- By Michelle Minnaar
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Is the shop closed and you're wondering what to use instead? Fret not, here's a list of ingredients that are feasible for a Velveeta substitute!
What is Velveeta Cheese?
So what is Velveeta cheese exactly? Velveeta is a processed cheese that comes from Kraft. Velveeta has an assortment of products, but its most popular is its cheese block.
Velveeta also has other products like shredded cheese and cheese slices. I will be focusing on its cheese block for substitute recommendations, but I will note if I am talking about another type.
Is It Real?
No, it is not real cheese. Velveeta is a cheese byproduct. This is the main reason people want to use substitutes.
Popular Uses
Because Velveeta is creamy and soft, and it already has the texture of a melted cheese, it is used in recipes that require melted cheese. It can be used in dips, pasta such as macaroni and cheese, on nachos, or in casseroles.
My Favorite Recipes
I love to use Velveeta cheese in a couple recipes:
- Cheese sauce over vegetables - One of the reasons I love Velveeta cheese is because it is so easy to use. Anytime I have vegetables that I want to add some richness to, I top them with Velveeta.
- Queso dip - I also love to make a queso dip with Velveeta cheese, Ro-Tel tomatoes, and ground beef. It comes together in a crockpot and tastes delicious with chips.
Where to Find It
Velveeta cheese can be found in basically any grocery store. It is a staple at major retailers, and can often be found at local food suppliers, as well.
Look for it in the processed cheese aisle next to other products like cheez whiz and spray cheese.
Tips for Handling It
When using Velveeta slices or shredded cheese, you can use it just the same as you would slices or shreds of real cheese.
When you are using the block of Velveeta cheese, you can use it just as you would a cheese sauce or cheese that has already been melted.
Just know that Velveeta is pretty thick and you’ll want to thin it out a little bit. This will happen either by heating it up or adding a liquid to it.
Montery Jack cheese is a common substitute, however if you don't fancy that then try one of these substitutes.
10 Velveeta Substitutes
Are you looking for a Velveeta Substitute? In this comprehensive list you'll learn 10 ideas for an alternative.
Swiss cheese is a great substitute for Velveeta. You can use any type of Swiss cheese you like, like emmental cheese.
Swiss is a good substitute for Velveeta because it is a versatile cheese. It melts well, can be sliced and put on a sandwich, or it can be cubed and eaten with toasty bred.
Swiss cheese is mild and doesn’t really have a pungent smell, which is important when you replace Velveeta cheese, because most recipes with Velveeta do not have strong flavors.
You want a cheese that is universally loved, which is why Swiss cheese is a great substitute for Velveeta cheese.
Another popular cheese and great Velveeta substitute is cheddar cheese. Whether you’re using sharp cheddar cheese, mild, or any other type, cheddar is a good replacement for regular Velveeta. You’ll also find that shredded cheddar cheese is a wonderful replacement for shredded Velveeta.
Cheddar typically has an orange or yellow color, just like Velveeta, and is very versatile. It melts well and can be sliced, and it tastes great with just about every food.
Cheddar is also a universally loved cheese. If you are making a recipe that calls for Velveeta and you’re unsure which cheese to use instead, almost always go with cheddar cheese.
Cheddar cheese is used in nearly everything from grilled cheese to meat sandwiches, pizzas to quesadillas. Sharp cheddar cheese is often eaten on its own or with crackers.
Out of all the cheddars, you’re most likely to find sharp cheddar cheese or extra sharp cheddar cheese on a cheese board.
Monterey is another good Velveeta substitute. Sometimes called Jack, it’s made with cow's milk and has a mild taste. It’s very versatile and is often used in quesadillas and other Mexican foods.
Like the other cheeses mentioned, Jack is great in place of Velveeta because of its melting properties and mild taste
Pepper jack cheese can also be used as a substitute for Velveeta cheese. Pepper jack is a version of Jack cheese, the only difference is that it contains chilli peppers and other herbs that give it its spicier taste.
Pepper jack melts well and is great on a sandwich. It’s a lovely substitute for anyone who likes a mild cheese flavour but wants a little bit of a bite. It’s great to use in place of Velveeta in pasta recipes, or if you’re making a sauce.
Colby is a cheese that originates from Wisconsin, United States. It’s got a similar production to cheddar cheese, but its differences leave it softer and more moist.
This cheese is often used in cheese sauces, sandwiches, salads, and can sometimes be found on cheese boards. It has a very mild flavour, making it easy for people to eat.
It’s a good Velveeta substitute because it’s so mild, soft, and moist. It can be melted into sauces or onto pastas, and can also be used in place of Velveeta slices and shreds.
Instead of using processed cheese, reach for gouda. This cheese can be used in sandwiches, pastas, fondues, grilled cheese – the list goes on.
Gouda is a Dutch cheese that comes from cow's milk, and it has a lovely rich taste. Gouda is an all-encompassing term that refers to cheeses that are made in a Dutch way, but you’ll find that anything labelled gouda is suitable to replace Velveeta cheese.
Although it has a nuttier flavor than Velveeta, gouda still taste great and just about any recipe that calls for Velveeta.
You can also use gruyere cheese to replace Velveeta cheese. This is often found in sandwiches and casseroles, or on top of soup.
It also is perfect to put on a cheeseboard to have with fruits and crackers, and even wine. It’s lovely on top of hamburgers and melts fairly well.
Although it is not the best Velveeta substitute, it will work, especially if you are cooking for someone who is a bit of a cheese snob.
Perhaps the best Velveeta substitute is American cheese. American cheese is a cheese byproduct that comes most often from cheddar cheese. Kraft also produces American cheese, but you can find it made by other brands, too.
American cheese slices are nearly indistinguishable from Velveeta slices. In fact, the only difference is really in preference. If you like one flavour over the other, then go ahead and use whichever one you prefer.
American cheese melts well and is commonly found in grilled cheese sandwiches. There are blocks of American cheese that can be used in place of Velveeta, as well, but it is not going to be quite as soft.
Mozzarella is another good cheese to use in place of Velveeta when you are feeding someone who has very specific cheese tastes. Although it cannot be used in place of everything, it is a good substitute because it is a creamy cheese. It melts well and is going to please people who prefer real cheese.
You can also turn to cream cheese when you are looking for a substitute for Velveeta. Cream cheese of course has a creamy texture and mixes well. It’s mild and is really easy to find at the store.
Cream cheese can also be made at home, so if you are in dire need of a Velveeta substitute and cannot get to the store, you may be able to make your own substitute at home. And what is more convenient than that?
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