Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Comfort Food at Home
Is there anything more satisfying than the creamy, cheesy goodness of KFC’s Mac and Cheese? Now you can recreate this beloved side dish right in your own kitchen with a simple and foolproof recipe. Whether you’re looking for a nostalgic comfort meal or a crowd-pleasing side, this Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese is sure to hit the spot.
Why We Love KFC Mac and Cheese
KFC’s Mac and Cheese is famous for its rich, velvety texture and bold cheesy flavor. The combination of tender macaroni and a perfectly smooth cheese sauce makes it irresistible. It’s not just a side dish—it’s a cozy bowl of happiness that pairs perfectly with fried chicken, coleslaw, or even a simple salad. But why wait for your next fast-food trip when you can make it at home anytime?
The Secret Ingredients
To replicate KFC’s signature Mac and Cheese, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients. These staples come together quickly, making this recipe perfect for busy weeknights or a last-minute addition to your meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 10-12 cups water
- 2 2/3 cups elbow macaroni (stick to the standard size, not large)
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese (for that smooth, creamy base)
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shred it (adds a sharp, cheesy kick)
- 1/4 cup whole milk (for extra creaminess)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (to enhance the flavor)
- 1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
Step-by-Step Guide to Make KFC Mac and Cheese
1. Boil the Macaroni
Start by bringing 6 cups of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add the elbow macaroni and cook it for 10 to 12 minutes, or until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This is the base of your dish, so cook it to perfection!
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce
While the macaroni cooks, get started on the star of the show—the cheese sauce. In a small saucepan over low heat, combine the Velveeta cheese, shredded Cheddar, dry mustard whole milk, and salt. Stir continuously as the cheese melts, creating a smooth, luscious sauce. Be patient and keep the heat low to avoid scorching the cheese.
3. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it thoroughly and return it to the pot. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir gently until every noodle is coated in creamy goodness.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese immediately while it’s hot and gooey. Trust us—it’s comfort food at its finest.
Tips for the Perfect Mac and Cheese
- Use Velveeta for Creaminess
Velveeta is the key to achieving that signature smooth texture. It melts seamlessly and coats the macaroni like a dream. - Shred Your Own Cheddar
For the best flavor and melting quality, shred a block of Cheddar cheese rather than using pre-shredded. The latter often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the sauce’s consistency. - Low and Slow for the Cheese Sauce
Keep the heat low and stir frequently. This prevents the cheese from separating or becoming grainy. - Serve Immediately
This dish is best enjoyed fresh. While you can reheat leftovers, the sauce may thicken upon cooling. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore its creamy texture.
Customization Ideas
While this recipe is a spot-on KFC copycat, you can easily customize it to suit your taste:
- Add a Protein: Stir in cooked, diced chicken or crispy bacon for a heartier meal.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, smoked paprika, or a dash of hot sauce for a kick.
- Mix in Veggies: Broccoli florets or peas make a great addition for a more balanced dish.
Why Make It at Home?
Making KFC Mac and Cheese at home has its perks. Not only do you get the satisfaction of crafting a fast-food favorite from scratch, but you can also control the ingredients and adjust the flavor to your liking. Plus, it’s more budget-friendly than constantly running to the drive-thru!
KFC’s Mac and Cheese is crafted from a blend of various ingredients that contribute to its creamy texture and distinctive flavor. However, some of them are ingredients that we prefer to avoid, when possible. The primary components include:
- Cooked Enriched Macaroni Product: Made with water, enriched durum wheat semolina (containing semolina, niacin, ferrous sulfate, thiamine mononitrate, riboflavin, and folic acid), and egg white solids.
- Cheddar Cheese Product: A pasteurized blend comprising cheddar cheese (pasteurized milk, cultures, salt, and enzymes), water, soybean oil, whey protein concentrate, nonfat dry milk, modified food starch, natural flavors, salt, maltodextrin, whey, sodium citrate, anhydrous milkfat, dipotassium phosphate, potassium chloride, sodium stearoyl lactylate, sorbic acid (as a preservative), yeast extract, and color additives like beta carotene, paprika, and annatto extract.
- Additional Ingredients: Soybean oil, wheat flour, modified food starch, salt, sugar, disodium phosphate, cheese flavor (a mix of salt, maltodextrin, dextrose, natural flavors, and lactic acid), mono and diglycerides, xanthan gum, sodium alginate, carrageenan, lactic acid, citric acid, and beta carotene for color (combined with corn oil and tocopherol).
These ingredients work together to create the rich and creamy mac and cheese that KFC is known for.
Final Thoughts
This Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese recipe is a game-changer for cheese lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. It’s quick, simple, and every bit as delicious as the original. Serve it as a side dish for dinner, or whip it up as a comforting solo meal. Once you try it, you’ll wonder why you ever waited in line for a taste of this creamy classic.
So, grab your ingredients and get ready to dig into a bowl of pure cheesy bliss!
KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe Print Now
Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large saucepan (for boiling pasta)
- 1 Small Saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- 1 Colander (for draining pasta)
- 1 Wooden Spoon or Spatula (for stirring)
Ingredients
- 10-12 cups water
- 2 ⅔ cups elbow macaroni (standard size)
- ½ teaspoon salt ((for macaroni))
- 8 ounces Velveeta cheese (smooth, creamy base)
- 1 cup cheddar cheese (shredded (sharp, cheesy kick))
- ¼ cup whole milk (extra creaminess)
- ½ teaspoon salt (enhances flavor)
- ½ teaspoon dry ground mustard
Instructions
Boil the Macaroni
- Bring 10-12 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large saucepan. Add elbow macaroni and cook for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Drain thoroughly and return the pasta to the pot.10-12 cups water2 2/3 cups elbow macaroni1/2 teaspoon salt
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
- In a small saucepan over low heat, combine Velveeta, shredded cheddar, milk, salt, and dry mustard. Stir constantly until the cheese melts and forms a smooth, creamy sauce. Keep the heat low to prevent scorching.1/2 teaspoon salt8 ounces Velveeta cheese1 cup cheddar cheese1/4 cup whole milk1/2 teaspoon dry ground mustard
Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
- Pour the warm cheese sauce over the drained macaroni. Stir gently until every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness.
Serve and Enjoy
- Serve immediately while hot and gooey. Perfect for a comforting side dish or a quick meal.
Yields: 4-5 servings
- Enjoy your homemade Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese! 🧀
Equipment
If you altered the ingedients above by doubling or tripling the recipe, you may also need to change the pan/dish size and adjust the cooking/baking time.
Nutrition
Did you try this recipe? Let us know your thoughts and any fun twists you added in the comments below. We’d love to hear how you made it your own!
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KFC Mac and Cheese FAQ
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Absolutely! While Velveeta and cheddar are recommended for the classic creamy texture, you can experiment with other cheeses like mozzarella, gouda, or Monterey Jack for a unique flavor twist.
2. How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker cheese sauce, try adding a small amount of cornstarch or flour. Mix it with a bit of milk to create a slurry before incorporating it into the sauce.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can! Prepare the mac and cheese as directed, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore its creamy consistency.
4. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Swap out the elbow macaroni for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Be sure to check that all other ingredients, like cheese and seasonings, are certified gluten-free as well.
5. How do I prevent the cheese sauce from becoming grainy?
Keep the heat low and stir frequently while making the cheese sauce. High heat or overheating can cause the cheese to separate, resulting in a grainy texture.
6. Can I add protein or vegetables to the recipe?
Absolutely! Stir in cooked, shredded chicken, crumbled bacon, or steamed broccoli for a more filling dish. These additions complement the creamy mac and cheese perfectly.
7. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat with a splash of milk to maintain the creamy texture.
8. Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
It’s best to shred your own cheese for this recipe. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the smoothness of the sauce.
9. How can I make this spicier?
For a kick of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
10. Can I freeze KFC Mac and Cheese?
Yes, but the texture might change slightly upon reheating. To freeze, let it cool completely, then store it in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat on the stove with a bit of milk to refresh the sauce.
