Mac and Cheese, Queso, and More Irresistible Velveeta Recipes

That familiar rectangular box of cheese — beloved in some homes, banned in others — is having a bit of a comeback. Who are we to argue? Anything cheesy (even a processed cheese product) is a “win” in my kitchen, so read on for a playful survey of recipes that feature that classic unrefrigerated, vaguely Day-Glo cheese known as Velveeta. 

Related: 20 Super Simple Twists on Boxes Mac and Cheese

This classic recipe, as featured on the Kraft Heinz site, which is all about the sauce, but has some unique twists. We’re also intrigued by the topping made of buttery crackers.

Recipe: My Food and Family

Related:21 Fun Facts You Didn't Know About Mac and Cheese

This dish features broccoli and cheese and is easy to make at any time. It’s a simple version of a classic, one that without eggs, mayonnaise, heavy cream, or any soups, yet still turns out creamy every time.

Recipe: Sweet Tea and Sprinkles

Related: Decadent Meatless Casserole Recipes to Try Now

The Kraft Heinz site knows this one’s a classic party dip, so has no trouble sharing its two-ingredient recipe — simply combine Velveeta and RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies. With various options of RoTel now available such as Mexican style with lime and cilantro or a no-salt added version, you can customize to your own taste. Just note the recipe makes enough for 40, so that better be a big party.

Recipe: My Food and Family

RoTel queso is a tradition in many kitchens, so those who want to mix it up even more can try this, another super-simple recipe that adds savory pork sausage to the party and comes together courtesy of the microwave.

Recipe: Allrecipes

Red potatoes add the sturdy base while cream of mushroom soup and Velveeta combine with the remaining ingredients to create one rich side dish or vegetarian entrée.

Recipe: The Blogette by Kelly Dixon

Leftover ham sparked the creation of this recipe, which features Velveeta for the way it melts. With potatoes added to the mix, it puts a warm bowl on the table within 30 minutes, ideal for a busy weeknight.

Recipe: Mindee’s Cooking Obsession

Cooked chicken, green chilies, chili powder, and salsa are among the ingredients for this dish that’s extra cheesy thanks to both Velveeta and cream cheese. It’s not only easy but can be made ahead and frozen, as well.

Recipe: Food.

There are likely as many mac-and-cheese recipes featuring Velveeta as there are home cooks. This one features both onion and dry mustard powders to add a bit of zing to the proceedings. It also offers options, from baking or cooking on the stovetop to a list of possible add-ins that includes ham, shredded turkey, carrots or black olives.

Recipe: Spend with Pennies

Ground beef, cream of mushroom soup, egg noodles and, of course, Velveeta come together in a quick-and-easy, one-skillet meal that’s on the table in less than 30 minutes.

Recipe: My Food and Family

Pimiento cheese, that Southern favorite spread that traditionally features cheese, mayonnaise and pimientos, inspired this recipe that brings those flavors to a casserole of mac and cheese. It’s also a crowd pleaser.

Recipe: Taste of the South

When you’re craving comfort, this savory and creamy dish fits the bill. This isn’t a recipe for anyone watching their weight, as spaghetti, cream of chicken soup, cooked chicken, and Velveeta are among the feel-good ingredients.

Recipe: The Cards We Drew

This macaroni and cheese recipe that features Velveeta has a decidedly classy take, one that features the meat of four large lobster claws along with both Velveeta and cheddar, as well as seafood stock and panko breadcrumbs. The recipe creator suggests pairing this dish with dry Champagne.

Recipe: Food.

Two pounds of ground beef (and two full pounds of Velveeta) are the heart of this heartwarming dish that’s ideal to take the chill of an autumn evening. It all comes together in a saucepan. Should you have leftovers, the recipe notes they can be frozen for up to three months.

Recipe: Just A Pinch

Bacon, eggs and hash browns are topped with melty Velveeta for this delicious casserole. We’re impressed that fresh mushrooms, peppers, and onion also make an appearance.

Recipe: Allrecipes

Sometimes, especially on Game Day when fussy preparation is frowned upon, you just want straightforward snacks that deliver what you expect. This recipe comes together with extra-lean ground beef, tortilla chips, lettuce, tomatoes, olives, sour cream — and yes, Velveeta. Spend 15 minutes on prep, and you’re rewarded with quite a platter.

Recipe: Key Ingredient

When you’ve got multiple dishes to make, whether for the holidays or a special gathering, this rice-focused recipe comes together in the slow cooker so you can start it and let it come together on its own. Add extra texture by creating a crushed cracker topping.

Recipe: The Cookie Rookie

This layered, taco-inspired dish features a number of ingredients that combine for a memorable taste, with Velveeta and sharp cheddar complementing lettuce, tomato, ground beef, green olives and more. 

Recipe: Taste of Home

Some recipes are simply designed to let simple flavors shine through, and this is one of them. It features just seven ingredients and serves six.

Recipe: Food.

A soup featuring hearty ground beef and potatoes (along with Velveeta and sour cream) is a quick, tasty option. Top with diced pickles and extra cheese for that classic burger experience.

Recipe: I Wash, You Dry

A classic diner choice that makes a quick and tasty lunch at home, tuna melts bring back childhood memories for many. This version from Kraft Heinz features celery, Miracle Whip, and Velveeta for a taste of yesterday.

Recipe: My Food and Family

Called luxurious by its creator, this dish features a combination of (affordable) imitation crab meat with cheese. And we’re talking multiple cheeses, with Velveeta joined by Monterey Jack, Swiss and gruyere for a creamy presentation that will find guests elbowing each other to dip their bread, veggies and more.

Recipe: Taste of Home

Scrambled eggs and bacon team up with Velveeta and RoTel diced tomatoes and green chilies for a punchy way to start out the day. Refrigerated pizza crust dough adds an authentic touch to the proceedings.

Recipe: Ready Set Eat

This is one so-called salad we can really get behind, as it features corn chips, Velveeta, and avocado. The Velveeta is melted and combined with evaporated milk and grated onions for a one-of-a-kind dressing.

Recipe: These Old Cookbooks

Yet another unique spin on a salad with this one — think pineapple chunks, Velveeta, mini marshmallows, whipping cream, pecans, and more. The result is sweet, salty, and creamy. Give it a go?

Recipe: Just a Pinch

Turn your kitchen into a cozy pub with this Velveeta-rich spin on shepherd’s pie. You’ll note the mashed potatoes you expect, the ground beef you expect and the mixed veggies you expect. The Velveeta is the surprise here in this single-skillet creation.

Recipe: My Food and Family

Everyone has a favorite meatloaf recipe, but this one caught us by surprise, as it features quite the twist — it is stuffed with Velveeta for an unexpected, creamy center. A topping made from ketchup, French dressing, and brown sugar adds another level of taste.

Recipe: Food.

Equally ideal for a lavish brunch table or an on-the-go breakfast, these muffins are bursting with flavor thanks to buttermilk, ground mustard, hot pepper sauce, and dried minced onion. The cheese factor, though, will come on strong as Velveeta and cheddar are featured in the muffins, while Parmesan is included in the topping that’s sprinkled on before baking.

Recipe: Taste of Home

This is a bit of a deconstructed casserole, featuring plenty of potatoes while echoing the sense of traditional lasagna. Butter and Velveeta add a true richness, to be sure.

Recipe: How Sweet Eats

This unexpected casserole that combines pasta, two kinds of canned corn, and Velveeta into a bubble casserole. Best of all, it requires foods you probably have in your pantry.

Recipe: BubbaPie

Velveeta has turned up in plenty of unexpected places, so we’ll add one more to end this recipe sampling – chocolate fudge with walnuts. As described, “If no one knew that Velveeta was added to this recipe, they wouldn't even be able to tell. The texture of Velveeta actually helps this fudge become creamy.”

Recipe: The Country Cook