Andy Montoya
KFC's mac and cheese is a popular side dish that has been on the menu for years. The dish consists of elbow macaroni covered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. In 2024, KFC US introduced Mac & Cheese Bowls as a main meal, which includes popcorn chicken and extra cheese. The recipe for KFC's mac and cheese is a well-guarded secret, but many have attempted to recreate it at home, with some claiming to have achieved a true KFC flavor.
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What You'll Learn
KFC Mac & Cheese bowls
KFC has unveiled its Mac & Cheese bowls, a fan-favourite side dish that has been upgraded to a main meal. The new Mac & Cheese Bowl $5 Fill Up comes with a medium drink and a chocolate chip cookie. The bowl itself is a combination of KFC's mac and cheese, popcorn chicken, and sprinkled with more cheese. The Mac & Cheese bowls are available in individual or large sizes.
The bowls are an abundant, convenient, filling, and affordable meal, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner for the whole family. The price of the meal is $5, although price and participation may vary, and tax is extra.
KFC's Mac & Cheese bowls include elbow macaroni covered in a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. The side dish has a good balance of protein and carbs and is moderate in calories but high in sodium.
KFC's Mac & Cheese has been a classic side dish for years, and its popularity has led to many attempts to recreate the recipe at home. The recipe includes elbow macaroni, milk, powdered milk, cornstarch, dry ground mustard, Velveeta cheese, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese. The unique orange colour of the dish is likely achieved through added food colouring.
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KFC Mac & Cheese recipe
KFC Mac & Cheese is a fan-favorite side dish that can now be enjoyed as a main meal. The signature taste of this creamy, tender, and rich dish is hard to replicate, but some recipes come very close to the original. Here is a simple recipe to make KFC-style Mac & Cheese at home.
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Whole milk
- Powdered milk
- Cornstarch
- Dry ground mustard
- Velveeta
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt
Recipe:
- Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the directions on the package in a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
- Drain the macaroni well and return it to the pot.
- Add 1 1/4 cups of whole milk, 1 1/2 tablespoons of powdered milk, 3/4 teaspoon of cornstarch, 1/2 teaspoon of dry ground mustard, and 12 ounces of Velveeta, cut into small cubes.
- Stir the mixture constantly over medium-low heat until the Velveeta is melted. Do not let it come to a simmer.
- Remove the pot from the heat and stir in 1 cup of shredded sharp cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
- The Mac & Cheese will thicken as it cools, so let it sit for a few minutes if you prefer a thicker consistency.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips:
- The secret to achieving the true KFC flavor is using whole milk and powdered milk.
- Cornstarch is crucial for thickening the sauce; do not substitute it with flour.
- Dry ground mustard is an essential ingredient that should not be skipped.
- Shredding the cheddar cheese fresh off the block results in better melting than using pre-shredded cheese.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- To reheat, use a microwave or stovetop, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce while heating.
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KFC Mac & Cheese ingredients
KFC introduced Mac & Cheese Bowls as a main meal in the US, which was well-received by award-nominated actor, producer, and television personality Kalen Allen. The bowls are described as a convenient, filling, and affordable meal, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
While KFC has not revealed the ingredients used in their Mac & Cheese, several sources have attempted to recreate the recipe. Here is a list of ingredients commonly used in these copycat recipes:
- Elbow macaroni
- Whole milk
- Powdered milk
- Cornstarch
- Dry ground mustard
- Velveeta (or homemade version)
- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Salt (optional)
The unique orange color of KFC's Mac & Cheese may be achieved through added food coloring, although this is not confirmed. The signature taste and texture are reportedly spot-on in these copycat recipes, with some adjustments made to suit individual preferences.
Preparing the dish involves cooking the macaroni as per the package instructions, draining it, and then combining all the ingredients except the shredded cheddar cheese. The mixture is stirred over medium heat until thickened and glossy, after which the cheese is added until melted and creamy. The dish can be served immediately and is easily reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk.
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KFC menu prices
KFC has introduced Mac & Cheese Bowls as a main meal option, upgrading the fan-favorite side dish. The Mac & Cheese Bowl costs $5 and comes with popcorn chicken and extra cheese. It also includes a medium drink and a chocolate chip cookie, making it a convenient and affordable option for a quick meal.
While KFC's Mac & Cheese is a popular side dish, recreating the signature taste at home is possible. Several copycat recipes claim to mimic the unique flavor and texture of KFC's Mac & Cheese. These recipes often include ingredients such as powdered milk, cornstarch, dry ground mustard, Velveeta, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
The key to achieving the distinct KFC flavor lies in using powdered milk, and the addition of cornstarch is crucial for the right thickness. The dry ground mustard and Velveeta are also essential ingredients. While pre-shredded cheese can be used, shredding the cheese fresh off the block is recommended for better melting.
Preparing the macaroni according to the package instructions is the first step in making KFC-style Mac & Cheese. After draining and returning the macaroni to the pot, add whole milk, powdered milk, cornstarch, dry ground mustard, and Velveeta. Stir constantly over medium-low heat until the Velveeta melts, being careful not to let the mixture simmer. Finally, remove from the heat and stir in the shredded sharp cheddar cheese, adjusting the salt to taste.
KFC's Mac & Cheese has a unique orange color, which some attribute to added food coloring. The side dish has a rich, creamy texture that thickens as it cools, contributing to its popularity among customers. The recipe has been recreated by home cooks, with some claiming it to be a delicious and easy-to-make option for a family meal.
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KFC US
KFC's Mac & Cheese is a fan-favorite side dish that has been on the menu for years. It is described as having a golden-baked top and a good balance of protein and carbs. The dish is moderate in calories but high in sodium.
While KFC US offers Mac & Cheese as a side dish or main meal, some people also try to recreate the dish at home. Several websites provide copycat recipes that claim to duplicate the taste of KFC's Mac & Cheese. These recipes often include ingredients such as elbow macaroni, milk, Velveeta cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, and spices like dry ground mustard.
Overall, KFC US's Mac & Cheese is a popular option for customers, and the introduction of the Mac & Cheese Bowl as a main meal is likely to be well-received by fans of the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, KFC offers macaroni and cheese as a side dish. It is a popular menu item and can be purchased in individual or large sizes.
KFC's macaroni and cheese is made with elbow macaroni and a rich, creamy cheddar cheese sauce. The sauce also contains butter, flour, milk, and processed cheese.
Yes, there are many copycat recipes available online that claim to replicate the taste of KFC's macaroni and cheese. These recipes typically use a combination of cheeses, milk, and spices to create a creamy and cheesy dish.
