Copycat Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
Recreate the nostalgic comfort of your favorite childhood boxed macaroni and cheese with this quick and easy copycat recipe! Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish combines the convenience of pantry staples with a homemade touch. Tender elbow macaroni is coated in a velvety, cheese-powder-infused sauce made from a simple roux of butter, flour, and milk. A pinch of paprika adds a subtle pop of flavor and color, making this macaroni and cheese irresistibly creamy and vibrant. Perfect for busy weeknights or as a satisfying side dish, this recipe serves up the same cheesy goodness you love but with a fresher, customizable twist.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 1.25 cups Milk
- 1.25 cups Cheddar cheese powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Salt
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika (optional, for color and flavor)
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring no lumps form. Cook and stir the mixture for 2-3 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly.
Reduce the heat to low and whisk in the cheddar cheese powder, salt, and paprika (if using). Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and toss until all the pasta is evenly coated in the cheese sauce.
Serve immediately, garnished with additional paprika or freshly cracked black pepper if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
2872 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 144.2 g | 185% | |
| Saturated Fat | 86.6 g | 433% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 371 mg | 124% | |
| Sodium | 6929 mg | 301% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 281.9 g | 103% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 8.7 g | 31% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.5 g | ||
| Protein | 119.4 g | 239% | |
| Vitamin D | 4.9 mcg | 25% | |
| Calcium | 2891 mg | 222% | |
| Iron | 10.5 mg | 58% | |
| Potassium | 1136 mg | 24% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
