Finding the perfect Velveeta substitute doesn’t have to be tricky, especially when you’re in the middle of cooking and realize you’re out of that melty, creamy block. From queso dips to cheesy casseroles, there are plenty of easy and delicious alternatives that bring the same rich texture and savory flavor. In this guide, we’ll walk through some of the best options to replace Velveeta and keep your recipe on track without missing a beat.
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What is Velveeta cheese?
If you are in the United States, you have probably heard of Velveeta cheese. It is a processed dairy product that has been around since the early 1900s. It’s known for its smooth, creamy texture and its ability to melt easily, making it a popular ingredient in many recipes.
Many of us use it in recipes that call for a creamy, melted cheesy sauce, such as in baked white cheddar mac and cheese, beer cheese dipping sauce for pretzels, and sourdough grilled cheese sandwiches.
If you’re out of Velveeta or want a healthier option, finding a substitute for Velveeta cheese is easier than you might think. Popular alternatives like cheddar, cream cheese, and queso panela can deliver a similar creamy texture and rich flavor in your favorite dishes.
Why substitute Velveeta for another cheese?
If you’re looking for Velveeta cheese substitutes, here are a few reasons why you might want to consider other options:
- Health concerns: Velveeta is known for being high in sodium and containing a lot of artificial ingredients. If you’re trying to eat a healthier diet, you might want to choose dairy that’s lower in sodium and less highly processed.
- Taste preferences: While some people love the taste, others find it to be too processed or artificial. If you’re looking for a cheese with a more natural, authentic flavor, you might want to use sharp cheddar or aged cheddar.
- Recipe requirements: Some recipes call for Velveeta specifically, but you might not have any on hand. In this case, you’ll need to find a suitable substitute that will work well in the recipe.
- Availability: Depending on where you live, it might not be readily available. If you can’t find it at your local grocery store, you’ll need to find a substitute.
How to use processed cheese substitutes?
Processed substitutes can be used in a variety of recipes, including casseroles, dips, and sandwiches. Some substitutes may work better in certain recipes than others.
Using a substitute can be a great way to achieve the flavor and texture of Velveeta in your recipes. With a little experimentation and adjustment, you can find the perfect substitute for your needs.
If you love cheesy sauces, try Velveeta cheese sauce, beefy cheese soup, Velveeta Rotel dip, or white bechamel cheese sauce.
Making your own substitute for Velveeta cheese
If you want to make your own homemade Velveeta substitute, here’s a few suggestions:
- We love melting together 8 ounces of cream cheese and 8 ounces (2 cups) of grated sharp or medium cheddar in exchange for four cups of Velveeta.
- Another popular recipe involves using cheddar, milk powder, gelatin, and hot water.
Keep in mind that the texture, consistency, and flavor may not be the same as the original. However, you can experiment with different ingredients and ratios to find a recipe that works best for you.
Store-bought Velveeta cheese substitutes
If you’re looking for a quick and easy substitute, then store-bought cheese options might be your best bet.
- American: This is a popular processed cheese substitute and an excellent alternative. It is widely available in most grocery stores. It has a similar texture and flavor to Velveeta, making it a great option for dishes like mac and cheese and casseroles.
- Cheddar: This is an excellent substitute, especially if you’re looking for a sharper flavor. It’s widely available in most grocery stores and can be used in a variety of dishes.
- Colby cheese or Colby Jack: Colby is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild flavor and a creamy texture and is great for melting. It can be used for casseroles, dips, and sauces.
- Gouda: This has a nutty flavor and a creamy texture and can be used in dishes that call for Velveeta.
- Monterey Jack: This is a semi-hard cheese that has a mild flavor and a creamy texture. It’s often used in quesadillas or burritos.
- Mozzarella: Mozzarella is a soft cheese that has a mild flavor and a stretchy texture. This substitute for Velveeta cheese can be used in dishes like pizza dough from Bisquick or baked lasagna.
Serving Suggestions
These Velveeta cheese substitutes are perfect for everything from hearty dinners to easy snacks. Use it as a replacement in your favorite cheese dip recipes, or melt it in a slow cooker with diced tomatoes, spices, and a splash of milk for a creamy queso-style dip. It’s a popular choice for baked macaroni, classic casseroles, or even layered into a meatloaf baked in a loaf pan. For a touch of added creaminess, stir in some shredded Swiss cheese. It also pairs beautifully with fresh veggies, crackers, or crispy chips. Just be mindful of salt levels when cooking, especially if your chosen substitute has more sodium than the original. And don’t toss any excess — it stores well for adding a flavorful boost to roasted vegetables later on!
Frequently Asked Questions
If you’re looking for a Velveeta substitute, there are many options available. Our favorite is a mixture of cream cheese and shredded cheddar.
American cheese is a good melting option and is also processed. Other substitutes to consider include cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, and provolone.
No, it’s not. While it does contain cheddar, it also contains other ingredients such as whey protein concentrate, milk protein concentrate, and sodium phosphate. These ingredients are added to give it its unique texture and flavor.
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Rosemary Hall says
My husband recently had a heart attack and is on a heart healthy diet (low sodium). For Easter our family dinner involves lots of cheesy dishes which he loves.
My mac and cheese recipe (which I make in crockpot w/o cooking the mac first) uses one large box (32 oz) velvetta, 2 cans cream of mushroom soup, 2 cans of milk. I believe I can buy low sodium soup and the milk is not horrible. I just don’t know what/how to substitute the Velvetta.
My cheesy corn (also in crock pot) calls for 8 oz philly cream cheese and 6 slices American Cheese. What can I use in place of the cream cheese for less sodium?
Thanks for all your help. Trying to have some things he likes as he definitely won’t be able to have the ham, potatoes and carrots cooked light a roast.
Gianne - TFN Team Member says
You’re doing such a wonderful job looking out for your husband’s health while still wanting him to enjoy the foods he loves—especially during the holidays! For the mac and cheese, you’re on the right track with using low-sodium cream of mushroom soup and milk. As for the Velveeta, you might try a heart-healthier swap like a homemade cheese sauce using a reduced-sodium shredded cheese (like Swiss or mozzarella, which are naturally lower in sodium) and blending it with plain Greek yogurt or a no-salt-added béchamel-style sauce. It won’t be quite as creamy as Velveeta, but it can still be delicious and cheesy! For your cheesy corn, consider using Neufchâtel cheese—it’s similar to cream cheese but has less fat and slightly less sodium. You can also look for low-sodium or reduced-fat cream cheese as an alternative. You’re doing a great job making thoughtful changes—it’s all about little tweaks that keep the flavor but help meet his new dietary needs.
Shaki says
I want to use the cheddar and cream cheese alternative for a mac and cheese recipe. I typically use a 16 oz block of velveeta, I read somewhere that 16 0z of velveeta is actually 4 cups of velveeta and not 2 as one would assume. Do you think I should half your recipe or keep it the same, 8 0z of cream cheese and 8 oz of cheddar. Thanks!
Danielle - TFN Team Member says
Hi! A 16oz block of Velveeta is 2 cups. Our recipe has been tested with 8oz of cream cheese and 8oz of cheddar to make a delicious velveeta substitute. Thanks for using our recipes!