40 Velveeta Recipes for Easy, Cheesy Comfort Food

From creamy casseroles and cozy soups to party-ready dips, these Velveeta recipes are rich, cheesy comfort food favorites.

Few things say comfort like the creamy melt of Velveeta in a bubbling pot of mac and cheese. This rich cheese melts smoothly into silky sauces, blends easily into casseroles and holds its velvety texture in slow-cooked dips, making it a go-to for everything from quick and easy family dinners to game-day spreads. These Velveeta recipes highlight how effortlessly it transforms simple ingredients into flavor-packed dishes, from a bacon cheeseburger tater tot bake to hearty soups.

We chose these recipes for how well they showcase Velveeta’s signature melt and richness in unexpected ways. You’ll find creamy hash brown sides, comforting soups, Southwestern nachos and meat-packed casseroles that make the most of its smooth finish.

To build on that flavor, try mixing in green chiles, hot sauce or taco seasoning for a spicy twist or adding ground sausage to increase richness in party-friendly dip recipes. Leftovers store well in the fridge and reheat best when covered and warmed gently to preserve that creamy texture. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or prepping ahead for a crowd, these dishes turn a block of Velveeta into something crave-worthy.

1/40

Rotel Dip

Total Time:15 min
Servings:4 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Creamy, delicious and made with only four ingredients, this Rotel dip is an absolute showstopper. It gets a bit of heat from the green chiles and chili powder, with a savory complement of ground beef and ooey-gooey Velveeta cheese. Serve it with tortilla chips, sliced veggies, pretzels or whatever else your heart desires. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 148 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 452mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 10g protein.
2/40

Cavatappi Mac and Cheese

Total Time:50 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Dive fork-first into oodles of noodles baked to bubbly perfection and coated with a to-die-for sharp cheddar cheese sauce in this cavatappi, a grown-up version of mac and cheese. Hot sauce lends mild heat that’s delectable with the smoky topping. —Barbara Colucci, Rockledge, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 706 calories, 38g fat (21g saturated fat), 110mg cholesterol, 782mg sodium, 60g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 3g fiber), 32g protein.
3/40

Potato Soup

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You'll be surprised at the taste of this rich and cheesy easy potato soup. It really is the best potato soup recipe, ever. I came up with it after enjoying baked potato soup at one of our favorite restaurants. I added bacon, and we think that makes it even better. —Coleen Morrissey, Sweet Valley, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 250 calories, 13g fat (7g saturated fat), 35mg cholesterol, 823mg sodium, 22g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 12g protein.
4/40

Velveeta Fudge

Total Time:15 min
Servings:4 pounds
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: My mom and I make it every year for Christmas and give it to others; now my in-laws ask for it! Use saran wrap to smooth the fudge into the pan for a nice, glossy, finished look. —Dara Wennihan, Tarkio, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 piece: 66 calories, 3g fat (2g saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 35mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
5/40

Beef Enchiladas Verdes

Total Time:1 hour 10 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: These beef enchiladas verdes are easy to make ahead and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. After quickly cooking the tortillas in hot oil, I layer them between paper napkins to soak up excess oil. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 2 enchiladas: 676 calories, 41g fat (19g saturated fat), 121mg cholesterol, 1406mg sodium, 40g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 4g fiber), 36g protein.
6/40

Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

Total Time:25 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 526 calories, 20g fat (8g saturated fat), 86mg cholesterol, 1436mg sodium, 54g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 5g fiber), 30g protein.
7/40

Haystack Meal

Total Time:25 min
Servings:2 casseroles (6 each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Served as the main dish at our family reunion buffet, this flavorful layered taco-style dish was a true crowd-pleaser. Folks were pleasantly surprised to find a rice layer, and everyone enjoys the creamy cheese sauce. —Jill Steiner, Hancock, Minnesota
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 888 calories, 55g fat (24g saturated fat), 164mg cholesterol, 1746mg sodium, 57g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 3g fiber), 41g protein.
8/40

Peas in Cheese Sauce

Total Time:20 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Mom dresses up convenient frozen peas with a quick-to-fix cheese sauce that our family loves.
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 114 calories, 6g fat (4g saturated fat), 19mg cholesterol, 284mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
9/40

Egg Noodle Lasagna

Total Time:3 hours 20 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A perfect take-along for charity events and church potlucks, this comforting crowd-pleaser satisfies everyone who tries it. —Mary Oberlin, Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 266 calories, 15g fat (8g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 432mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
10/40

Party Pizzas

Total Time:30 min
Servings:3 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: With the irresistible combination of creamy cheese and lightly seasoned meat on crispy toast, these snacks get cleared away quickly. —Carolyn Snow, Sedalia, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 2 mini pizzas: 234 calories, 13g fat (6g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 792mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 14g protein.
11/40

Breakfast Scramble

Total Time:55 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: One weekend morning, my husband and I were craving a breakfast without the traditional sausage or bacon. I reached for the ground beef and tossed in other ingredients as I went about cooking. This was the heavenly result! —Mary Lill, Rock Cave, West Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 310 calories, 15g fat (7g saturated fat), 191mg cholesterol, 408mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 23g protein.
12/40

Cheesy Zucchini Casserole

Total Time:30 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Tender zucchini gets pleasant flavor from a cheesy sauce and cracker-crumb topping in this fast-to-fix side dish. —Kathi Grenier, Auburn, Maine
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 136 calories, 9g fat (5g saturated fat), 22mg cholesterol, 508mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 6g protein.
13/40

Cheese Chicken Soup

Total Time:30 min
Servings:8 (22/3 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Kids won’t think twice about eating their vegetables after tasting this cheesy soup. —LaVonne Lundgren, Sioux City, Iowa
Nutrition Facts: 1-1/3 cups: 429 calories, 22g fat (11g saturated fat), 116mg cholesterol, 1464mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 4g fiber), 33g protein.
14/40

Cheeseburger Cups

Contest Winner
Total Time:30 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a terrific recipe for moms with young kids and busy lives. This simple, inexpensive dish is made with handy ingredients and takes just a short time. Best of all, kids will go crazy for these darling dinner bites! —Jeri Millhouse, Ashland, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cheeseburger cup: 299 calories, 14g fat (5g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 910mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 13g protein.
15/40

Crawfish Fettuccine

Contest Winner
Total Time:1 hour
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I enjoy cooking Cajun dishes, especially those with seafood. Served alongside a green salad and garlic bread, this dish is great for family gatherings. The recipe can easily be doubled to serve a larger group. If you’d like it less spicy, remove the seeds from the jalapeno before chopping it. —Carolyn Lejeune, Welsh, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 590 calories, 41g fat (25g saturated fat), 236mg cholesterol, 853mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 2g fiber), 26g protein.
16/40

Cheesy Meatballs

Total Time:5 hours
Servings:about 9 dozen
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Can meatballs be lucky? My guys think so, and they want them for game time. My beef, sausage and cheese recipe has a big fan following. —Jill Hill, Dixon, Illinois
Nutrition Facts: 1 meatball: 52 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 134mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 3g protein.
17/40

Potluck Mac and Cheese

Total Time:2 hours 25 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: You'll always have a winner at the potluck when you bring macaroni and cheese. Here's an extra-rich, creamy version for the slow cooker. —Jennifer Blondek, Chicopee, Massachusetts
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 388 calories, 28g fat (17g saturated fat), 122mg cholesterol, 652mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 0 fiber), 17g protein.
18/40

Nacho Dip

Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:7 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This zesty nacho dip is great for any get-together and allows me to spend more time with my guests. I always have requests to bring it when my husband and I attend parties. —Sally Hull, Homestead, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 143 calories, 10g fat (6g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 484mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 9g protein.
19/40

Cottage Potatoes

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:14
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I often make this crunchy and colorful potato dish for our family reunions. It's my cousin's recipe, and we always know we'll never have any leftovers. —Mary C. Sholtis, Ashtabula, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 389 calories, 11g fat (7g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 393mg sodium, 64g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 6g fiber), 10g protein.
20/40

Cheesy Chicken ‘n’ Shells

Total Time:45 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When our friend served us this entree, I asked her for the recipe right away. It was so good, I thought I would share it with others. I cut the recipe down for a meal or two, but it can easily be doubled or tripled. —Jodee Harding, Mount Vernon, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 429 calories, 16g fat (7g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1304mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 27g protein.
21/40

Creamy Taco Soup

Total Time:20 min
Servings:3-1/4 quarts
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is a quick-and-easy recipe to make, and it's one of our favorite meals for cold winter nights.
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 333 calories, 20g fat (12g saturated fat), 76mg cholesterol, 746mg sodium, 15g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 2g fiber), 21g protein.
22/40

Nacho Tots

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is an easy, versatile party appetizer that everyone loves. If you can't find chorizo, ground beef or ground chicken are wonderful, too. Top with anything you like! —Connie Krupp, Racine, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 serving: 378 calories, 23g fat (9g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 1152mg sodium, 29g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 5g fiber), 13g protein.
23/40

Bacon Mac and Cheese

Total Time:1 hour 15 min
Servings:16 (3/4 cup each)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Jalapeno pepper adds an extra kick to this bacon mac and cheese, giving it great grown-up taste. I serve this comforting dish throughout the year.—Shelly Boehm, South Bend, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 438 calories, 26g fat (13g saturated fat), 75mg cholesterol, 1106mg sodium, 26g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
24/40

Sensational Crabmeat Fondue

Total Time:30 min
Servings:8 cups
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: We entertain a lot, and luxurious crab fondue makes guests feel indulged. —Debbie Obert, Middleburg, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 144 calories, 11g fat (6g saturated fat), 34mg cholesterol, 257mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
25/40

Creamy Cheese Rice

Total Time:30 min
Servings:2
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: The best part about this cheesy rice recipe is that it's great both hot or cold. It's a dish I make often since cheese and rice are staples in my pantry and because it travels well, I like to take it to a picnic or a barbecue.
Nutrition Facts: 2/3 cup: 216 calories, 4g fat (2g saturated fat), 9mg cholesterol, 466mg sodium, 38g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 6g protein.
26/40

Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
Nutrition Facts: 1 appetizer with 2 tablespoons dipping sauce: 340 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
27/40

Chili Queso Dip

Total Time:2 hours 20 min
Servings:40 (2-1/2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I’ve had this recipe for more than 42 years and have updated it from time to time. This is an easy party favorite, and everyone loves the taquito dippers. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup dip: 147 calories, 11g fat (5g saturated fat), 39mg cholesterol, 473mg sodium, 4g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
28/40

Crockpot Broccoli Cheese Soup

Total Time:3 hours 15 min
Servings:4
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: When I want soup at a restaurant, it’s broccoli-cheese all the way. When I make it at home it’s creamy cheesy, exactly how I like it. —Kristen Hills, Layton, UT
Nutrition Facts: 1-3/4 cups: 675 calories, 49g fat (30g saturated fat), 165mg cholesterol, 1964mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (15g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
29/40

Jazzed-Up Green Bean Casserole

Total Time:5 hours 50 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: After trying many variations of this old standby, I decided to give it a little kick. The crunchy texture from the veggies combines with bacon and melt-in-your-mouth cheese to make this dish a hit at any holiday get-together. —Stephan-Scott Rugh, Portland, Oregon
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 200 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 862mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 3g fiber), 7g protein.
30/40

Baked Two-Cheese & Bacon Grits

Total Time:1 hour 5 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: In the South, everyone loves three things: bacon, cheese and grits! After playing around with this recipe, I took it to my first family party as a newlywed, and it was a huge hit. This recipe has become a family tradition that I'm sure will be passed down for generations. —Melissa Rogers, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
Nutrition Facts: 3/4 cup: 466 calories, 34g fat (18g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 840mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 17g protein.
31/40

Southwestern Nachos

Total Time:7 hours 55 min
Servings:30
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Guests will go crazy when you serve this cheesy nacho casserole with tender chunks of slow-cooked pork. The recipe makes two heaping pans, and you don’t need to worry about filling the chip bowl—the tortilla chips are conveniently baked right in the dish! —Kelly Byler, Goshen, Indiana
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 288 calories, 12g fat (4g saturated fat), 65mg cholesterol, 548mg sodium, 19g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 2g fiber), 25g protein.
32/40

Slow-Cooker Cheese Dip

Total Time:4 hours 15 min
Servings:32 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I brought this slightly spicy cheese dip to a gathering with friends and it was a huge hit. The spicy pork sausage gives the dip plenty of zip! —Marion Bartone, Conneaut, Ohio
Nutrition Facts: 1/4 cup: 139 calories, 10g fat (5g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 486mg sodium, 3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber), 8g protein.
33/40

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

Total Time:55 min
Servings:6
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is the ultimate creamy mac and cheese. It's saucy, thick and very rich, with a wonderful cheddar flavor. Once you taste it, you'll be hooked. —Cindy Hartley, Chesapeake, Virginia
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 653 calories, 46g fat (30g saturated fat), 143mg cholesterol, 1141mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 25g protein.
34/40

Chili Cheese Dip

Total Time:20 min
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This is probably the easiest chili cheese dip that I've ever come across, but it's one of my best-tasting recipes, too! It's very important that you keep the dip warm while serving, you can also heat it in a microwave oven. —Jerrie West, Oakhurst, California
Nutrition Facts: 2 tablespoons: 175 calories, 12g fat (7g saturated fat), 36mg cholesterol, 614mg sodium, 6g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 11g protein.
35/40

Zucchini Tomato Casserole

Total Time:35 min
Servings:8
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Even people who don’t like zucchini can’t seem to get enough of this full-flavored side dish. I always bring it to our family gatherings and potlucks because it goes well with any entree. —Cathy Johnston, Ranchester, Wyoming
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 224 calories, 16g fat (9g saturated fat), 90mg cholesterol, 527mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
36/40

Bacon Cheeseburger Tater Tot Bake

Total Time:1 hour
Servings:12
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: Roll your burgers, cheese and taters all into one. It's the perfect dish to use to bribe your kids; homework, chores, piano practice—consider them done when this is the reward! —Deanna Zewen, Union Grove, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 479 calories, 31g fat (12g saturated fat), 92mg cholesterol, 1144mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 27g protein.
37/40

Macaroni and Cheese Soup

Total Time:40 min
Servings:20 (5 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I have worked in the food service industry for too many years to count and have made this one-of-a-kind soup at many different jobs. It's always been a big hit. —Emma Head, Sunrise Beach, Missouri
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 261 calories, 17g fat (11g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 619mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 1g fiber), 9g protein.
38/40

Chili Nachos

Contest Winner
Total Time:20 min
Servings:16
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: This creamy, chili-style dish is so warm and filling that we often prepare it when on skiing trips to Colorado. We keep it warm in a slow cooker to serve as a hearty dip at parties. It can be served over corn chips and eaten with a fork. -Laurie Withers, Wildomar, California
Nutrition Facts: 1 each: 550 calories, 36g fat (16g saturated fat), 91mg cholesterol, 1379mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein.
39/40

Nacho Chicken

Total Time:45 min
Servings:10
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: I have been serving this rich and zippy chicken casserole for years, and it's always a favorite of my family and friends. It's sure to disappear quickly at potluck suppers too. —Thom Britton, Three Rivers, Michigan
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 496 calories, 27g fat (11g saturated fat), 81mg cholesterol, 1299mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 2g fiber), 29g protein.
40/40

Cheeseburger Soup

Contest Winner
Total Time:55 min
Servings:8 (2 quarts)
Test Kitchen Approved
From the Recipe Creator: A local restaurant serves a similar cheeseburger soup but wouldn't share its recipe with me. I developed my own, modifying a recipe I already had for potato soup. I was really pleased with the way this all-American dish turned out. —Joanie Shawhan, Madison, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts: 1 cup: 354 calories, 20g fat (11g saturated fat), 70mg cholesterol, 1012mg sodium, 31g carbohydrate (7g sugars, 3g fiber), 14g protein.

Velveeta Recipes FAQ

How can I make dips using Velveeta more flavorful?

Add jalapenos, garlic, onions or spicy sausage to dips with Velveeta for more depth and flavor. To up the spice level, stir in crushed red peppers, green chiles, hot sauce or a dash of taco seasoning. These upgrades work well in warm party dips, Tex-Mex skillet queso or slow-cooked cheese sauces served with chips or soft pretzels.

What’s the best way to store leftover Velveeta?

Wrap leftover Velveeta tightly in foil or food wrap and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Unmelted Velveeta stays fresh for up to eight weeks after opening. Melted Velveeta should be cooled completely before refrigerating and used within three to five days. To make the most of leftover Velveeta, stir it into quick recipes like cheesy scrambled eggs, loaded baked potato casseroles or easy stovetop nacho sauce.

Are Velveeta recipes suitable for freezing?

Many Velveeta recipes freeze well, especially casseroles, mac and cheese and cheesy dips. While the texture may change slightly after reheating, most dishes hold up well if stored in airtight containers or wrapped tightly. For best results, freeze Velveeta-based recipes such as make-ahead breakfast bakes or creamy casseroles for up to three months, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.