7 Best Velveeta Cheese Substitutes

Cheese is a very important and staple ingredient in many recipes. Since they all have different textures and tastes, some of them are best suited to be melted.

One of the many types of cheese that can be used in cooking is the Velveeta cheese. This is a brand name for a processed cheese which is very similar to American cheese. With its soft and smooth texture, people tend to use it especially for melting.

Real cheese is harder to melt. That’s why Velveeta cheese is used as a dip, sauce, or as part of many recipes and dishes.

When seeking a substitute for Velveeta cheese, various alternatives cater to different tastes and dietary needs. Sharp or mild cheddar cheese, American cheese slices, and Colby cheese offer distinct flavors and can be grated and melted to achieve a similar creamy texture.

Monterey Jack cheese is another versatile option with a mild taste and excellent melting qualities. Cream cheese, while not an exact match, can impart a creamy consistency in recipes where texture is crucial.

For those exploring dairy-free alternatives, nutritional yeast presents an option to infuse a cheesy flavor. Combining it with non-dairy milk or vegetable broth allows for the creation of a dairy-free cheesy sauce.

Additionally, creating a homemade cheese sauce using a blend of cheeses like cheddar, mozzarella, and cream cheese provides a customizable alternative to Velveeta.

Ultimately, the choice of substitute depends on the specific recipe and individual preferences.

Experimenting with different cheeses or alternative ingredients can lead to a suitable replacement that aligns with the desired flavor profile and consistency.

Substitutes for Velveeta Cheese

Like any other ingredient, Velveeta cheese has its own replacements. We have 7 types of cheese that are good for melting, being part of some appetizers, and also be part of some recipes that call for Velveeta cheese. Read below to find out more. 

1. Swiss cheese

Since there are many types of Swiss cheese, and the most common is Emmental and Gruyere. They both can serve as a great way to replace Velveeta cheese in most recipes since they are real cheese and have decent taste.

These yellow cheeses are similar to each other and to Velveeta cheese and they have a mild, nutty flavor. The sharpness comes with aging. You can use any other Swiss cheese since they all have a nice texture and all can serve well for melting and be part of many recipes.

2. Sharp Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar cheese is commonly used in cooking and actually, it will be a good way to replace Velveeta cheese. It is a bit different from Velveeta cheese in the texture and the color. However, it won’t affect your cooking.

The pungent flavor and the sharpness that is unique for this cheddar cheese can be good for many meals. The bitter taste and the melting point of cheddar are good for making grilled cheese, sandwiches, nachos as well as some other appetizers.

3. Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese

We also recommend a rich, tangy cheese with a very sharp taste, which is cheddar cheese. This extra sharp cheddar cheese can be also used as a way to replace Velveeta cheese.

Actually, the sharp taste of the cheddar is what makes it unique, and also it is good for melting.  You can add it to sandwiches, chili, nachos, quesadillas, or any other recipe. When melted, this cheese turns into a soft, creamy dip which can be perfect for many dishes.

4. Pepper Jack

Another way to replace Velveeta cheese is by using Pepper Jack cheese. It is a spicy, semi-soft cheese that can serve as a good substitute in most recipes.

As the name suggests, the pepper jack cheese is flavored with sweet peppers, rosemary, chilies. Further, the pepper jack cheese is used usually in quesadillas, hamburgers, or in any other recipe in which you can replace Velveeta cheese. Replace equal amounts or adapt based on your taste.

5. American cheese

A very similar product to Velveeta cheese is American cheese. This type of cheese has a soft and smooth texture. It is used for melting and it is a product that is similar to cheddar cheese. It has a creamy and salty flavor with mild traces.

You can use it in all recipes to replace Velveeta cheese. What is important to note is that this cheese has a low melting point and it is usually used for grilling, macaroni, and cheese, or pasta. 

6. Cheez whiz

We would also recommend Cheez whiz as a way to replace Velveeta cheese in your cooking. Cheez Whiz is of wheat, oil, sodium flavors, and ingredients that help make the yellow color as well as improving the shell life of the cheese.

You can use it as a way to replace Velveeta cheese in most recipes. Also, it is usually used on crackers, sandwiches, or as part of a dish of appetizers. It is flavourful, well seasoned, and is similar to cheddar cheese.

7. Eden cheese

The last on our list and one of the many options that can replace Velveeta cheese is Eden cheese. This is another way to replace Velveeta cheese in your cooking. Actually, Eden cheese is one of the softest and creamiest cheeses, which makes it a great substitute especially if you plan on melting it. It is delicious, creamy, and suitable in many recipes. 

Homemade Velveeta Cheese Sauce/Dip Recipe

Velveeta cheese can not only be bought at the market. There is a way to make it at home. We all enjoy melted cheese and it can be used as a sauce or dip with many dishes.

If you don’t want to use any other type of cheese, this recipe for melted Velveeta cheese will be the perfect way to create the best substitute.

Ingredients:

• Natural American cheese
• Sharp cheddar cheese
• Milk
• Cumin

Instructions:

If you combine these ingredients together you’ll create the best-melted Velveeta cheese dip. You can use it with nachos, chips, or any other appetizers. Make if you have friends coming over. It is easy, quick, and a perfect way to enjoy a nice meal. 

Put it 5 min in the microwave or put in a pot on the stove until the texture becomes creamy and liquidy. This way you’ll have the perfect melted cheese. 

Related Questions

Velveeta cheese the same as cheddar cheese?

No, these two types of cheese are not the same. The only difference is that Velveeta cheese is a pasteurized processed cheese. Meaning, it’s not real cheese like cheddar cheese. 

Does Velveeta need to be refrigerated?

Since Velveeta cheese is not a real cheese it does not need to be refrigerated. You can store it in the fridge if you’d like. But it’s not necessary.