Best 2 Copycat Boxed Macaroni And Cheese Recipes
**Macaroni and cheese**, a classic comfort food, is a delightful dish enjoyed by people of all ages. This versatile dish can be prepared in various ways, from the classic boxed version to more elaborate homemade recipes. In this article, we'll explore the beloved boxed macaroni and cheese, providing two delectable copycat recipes that capture the essence of this iconic dish. The first recipe offers a quick and easy option, using simple ingredients and a few pantry staples. The second recipe takes a step further, incorporating homemade cheese sauce for a richer, more decadent flavor. Both recipes promise a creamy, cheesy, and satisfying macaroni and cheese experience, perfect for a cozy meal or a fun family gathering.
**Keywords:** macaroni and cheese, copycat recipe, boxed macaroni and cheese, homemade cheese sauce, creamy, cheesy, comfort food, family meal
COPYCAT BOXED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe originally comes from King Arthur Flour, which is where I buy my cheddar cheese powder. You can buy cheese powder from many sites on the web, and sometimes you can find it at baking supply stores; many people use it to make cheese bread or crackers. Obviously, your end product will depend on the kind of cheese powder you buy - the one I use is real cheddar which has been dried and ground to a powder, so the sauce turns out white, not day-glo orange ;) But if you want the orange stuff there are several places on the web to buy it. Depending on what sort of cheese powder you get, this may or may not taste close to Kraft macaroni and cheese. I don't know what sort of cheese powder you'll be able to get, so I can't guarantee that. If you are trying to replicate Kraft exactly, you may have to try to find their powdered cheese; sometimes I have seen it for sale in canisters on its own (i.e. not as part of the boxed mac and cheese). The 6 ounces of macaroni listed below measures out to 1 and 1/2 cups, dry.
Provided by xtine
Categories Kid Friendly
Time 10m
Yield 3 cups
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain and return to the pot you cooked it inches.
- Add butter and mix until butter is melted.
- Add cheese powder and milk, mixing until all ingredients are well combined.
- Taste and add salt, if needed.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 414.4, Fat 20.1, SaturatedFat 12.3, Cholesterol 51.6, Sodium 269.9, Carbohydrate 47.1, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 1.6, Protein 11.2
THE BEST CHICK-FIL-A MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE (COPYCAT)
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F
- Bring a large pot water to a boil with salt.
- Boil noodles until al dente, drain and set aside (reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water in case you need to thin up the sauce)
- Melt butter in a large sauce pan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and mix continuously for about 4-5 minutes over low heat.
- Slowly pour in the cream and whole milk and stir the whole time until it starts to thicken over low heat.
- Mix in the combination of cheeses until the cheese starts to melt and become creamy and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If it becomes too thick, thin the sauce with a little bit of the reserved water.
- Mix in the macaroni noodles.
- Pour mixture into a large baking dish.
- Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese.
- Cook for five minutes.
- After five minutes, cook on a low broil for two minutes.
- Remove from oven and mix together so crispy cheese on top is incorporated throughout the dish
Nutrition Facts : Calories 393 calories, Carbohydrate 18 grams carbohydrates, Cholesterol 83 milligrams cholesterol, Fat 28 grams fat, Fiber 1 grams fiber, Protein 17 grams protein, SaturatedFat 17 grams saturated fat, ServingSize 1, Sodium 692 milligrams sodium, Sugar 4 grams sugar, TransFat 1 grams trans fat, UnsaturatedFat 9 grams unsaturated fat
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the macaroni and cheese will taste. Use real butter, sharp cheddar cheese, and fresh milk for the best results.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: Al dente means "to the tooth" in Italian, and it refers to the pasta being cooked just until it is tender but still has a slight bite to it. This will prevent the macaroni from becoming mushy when it is mixed with the cheese sauce.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. It helps to create a smooth and creamy cheese sauce.
- Use a variety of cheeses: Different cheeses can add different flavors and textures to macaroni and cheese. Try using a combination of sharp cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses.
- Season the cheese sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and paprika. This will help to enhance the flavor of the dish.
- Top with breadcrumbs: A topping of breadcrumbs adds a nice crunchy texture to macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs, such as Italian or garlic breadcrumbs.
Conclusion:
This copycat boxed macaroni and cheese recipe is a quick and easy way to make a delicious and satisfying meal. With a few simple ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a classic comfort food that the whole family will love. So next time you're craving macaroni and cheese, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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