Velvetta Cheese???

**Becci** · 02-05-2008, 01:36 AM

Can anyone help me out here?
I have heard of this cheese often on various food sites but have no idea what it is. I am picturing a cheese like our Kraft cheese here. A cheese spread block of cheese. I am thinking this as it is a childhood favourite and melts really nice in mac n cheese which I see it listed as an ingredient often.

**wildflowerpa** · 02-05-2008, 04:00 AM

Velvetta is a "processed cheese product" as stated on the box. It melts really great and has a very cheesy flavor. While I don't like the way it is called a processed cheese product, it is the only cheese I use for mac and cheese and anything that requires a smooth cheese sauce.It comes in a 3pound block, slices or crumbles. Ours runs about $4 for a 3 pound block here. Hope this helps.

**Holly** · 02-05-2008, 06:52 AM

Velveeta cheese is a Kraft cheese product, and yes Becci its what you think it is.

**emily_hope** · 02-05-2008, 07:02 AM

Yep, processed cheese product. We make the dip recipe that is on the inside of the box. I cube the Velvetta cheese into a microwaveable bowl and I add Rotel, you can add salsa, and I melt it in the microwave. Heat it a few minutes and then stir and keep doing this until it is all melted and smooth. Very good! Some people add browned ground beef.

**kaykwilts** · 02-05-2008, 07:41 AM

The United States must be the only place that has this cheese. When my friend and her family moved to Great Britain for her husband to attend the university over there they found that they could not get Velvetta cheese over there.

**YankeeMom** · 02-05-2008, 08:00 AM

It's processed and FULL of hydrogenated oils, which probably explains why it's only available in the US. I try to avoid it or get light whenever possible (which still has hydrogenated oils). But my family loves it & it does melt nicely so I use it 3-4x year in moderation.

**monkeywrangler71** · 02-05-2008, 10:36 AM

We have Velveeta in Canada - or at least we used to. I haven't looked in a while but remember my mother used to buy it when I was a kid.

I have a related question - what is "American" cheese. I always thought that it was just what Americans called cheddar, but was going through a recipe book and one recipe called for cheddar and the next called for American - which kind of makes me think they are two different things.

**Lady_V** · 02-05-2008, 10:53 AM

Cheddar is cheddar... bold, sharp and yummy!

American cheese is a smoother, milkier tasting cheese. It's not as 'dry' as cheddar but not as moist as feta.

I am not fond of American cheese, it tastes a lot like Velveeta to me, just not as salty.

**monkeywrangler71** · 02-05-2008, 11:06 AM

Originally Posted by Lady_V

Cheddar is cheddar... bold, sharp and yummy!

American cheese is a smoother, milkier tasting cheese. It's not as 'dry' as cheddar but not as moist as feta.

I am not fond of American cheese, it tastes a lot like Velveeta to me, just not as salty.

So, if a recipe calls for American would velveeta be the closest substitution?

Cheddar is delicious, isn't it. We had cheddar (the cheese) in Cheddar (the town) a couple years ago - best cheese I've ever eaten.

**itlw8** · 02-05-2008, 11:09 AM

American cheese is also a processed cheese it sometimes is made with vegetable oil. along with the milk it is like the margarine of cheese

more milk than velveeta and less salty taste. it usually comes in pre sliced square 3 x3 melts easier than cheddar

**Lady_V** · 02-05-2008, 11:13 AM

They do sell Velveeta 'slices' here, so I don't see why not... you could substitute Velveeta for American, as long as the cheese would be melted in the making of the dish... but, I would skip adding whatever salt the recipe called for though.

**Missy** · 02-05-2008, 11:16 AM

American Cheese is often sold as a cheese product rather than a real cheese. However, KRaft sells an American Cheese also that is made from milk.

[ame]http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_cheese[/ame]

http://www.accidentalhedonist.com/in...merican_cheese

**itlw8** · 02-05-2008, 11:23 AM

yes velveta would be the closest to it because of how it melts... or change the recipe and make a white sauce and add your cheese to make a cheese sauce.

Meg

**wildflowerpa** · 02-05-2008, 12:52 PM

I use velvetta in anything that calls for american cheese. Cheddar will get stringy when you melt it. At least mine does

**YankeeMom** · 02-05-2008, 03:31 PM

If you make a white sauce & melt the cheddar in it, it doesn't get stringy and you have a nice creamy sauce.

I avoid american cheese too. I've never liked it. Dang, am I picky or what?