Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe
KFC Mac and Cheese is ultra creamy, ultra cheesy, and delicious as a side dish or simple meal. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to make!
Ingredients
- 16 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups half and half
- 1 1/2 cups Velveeta cheese cubed
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese freshly shredded
- 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions for al dente. Drain the pasta, rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside.
- Make the Roux: In a large saucepan, melt the salted butter over medium heat. Once fully melted, add the all-purpose flour and whisk continuously until a smooth, bubbly roux forms. Cook for about 1 minute.
- Prepare the Sauce Base: Gradually pour the half and half into the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue stirring over medium heat until the mixture thickens slightly, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Melt the Velveeta: Reduce the heat to low and add the Velveeta cheese cubes. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the Cheddar Cheese: Stir in the freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese. Continue stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Season the Sauce: Add the kosher salt, ground white pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.
- Combine the Pasta and Sauce: Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Serve the mac and cheese hot as a side dish or main entree. Enjoy!
Notes
Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to maintain creaminess.
Substitutions: If Velveeta is unavailable, substitute with another processed cheese, such as American cheese, for a similar creamy texture.
Flavor Adjustments: Adjust the kosher salt, garlic powder, white pepper, and paprika to suit your taste.
Pro Tip: Rinsing the macaroni with cold water after cooking helps prevent it from sticking and stops the cooking process.
Nutrition
Serving: 1 | Calories: 751cal | Carbohydrates: 73g | Protein: 32g | Fat: 37g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Cholesterol: 110mg | Sodium: 1537mg | Sugar: 12g | Fiber: 3g | Calcium: 688mg | Iron: 1mg