We’ve all seen it. The neon orange cheese in the bright yellow package. It’s unmistakable. You’ve probably also had it, in one form or another.

Velveeta cheese has been around for quite some time and it’s one of America’s favorite cheeses. It is also the number one selling cheese sauce in America which says a lot about this product.

Velveeta is a type of processed cheese. It’s made from a blend of milk, whey, and milkfat.

Known for its smooth and creamy texture, but is it a real cheese? And is it good or bad for you?

In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Velveeta cheese and give you some famous recipes that you can make with it. So let’s get started!

Is Velveeta A Real Cheese?

The simple answer to this question is no. Velveeta cheese is not a real cheese because of the process in which it is made.

It starts out as whey, milk, and milkfat and then goes through a process where the liquid and fat are taken out and it’s processed until smooth and creamy.

After it’s been processed, artificial flavors and preservatives are then added.

On the other hand, real cheese is made from the curd of milk. The whey and liquid are strained out after curds have formed.

After it’s been pressed, real cheese is aged for a period (months or even years) that gives it its distinct flavor and texture.

While it might not be a “real” cheese in the traditional sense, it does share some similar ingredients to real cheese.

What Are The Ingredients of Velveeta Cheese? 

Velveeta was once made from real cheese. Today, Velveeta is made with whey protein concentrate and milk protein. Hence, why it isn’t technically cheese.

The ingredients of Velveeta cheese are:

• Whey

Nutritional benefit: Whey is a high-quality protein that contains all the essential amino acids your body needs. It also has a good amount of B-vitamins and minerals such as magnesium, zinc, and selenium.

• Milk

Nutritional benefit: Milk is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. It also has some protein, potassium, and vitamin B-12.

• Milkfat

Nutritional benefit: Milk Fat contains fatty acids, including conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which has been associated with various health benefits.

• Salt

Nutritional benefit: Salt is sodium chloride. It’s needed for regulating the amount of water in our bodies.

• Annatto (color)

Nutritional benefit: Annatto is a natural food dye, and it’s often added to Velveeta cheese. It comes from the seeds of the achiote trees, and it provides an orange-yellow color.

• Potassium Phosphate

Nutritional benefit: Potassium phosphate is a mineral that helps your body maintain optimal pH levels. It also supports normal muscle and nerve function.

• Artificial Flavor

Nutritional benefit: Artificial flavors are chemicals that are added to foods to give them a specific taste. They’re often used to mimic the flavor of natural ingredients.

• Preservative

Nutritional benefit: Preservatives are chemicals that are added to foods to help them stay fresh for longer periods. Two examples of preservatives that are used in Velveeta cheese are calcium disodium EDTA and sodium phosphate.

Is Velveeta Bad or Good For You? 

Again, the answer to this question is a little complicated.

On one hand, processed cheeses like Velveeta are high in sodium and can be high in calories. Eating too much processed cheese can lead to weight gain and other health problems. People with high blood pressure should avoid processed cheeses altogether.

On the other hand, processed cheeses like Velveeta are a good source of protein, calcium, and vitamin D. They can also be a good source of other nutrients like potassium and magnesium.

So, is Velveeta cheese good or bad for you? The answer is…it depends. If you’re looking for a high-quality protein source, then processed cheeses like Velveeta are a decent option. If you’re looking to avoid excess sodium and calories, then you might want to limit your intake of processed cheeses.

Famous Recipes with Velveeta Recipes

There are many famous recipes that use Velveeta cheese as their main ingredient. Its unique flavor and meltability make it an excellent ingredient for dips, sauces, mac and cheese, and even soups.

1) Velveeta Mac and Cheese

This is probably the most famous recipe that uses Velveeta cheese. It’s a simple dish that only requires a few ingredients: Velveeta, macaroni noodles, and milk.

Velveeta adds a creamy richness to the mac and cheese, and the noodles provide a nice bit of texture. Its simplicity makes it an easy dish to prepare. When using Velveeta for this recipe, make sure to melt the cheese over very low heat to avoid burning.

2) Velveeta Cheese Dip

This cheesy dip is very flavorful and pretty easy to make. This dish tastes great with tortilla chips or thick slices of bell pepper. Velveeta cheese dip is perfect for game day or any other occasion when you need a quick and easy appetizer.

The Velveeta adds creaminess and richness to the dip, while the added flavors from the diced tomatoes, green chilies, and onions give it a nice kick. 

To make this dip, simply combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and heat until melted.

3) Velveeta Cheese Sauce

This cheese sauce is perfect for adding flavor and richness to all sorts of dishes. It’s great on pasta, potatoes, and even pizza. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for chicken nuggets or fries.

The Velveeta cheese sauce is very easy to make. Simply melt the cheese in a saucepan over low heat, and add in the ingredients for the desired flavor. Adding bacon, chili powder, or salsa makes it extra tasty! 

Velveeta cheese sauce is very versatile, so feel free to experiment with different ingredients.

Velveeta shines in cheesy sauces because of its smooth texture and rich flavor. It’s an ideal option for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to other types of cheese.

4) Velveeta Broccoli Cheese Soup

This soup is classic comfort food. It’s easy to make and it’s perfect for warming up on a cold day.

The Velveeta cheese adds creaminess and richness to the soup, while the broccoli provides a healthy dose of vitamins and minerals. You can also add in other vegetables like carrots or celery for added flavor and nutrition.

This soup is a good source of protein and calcium. Quick and easy to make, it takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish.

People Also Ask

Why Is Velveeta Cheese Not Refrigerated?

Velveeta is a processed cheese and does not need to be refrigerated. It doesn’t have any perishable ingredients, so can be stored unopened on the shelf for up to one year. However, once it’s opened, Velveeta should be kept in the refrigerator and used within one week.

Is Velveeta 100% Real Cheese?

No, Velveeta is not 100% real cheese. It’s a processed cheese that contains milk, whey, water, sodium citrate, and other ingredients. According to the label, Velveeta is made up of 51% real cheese. Other ingredients like whey and milk derivatives make up the other 49%. Thus, this product does contain some real cheese, but it’s not 100% cheese by weight or volume.

Conclusion

Velveeta is a cheese product with an artificial texture and taste. However, it does contain some real cheese and is a good source of protein and calcium.

Its unique flavor and meltability make it an excellent ingredient for dips, sauces, mac and cheese, and even soups.

Processed cheeses like Velveeta are a good option for people who are lactose intolerant or allergic to other types of cheese. They’re also a good choice for recipes that require a creamy, rich cheese sauce.

Velveeta cheese is easy to melt (doesn’t burn as other cheeses do) and has a smooth texture, hence why it is a common choice for so many many famous recipes.

Is it 100% real cheese? No, but sometimes that doesn’t matter! If you like a treat every once in a while, Velveeta is a great go-to! With all of its glory, it’s no wonder this cheese became America’s favorite.

Do you have a favorite dish with Velveeta cheese? Share your suggestions with us below!

Thanks for reading!