pioneer woman mac and cheese with velveeta

How to Make Pioneer Woman's Mac and Cheese with Velveeta for a Graduation Party

Are you looking for a comforting and delicious side dish to serve at your graduation party? Look no further than The Pioneer Woman's iconic mac and cheese recipe, made with the creamy magic of Velveeta. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a crowd, and can be customized to fit your party's theme and style.

To start, cook 2 cups (8 ounces) of uncooked macaroni in an Instant Pot or large stockpot according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta and set it aside. In the same pot, melt 3 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 teaspoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, and dry mustard powder for added depth of flavor.

Next, add 1 3/4 cups of water to the pot and stir well. Add 2 tablespoons of butter to the pasta and stir until it's fully incorporated. Pour the cooked macaroni into a roaster pan or several large crock pots, and set aside.

For the Velveeta sauce, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a medium saucepan over high heat. Add 1/2 cup of Velveeta and whisk constantly until it melts and becomes smooth. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 3-5 minutes or until the sauce thickens.

To finish the dish, stir in sharp cheddar cheese until it's fully melted and creamy. Pour the macaroni into a 2QT baking dish, top with additional grated cheddar if desired, and sprinkle with cracker crumbs for added crunch. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until the topping is golden brown.

This Pioneer Woman-style mac and cheese with Velveeta is sure to be a hit at your graduation party. It's easy to make, deliciously creamy, and can be customized with your favorite toppings and flavors. So go ahead, give it a try, and enjoy the ooey-gooey goodness!

Pioneer woman mac and cheese with velveeta