Kentucky Fried Chicken is celebrated worldwide for their juicy meat offerings, but the chain also makes a mean mac and cheese. This recipe uses large elbow pasta, which gives it a hearty appearance. KFC smothers the al dente pasta in a creamy cheese sauce made of American and Cheddar cheeses. KFC Mac and Cheese is often served as a side dish, but some love it enough to call it the main attraction.
The only downside is that every serving of mac and cheese costs over $3. That adds up over time, so we decided to recreate this dish at home. Our KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe stays faithful to the original, combining rich milk with creamy cheese and a hint of mustard and nutmeg. This is the perfect recipe to bring to any family gathering, potluck, holiday, or cookout. Serve it solo or alongside fried chicken for a traditional KFC-style meal. Whether you’re enjoying a bowl by yourself or with a friend, you’re in for the time of your life. Without further ado, let’s get cooking!
A Brief History of Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is an American classic, but it actually originated across the pond. Like many pasta dishes, mac and cheese finds its roots in Italy, where mixing pasta and cheese is standard. While no one knows who brought mac and cheese to the States, many believe Thomas Jefferson had a part in it. This is a good possibility, as macaroni and cheese graced the tables of many elegant White House dinners.
Macaroni and cheese reached peak popularity during the Great Depression when boxed mac and cheese was marketed as a frugal meal option. Boxed mac and cheese is just one of the many types on the market. You can also purchase frozen and freeze-dried variations. Those who prefer to make their macaroni and cheese themselves can enjoy endless flavor combinations.
Common additions include bacon, different pasta shapes, ground beef, bell peppers, and a breadcrumb topping. This cheesy dish has won hearts worldwide; you can find a variation in most countries. The next time you enjoy mac and cheese, take a moment to remember its back story.
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Cost to Make Our KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe
KFC Mac and Cheese isn’t easy on the budget. An individual serving of macaroni and cheese will cost you at least $3.19. That’s not including fried chicken or a soda! In contrast, you can make a family-sized batch of our KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe for just $9.89.
Assuming this recipe serves at least 6 people generously, that breaks down to a little over $1.50 a serving. Keep in mind that this total will vary based on your location and what ingredients you have at your disposal. Here’s how that breaks down:
- Whole milk: $0.50
- Elbow macaroni: $1.50
- Buttermilk powder: $0.20
- Cornstarch: $0.05
- Ground mustard: $0.05
- Nutmeg: $0.05
- Salt: $0.01
- Pepper: $0.03
- Velveeta: $5.00
- Cheddar cheese: $2.50
Grand Total: $9.89
With this big of a savings, you can add some chicken nuggets to the menu.
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How to Make KFC Mac and Cheese
The countdown to a plate of scrumptious KFC Mac and Cheese starts now.
Step One: Boil the Noodles
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Step Two: Make the Cheese Sauce
Pour the milk into a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Let the milk warm until bubbles appear on the edges, then stir in the buttermilk powder, cornstarch, ground mustard, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Velveeta. Heat until the cheese is fully melted, then remove from heat. It’s important that you don’t bring the cheese sauce to a boil, as this will cause the cheese to curdle.
Step Three: Combine the Noodles and Cheese
Gently fold the drained noodles into the cheese sauce. Turn the heat to low and add the shredded cheese. Stir and let cook until the cheese is just fully melted. Remove from heat and serve, garnishing with green onion, additional cheese, and bacon bits, if desired.
What to Serve With Our KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe
You can serve our KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe solo or alongside burgers, chicken, or hot dogs. You can also jazz up your macaroni and cheese by mixing in any of the above.
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Storing Leftover KFC Mac and Cheese
You can store leftover KFC Mac and Cheese in the fridge for up to five days or freeze it for up to three months. Because this dish contains pasta and dairy, the texture may be different when reheated. Pro tip: If you plan on freezing your KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe, try undercooking your pasta. The pasta will continue to cook when reheating, and this simple trick may prevent “mushy” mac and cheese.
KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe
Amp up the “cheese” factor with our KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe. This dish features al dente pasta smothered in a creamy sauce made with two mild cheeses. We also added two spices to give the pasta a warm, down-home flavor. This recipe is so filling that you can enjoy it as a main or side dish. Give it a try, and let us know what you think.
- Dutch Oven
- Large skillet
- Whisk
- 1 pound large elbow macaroni
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 tablespoon buttermilk powder
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 16 ounces Velveeta (diced)
- 8 ounces cheddar (shredded)
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
Pour the milk into a large skillet set over medium-low heat. Let the milk warm for about 5 minutes, until bubbles appear on the edges, then stir in the buttermilk powder, cornstarch, ground mustard, nutmeg, salt, pepper, and Velveeta. Heat until the cheese is fully melted, then remove from heat.
Gently fold the drained noodles into the cheese sauce. Turn the heat to low and add the shredded cheese. Stir and cook for 3-4 minutes, until the cheese fully melts. Remove from heat and serve.