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Copycat Kraft Mac and Cheese

Ultra creamy and cheesy, this Copycat Kraft Mac and Cheese is 100% kiddo approved! It will have you tossing out all that boxed mac and cheese from your pantry. Kids adore the real cheese flavor, while parents appreciate how quickly it comes together. Perfect for busy weeknights!

Why Kids Love It

This mac and cheese is every child’s favorite! Its bright orange color and comfort food appeal capture the hearts of kids everywhere. It’s simple, creamy, and made without any bread toppings. Even the pickiest eaters in my home declare this mac and cheese the best!

Unlike boxed Kraft Mac and Cheese, this version is rich in flavor and features perfectly cooked al dente pasta. It’s incredibly easy to whip up and pairs well with whatever you’re serving for dinner. Trust me, once you try this homemade recipe, you’ll question why you ever settled for the boxed variety.

Ingredients

Pasta: Use elbow macaroni for the classic texture. You can experiment with other shapes, but kids are often more willing to try familiar options when transitioning from boxed to homemade mac and cheese.
Butter, Flour, and Milk: These ingredients come together to make a roux that will thicken the creamy cheese sauce.
Cheeses: Cracker Barrel Cheddar is a must for that perfect orange hue and flavor. Opt for shredding your own cheese; combining it with Colby Jack offers a mild bite that’s easy for kids to enjoy.
Seasonings: Keep it simple with just salt and pepper for seasoning.

Variations

To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free 1:1 flour in the roux and gluten-free pasta.
If you prefer a dairy-free option, substitute with vegan butter, full-fat coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk, and vegan cheese, which often comes pre-shredded.

Instructions

Cook the pasta to al dente: Remember to reserve 1 cup of pasta water for later use. After cooking, strain the pasta and set it aside until your sauce is ready.
Melt the butter and add flour: Cook the flour over medium heat until it absorbs all the butter, ensuring no clumps remain. Slowly whisk in the milk until it thickens into a creamy sauce base.
Bring to a simmer: Add your spices and shredded cheese. Keep whisking until you have a smooth and creamy sauce, then remove it from the heat.
Add the pasta back: Return the drained pasta to the Dutch oven. Stir well using a wooden spoon to coat all the pasta in that luscious cheese sauce. If you want a thinner sauce, gradually add reserved pasta water until achieving your desired consistency.