This Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe takes classic comfort food to a whole new level of creamy, cheesy goodness, especially when you consider adding Velveeta. Imagine sinking your fork into a dish so rich and decadent, it’s guaranteed to become a family favorite. Whether you prefer a classic stovetop mac or a golden-baked casserole, this recipe, inspired by the Pioneer Woman, offers deliciousness in every bite, and we’ll explore how Velveeta can make it even more irresistible.
Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese: A Classic Made Even Better
Pioneer Woman’s mac and cheese is already renowned for its ability to satisfy even the most intense cheese cravings. It’s celebrated for its incredibly luscious, melt-in-your-mouth cheese sauce, subtly enhanced with a touch of mustard powder that provides a delightful tangy counterpoint to the richness.
The secret ingredient of egg in the sauce is what truly elevates this dish, creating an unparalleled creamy texture that’s a must-try if you haven’t experienced it before. And for those who adore an extra layer of cheesy goodness, the optional baking step creates a wonderfully golden and bubbly topping.
While I appreciate the convenience of boxed mac and cheese (and even have a recipe for How to Make Kraft Mac and Cheese Better for those quick fixes), homemade mac and cheese like this Pioneer Woman recipe is simply in a different league. And here, we’re going to discuss how incorporating Velveeta can bring an extra level of smooth, cheesy perfection to this already amazing recipe.
I’m confident that this mac and cheese, especially when made with Velveeta, will become your new go-to recipe for every occasion, from casual potlucks to cherished family dinners and festive holiday gatherings. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, earning enthusiastic approval from both kids and adults alike!
And while you’re exploring comforting classics, be sure to check out other Pioneer Woman inspired recipes. Her chocolate pie and scalloped potatoes and ham are consistently among my personal favorites.
A serving spoon with a scoop of mac and cheese in a large pot.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese (with Velveeta Option)
This recipe builds upon the classic Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese, offering the flexibility to incorporate Velveeta for an even creamier texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Elbow Macaroni: Classic for mac and cheese, but shells or other small pasta shapes with ridges work well to capture the cheesy sauce.
- Egg: The secret to extra creaminess in the sauce, creating a richer emulsion.
- Butter and Flour: These create the roux, the foundation of a smooth, thickened cheese sauce.
- Milk: Whole milk is recommended for maximum richness, but reduced-fat milk can be substituted.
- Dry Mustard: Adds a subtle tang that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheddar is traditional, but for an even smoother melt and cheese flavor, consider incorporating Velveeta. You can use a combination of cheddar and Velveeta, or replace a portion of the cheddar with Velveeta for that signature creamy melt. Other cheeses that blend well include Gruyere, Colby, and Monterey Jack.
- Velveeta (Optional but Recommended): For the ultimate creamy mac and cheese, adding Velveeta will enhance the sauce’s smoothness and meltability. About 4-8 ounces of Velveeta, used in combination with cheddar or as a partial replacement, can make a noticeable difference.
- Salt, Seasoned Salt, and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the overall flavor profile of the dish.
The labeled ingredients for pioneer woman mac and cheese.
How to Make Pioneer Woman’s Mac and Cheese with Velveeta
The process of making Pioneer Woman’s Mac and Cheese is straightforward, and incorporating Velveeta is simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
1. Cook the Pasta: Cook elbow macaroni in boiling salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse.
2. Prepare the Egg: Lightly beat one egg in a small bowl.
Beating an egg in a small mixing bowl with a fork.
3. Make the Roux: Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Melting butter in a sauce pan then adding in flour.
4. Add Milk and Mustard: Gradually whisk in milk and mustard powder. Simmer, whisking occasionally, until thickened. Reduce heat to low.
Adding dry mustard and milk to the completed roux then simmering.
5. Temper the Egg: Gradually whisk a small amount of hot sauce into the beaten egg to temper it. Then, slowly pour the egg mixture back into the saucepan, whisking constantly to prevent curdling.
Adding thickened sauce to the beaten egg.
6. Add Cheese (and Velveeta): Stir in your cheese. If using Velveeta, add it now, along with the cheddar (or other cheeses). Start with about 4 ounces of Velveeta for a noticeable creaminess boost, and adjust to taste. Continue stirring until all cheese, including Velveeta, is melted and smooth. Season with salt, seasoned salt, and pepper to taste.
Adding cheddar cheese and spices to the sauce pan and mixing until melted.
7. Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat.
Adding the cooked macaroni to a the pot and mixing.
8. Optional Baking Step: For baked mac and cheese, transfer to a greased casserole dish. Top with extra cheddar or a mix of cheddar and Velveeta for extra gooeyness. Bake at 350°F (175°C) until bubbly and golden brown, about 20-25 minutes.
A fully cooked Pioneer woman mac and cheese dish inside of a pot.
Pro Tips for the Best Mac and Cheese Velveeta
- Smooth Sauce is Key: Gradually add milk while whisking to ensure a lump-free cheese sauce.
- Freshly Grated Cheese (Mostly): While freshly grated cheddar is ideal, Velveeta is designed for smooth melting, so pre-cut Velveeta works perfectly. For the cheddar portion, freshly grated is still recommended for best flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook Pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape and texture in the creamy sauce.
Why Velveeta in Mac and Cheese?
Velveeta is specifically processed to melt incredibly smoothly, making it an excellent choice for mac and cheese when you desire an ultra-creamy, cheese-sauce consistency. It blends seamlessly into the sauce, ensuring a velvety texture that many find irresistible, especially in a comfort food classic like mac and cheese. Using Velveeta in combination with cheddar offers the best of both worlds: the sharp flavor of cheddar and the unparalleled melt of Velveeta.
A serving spoon with a scoop of mac and cheese in a large pot.
Can I Use Pre-Shredded Cheddar with Velveeta?
While freshly grated cheddar is generally recommended, the addition of Velveeta mitigates some of the issues with pre-shredded cheddar (like anti-caking agents). However, for the best flavor in the cheddar component, freshly grated is still preferable. The Velveeta will ensure a smooth overall sauce texture.
Why the Egg in Mac and Cheese?
Egg acts as an emulsifier, contributing to a richer, thicker, and creamier cheese sauce. It adds a subtle richness and helps bind the sauce beautifully to the pasta.
Mac and cheese plated next to a pot full of cooked macaroni.
Customizing Your Mac and Cheese Velveeta
Feel free to personalize your Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with Velveeta:
- Vegetables: Add steamed broccoli, peas, or roasted vegetables.
- Proteins: Stir in cooked bacon, ham, shredded chicken, or even lobster for a luxurious twist.
- Spice: A dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper can add a pleasant kick.
- Toppings: Breadcrumbs, crispy fried onions, or extra cheese on top before baking.
Make-Ahead and Storage Instructions
Mac and cheese with Velveeta can be made ahead of time, though it is always creamiest when freshly made. To prepare ahead:
- Make the recipe as directed, but don’t bake it.
- Cool completely in a buttered baking dish.
- Sprinkle extra cheese (cheddar or Velveeta) on top, cover with foil, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 25-35 minutes, or until hot and bubbly. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before baking while the oven preheats.
A close up shot showing how thick the cheesy sauce is.
Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Velveeta
For an even more hands-off approach, combine cooked pasta and prepared cheese sauce (with Velveeta) in a slow cooker. Cook on LOW for 1-2 hours to allow flavors to meld and create an ultra-creamy texture.
Freezing Mac and Cheese Velveeta
Freeze unbaked mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as directed.
An overhead shot of mac and cheese plated with a fork to the side.
What to Serve with Mac and Cheese Velveeta
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that pairs well with:
- Vegetables: Simple green salad, roasted vegetables, slow cooker green beans.
- Proteins: BBQ ribs, pulled pork, or grilled chicken.
A side shot of gooey mac and cheese on a blue plate.
Keep In Touch!
Let me know how you liked this Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese recipe, especially if you tried it with Velveeta! Share your comments below or tag @KeyToMyLime on Instagram! #KeyToMyLime
A Pinterest pin image with a picture of pioneer woman mac and cheese, with title text at the top.
More Mac and Cheese Recipes
Explore more pasta dishes and mac and cheese variations in our pasta recipes collection!
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 cups elbow macaroni
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard
- 1 pound freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese* (or combination with Velveeta, using approx. 8 oz cheddar and 8 oz Velveeta)
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Optional spices (cayenne pepper, paprika, and/or thyme)
Instructions
- Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse.
- Beat egg in a small bowl.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan, add flour, and cook roux for 2 minutes.
- Whisk in milk and mustard powder. Simmer until thickened, about 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low.
- Temper egg by slowly whisking in 1/4 cup of hot sauce, then add egg mixture back to saucepan, whisking constantly.
- Stir in cheddar cheese (and Velveeta, if using), salt, seasoned salt, and pepper until melted and smooth. Adjust seasonings to taste.
- Add cooked macaroni and stir to coat.
- Optional baked mac and cheese: Transfer to a greased casserole dish, top with more cheese (cheddar or Velveeta), and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes.
Recipe Notes
*Freshly grated cheddar is recommended, but Velveeta melts smoothly even pre-cut. For optimal creaminess, consider using a combination of cheddar and Velveeta.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size:
1/6
Amount Per Serving:
Calories: 769
Total Fat: 38.3g
Carbohydrates: 72.2g
Fiber: 2.9g
Sugar: 7.8g
Protein: 32.7g
Nutrition information is an estimate.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Tag @KeyToMyLime on Instagram to share your delicious Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese creation!
Enjoy making this incredibly creamy and comforting Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese with Velveeta! Whether you choose the stovetop or baked method, you’re in for a treat that everyone will love.
