mac and cheese.

According to organicuthority.com, Velveeta used to be made of cheese but today is made with whey protein concentrate and milk protein. The FDA took notice, and told the company to take "cheese spread" off the package.

Kraft obliged and Velveeta became ""Pasteurized Prepared Cheese Product." The label changed, but not it's original appeal with home cooks- an ultra creamy "cheese" that melts smoothly.

a spoon lifting out a bite of mac and cheese from a blue bowl

How to Make Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese

So, yes, you may not want to substitute Velveeta for all your cheese needs. However, when creamy macaroni and cheese casserole calls your name, grab a box!

Velveeta mac and cheese recipe is more forgiving than other versions of baked mac and cheese. Since grated cheese isn't included in the sauce, there's no worry about the mac and cheese becoming grainy or seized.

The roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour, provides the base for the cheese sauce. Slowly whisk in the milk and allow it to come to a boil and thicken. Then lower heat to stir in the Velveeta.

The cheese slowly melts into a creamy sauce ready to toss with cooked pasta. Transfer the pasta to a casserole dish and bake in the oven.

Ingredients notes

Making easy mac and cheese starts with a simple list of ingredients.

2 cups cooked pasta – Traditionally elbow macaroni is used, but shells (also known as Conchiglie), Cavatappi, or bow ties (Farfalle) may also be substituted.
Butter – Used with flour as the base of the roux, which is a thickening agent
Flour – Mixed with melted butter to make the roux
Salt and pepper
Milk – Using at least 2% milk is preferred for a creamy cheese sauce, but 1% or skim may be substituted.
Velveeta – Cut into cubes so it melts into the sauce smoothly
Cheddar Cheese – Used as an optional topping for the ultimate cheese lover experience!

How To Make Velveeta Mac and Cheese

(Note: This is a step-by-step tutorial with pictures. For more specific instructions, along with ingredient amounts, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.)

ingredients for velveeta mac and cheese and making roux

milk being poured in sauce pan and velveeta cheese melting

macaroni being mixed in and additional cheese sprinkled on casserole

Preheat oven to 350ºF (175ºC). Prepare cooked elbow pasta, cube cheese, and measure out flour, butter, salt, and pepper.
Melt butter in a large saucepan. Whisk in flour, salt, and pepper.
Slowly whisk in milk. Bring to a boil and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.
Lower heat, add cubed Velveeta cheese, and stir until sauce is smooth.
Stir in cooked macaroni.
Transfer to greased casserole dish. Top with grated cheese or other desired toppings. Bake for 30 minutes, or until bubbly.

Expert Tips for Making the Best Baked Mac and Cheese

Measure out the flour, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl first. As soon as the butter melts, throw the flour mixture in the pot. You won't risk burning the butter while measuring ingredients.
Don't over cook the macaroni! Boil till just about al dente. The macaroni will finish cooking in the oven once it's assembled.
Cutting the cheese in small cubes helps it melt quicker and smoothly blend in the hot milk.
Experiment with different cheese toppings. Throw on pepper jack for a spicy kick, blue cheese for tang, or Havarti for extra creaminess.

What to Serve With Mac and Cheese

Velveeta Mac and Cheese casserole may be served as the shining main dish or as a side dish. For more than 20 recipes, both main and side dishes, go to this what to serve with mac and cheese article!

applesauce or sauteed cinnamon apples
veggies, such as broccoli, baked zucchini, roasted brussels sprouts, or butternut squash
Pulled Pork
Meatloaf
Ribs
Bacon Cornbread
Hot Dogs
BBQ Pulled Chicken
Green salads, such as Strawberry Feta Salad, or Apple Pecan Salad
Grilled Chicken or Fried Chicken
Old fashioned jello salad

Of course, don't forget about dessert! flourless chocolate cookies, tiger butter, or banana cake with banana filling would be a great ending to a meal!

Instant Pot directions

This mac and cheese recipe may also be adapted for the pressure cooker. Serve Instant Pot Mac and Cheese immediately or transfer to a baking dish to broil desired toppings.

Stir together 2 cups water or chicken broth (recommended for more flavor, but decrease salt to 1/4 teaspoon), 2 cups uncooked macaroni, 3 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper in the pressure cooker. Omit flour from recipe.
Seal lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes (for regular pasta or gluten free). Quick release pressure.
Add 3/4 cup milk and cubed cheese. Heat on SAUTE LOW, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Add additional 1/2 cup -1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesy flavor.
Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese or other desired toppings, and broil for 1-2 minutes.

adapting for Gluten-Free

I often make this mac and cheese recipe gluten-free by making a couple simple adaptations.

Substitute gluten free flour for all-purpose flour. I use and recommend Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour.
Use gluten free macaroni. My favorite brand to use is Barilla Gluten Free Elbows.
When boiling the gluten free macaroni, cook it for half the time called for al dente pasta. Gluten free pasta has a tendency to overcook and become mushy. By par-boiling the pasta, it will finish cooking in the oven as it bakes.

making on the Stove-top

Save yourself time and extra step by making Velveeta Mac and Cheese entirely on the stovetop.

Prepare recipe as written, except reduce milk by 1/2 cup. After the cheese has melted into the sauce, stir in cooked macaroni, and serve!

What else can be added?

Homemade mac and cheese recipe uses basic ingredients to let the comforting cream sauce shine through. However, here are some some flavor enhancers that may be added to baked macaroni and cheese. Use any or all of the spices in the sauce!

Add 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
Try 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder for a hint of garlic
1/2 teaspoon onion powder adds another layer of flavor
Add few dashes of hot sauce
Stir in additional shredded cheese to the Velveeta cheese sauce, such as cheddar, Colby jack, or sharp cheddar
Stirring in 1/2 cup sour cream after the cheese melts adds a bit of tang and extra creaminess

Toppings or Mix-Ins for Baked Mac and Cheese

Southern mac and cheese can be baked as is, or topped with one of these suggested toppings. Tip: My mom would always do half one topping, half another so the family and guests could choose their favorite.

French Onions or Gluten-Free Fried Onions
Sliced tomatoes
Shredded cheese, such as grated cheddar, pepper jack, sharp cheddar, or parmesan
Crumbled potato chips
Cooked and chopped bacon, ham, or tuna
Crushed Cheez-its
Sliced hot dogs
Bread crumbs or panko topping
Broccoli florets
BBQ sauce

Why is my mac and cheese grainy?

I find using Velveeta avoids problems with seized, curdled mac and cheese. Here are some tips for avoiding grainy mac and cheese.

Pull the baked mac and cheese when it starts to bubble around the edges and middle is very hot.
Let the flour cook with the butter for 30 seconds to 1 minute so the fat coats the butter.
Don't add the cheese too quickly. Grating or cubing cheese and adding a bit at a time helps it emulsify into the sauce.
Lower the heat of the milk before adding cheese. If the mixture is too hot the cheese will seize and separate.

more Comfort Food recipes

Stuffed Pepper Soup – Everyone gobbles up this family favorite version full of bell peppers, rice, ground beef, and a flavorful tomato base.

Easy Baked Pasta – A healthy, vegetarian casserole combining a creamy ricotta tomato sauce, penne, cheese, and fresh tomatoes.

Tuna Noodle Casserole – This homemade, classic recipe is cheesy with a crunchy potato chip topping, contains no condensed soup, and is easily adaptable to make gluten free.

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Chicken – A baked stuffed chicken recipe is easy to assemble and cooks in minutes for a quick weeknight dinner!

Gluten-Free Green Bean Casserole – So delicious it will rival the classic Thanksgiving dish you grew up on!

casserole dish with a wooden spoon scooping out mac and cheese

SAVE THIS recipe for Velveeta Mac and Cheese TO YOUR PINTEREST BOARD!

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▢ 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni, regular or gluten free
▢ 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
▢ 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour or gluten frea all-purpose flour, I recommend Cup 4 Cup brand
▢ ½ teaspoon salt
▢ dash pepper
▢ 2 cups milk
▢ 8 ounces Velveeta, cut in small cubes
▢ 1 cup (optional) shredded cheddar cheese, for topping

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Spray a 11X7 or 2 ½ quart casserole dish with cooking spray. Set aside. Preheat the oven to 350ºF.
Cook the macaroni according to the directions for almost al dente (about 1 minute less). The macaroni will finish cooking in the oven once it's assembled. Drain and set aside. (See recipe notes for gluten free adaptation.)
Melt the butter in large saucepan over medium heat. As soon as the butter is melted, whisk in flour, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds – 1 minute, or until mixture bubbles.
Slowly whisk the milk into butter / flour mixture and bring to a boil. Boil for 1-2 minutes, or until thickened.
Reduce heat to low and gradually add chopped Velveeta cheese, a handful at a time. Stir until the cheese is melted and sauce is smooth, about 5 minutes. Stir in cooked macaroni.
Transfer combined mac and cheese to prepared casserole dish. Top with optional cheddar cheese, and bake for 30 minutes, or until cheese topping is melted and mac and cheese is bubbly.
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Cheese Grater

Pressure Cooker Velveeta Mac and Cheese

Stir together 2 cups water or chicken broth (recommended for more flavor, but decrease salt to 1/4 teaspoon), 2 cups uncooked macaroni, 3 tablespoons butter, salt, and pepper in the pressure cooker. Omit flour from recipe.
Seal lid and cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes (for regular pasta or gluten free). Quick release pressure.
Add 3/4 cups milk and cubed cheese. Heat on SAUTE LOW, stirring constantly, until cheese melts and sauce is smooth. Stir in additional 1/2 cup – 1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese for extra cheesy flavor.
Serve immediately or transfer to a baking dish. Top with shredded cheese or other desired toppings, and broil for 1-2 minutes.

How to Make Gluten Free Mac and Cheese

Substitute gluten free flour for all-purpose flour. I use and recommend Cup 4 Cup gluten free flour.
Use gluten free macaroni. My favorite brand to use is Barilla Gluten Free Elbows.
When boiling the gluten free macaroni, cook it for half the time called for al dente pasta. Gluten free pasta has a tendency to overcook and become mushy. By par-boiling the pasta, it will finish cooking in the oven as it bakes.

Velveeta Mac and Cheese on the Stovetop