Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a popular side dish at KFC. In 2019, KFC US introduced Mac & Cheese Bowls as a main meal option, which combines the restaurant's mac and cheese with popcorn chicken and a three-cheese blend. KFC's mac and cheese is known for its creamy, cheesy flavour and golden-baked top. The dish can also be made at home using copycat recipes that aim to replicate the unique taste and texture of the KFC version.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of dish | Side dish or main meal |
| Ingredients | Elbow macaroni, milk, cornstarch, dry ground mustard, Velveeta, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt |
| Preparation | Macaroni is cooked and mixed with cheese sauce. It is then baked until golden and bubbly on top. |
| Availability | Participating KFC restaurants in the US |
| Price | $5 Fill Up, including a medium drink and chocolate chip cookie |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
KFC's Mac & Cheese Bowl
KFC's Mac & Cheese is made with elbow macaroni and a cheddar cheese sauce. The dish is baked to achieve a golden top, adding texture to the creamy dish. The sauce is made with a blend of cheddar cheese and pasteurized cheese product. The recipe for the sauce includes whole milk, powdered milk, cornstarch, dry ground mustard, and Velveeta cheese. The macaroni is cooked according to the package instructions and then drained and added back to the pot. The sauce is then made in a separate saucepan by melting butter and adding flour to create a roux. Milk is gradually added, stirring constantly until thickened. Shredded cheddar and processed cheese are then added and stirred until melted.
The Mac & Cheese Bowl received positive reviews, with some noting that it is a convenient, filling, and affordable meal. Kalen Allen, a celebrity endorser for KFC, stated that the combination of KFC's mac and cheese, popcorn chicken, and extra cheese is "ridiculously good."
Mac and Cheese: Milk or No Milk?
You may want to see also
Mac & Cheese as a side dish
Mac & Cheese is a popular side dish at KFC. It is made with elbow macaroni and a blend of cheddar cheese and pasteurized cheese product, creating a signature creamy texture and flavour. The dish is baked to achieve a golden top, adding an extra layer of texture to the creamy macaroni. The recipe for this indulgent side has been a well-kept secret, with many attempting to recreate it at home.
In 2019, KFC introduced the Mac & Cheese Bowl, a main dish that combines their popular side with popcorn chicken and a three-cheese blend. The bowl is part of KFC's $5 Fill Up lineup, which includes a medium drink and a chocolate chip cookie. This new offering allows customers to enjoy their favourite side as a more substantial meal.
The Mac & Cheese Bowl has received positive reviews, with some describing it as "ridiculously good" and a perfect grab-and-go option for families. It is a convenient, filling, and affordable meal that has become a fan favourite.
For those who prefer a spicier option, KFC also offers the Spicy Mac & Cheese Bowl, which includes Nashville Hot sauce. This variation adds a kick to the classic side dish, appealing to those who enjoy bolder flavours.
Whether as a side or a main dish, KFC's Mac & Cheese has developed a cult-like following. Its creamy texture, cheesy flavour, and golden-baked top make it a comfort food favourite among customers. The dish's popularity has inspired many at-home recreations, with some coming close to replicating its unique taste and texture.
Who Created Mac and Cheese? A Presidential Mystery
You may want to see also
Mac & Cheese recipe
KFC sells Mac & Cheese bowls as a side dish or main meal. The bowls contain elbow macaroni covered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
If you want to make your own Mac & Cheese at home, there are several recipes available online. Here is one such recipe:
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Processed cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Parmesan
- Olive oil
Instructions:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and add flour to create a roux.
- Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until thickened.
- Add shredded cheddar and processed cheese, stirring until melted.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional cheese and breadcrumbs.
- Bake in the oven at 350-375°F until golden brown and bubbly on top, approximately 25-30 minutes.
This recipe can be customised with different types of cheese and toppings, such as crushed Ritz crackers or a panko and butter mixture. Mac & Cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or main, and it pairs well with fried chicken strips, meatloaf, or salmon. It can also be made ahead of time and reheated, although it may lose some of its creaminess.
Mac and Cheese: Butter or No Butter?
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Mac & Cheese ingredients
KFC's Mac & Cheese is a popular side dish that can be purchased as an individual or large size. It is made with cooked elbow macaroni and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. The dish is then baked to achieve a golden top, adding an extra layer of texture to the creamy dish.
If you're interested in making your own Mac & Cheese, you can follow a simple recipe with the following ingredients:
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is a popular choice, but any bite-sized pasta will work.
- Butter and Flour: These are used to make a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce.
- Milk: Whole milk or half-and-half will give the sauce a rich flavor and texture.
- Cheese: Cheddar cheese is the classic choice, but you can also use melting cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina. You can also add an extra layer of shredded cheese to be baked into the casserole.
- Seasonings: Salt and pepper can be added to the sauce, and paprika can be sprinkled on top.
- Breadcrumbs: These are optional but can be sprinkled on top for a crunchy texture.
Once you've gathered your ingredients, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Then, create the cheese sauce by melting butter and flour together to form a roux. Gradually add milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Add your shredded cheese and stir until melted. Combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, then transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle additional cheese on top and bake until golden and bubbly.
Phthalates in Kraft Macaroni: What You Need to Know
You may want to see also
Mac & Cheese nutrition
KFC's Mac & Cheese is a side dish consisting of elbow macaroni in a rich and creamy cheddar cheese sauce. It is available in individual and large sizes, with the smaller size containing 140 calories and the larger, family-sized portion containing 540 calories. KFC's Mac & Cheese is described as indulgent, with a good balance of protein and carbohydrates. However, it is also high in sodium.
The dish is prepared by mixing cooked macaroni with a cheese sauce, which is then transferred to a baking dish and topped with additional cheese. It is baked until the top becomes golden and bubbly. The cheese sauce itself is made by creating a roux with butter and flour, gradually adding milk, and then stirring in shredded cheddar and processed cheese until melted.
In 2019, KFC introduced the Mac & Cheese Bowl, a main dish that combines the chain's Mac & Cheese with popcorn chicken and a three-cheese blend. A Spicy Mac & Cheese Bowl option is also available, which includes KFC's Nashville Hot sauce.
Mac and Cheese: A Comforting Dish Explained
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, KFC sells macaroni and cheese as a side dish.
KFC's macaroni and cheese contains cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese sauce, and additional cheese on top. It is baked until golden and bubbly.
KFC's macaroni and cheese is available as part of the $5 Fill Up, which includes a medium drink and a chocolate chip cookie.
