KFC Mac and Cheese

Recreate the comforting goodness of KFC Mac and Cheese at home with this easy copycat recipe. It captures the creamy, cheesy indulgence of the Kentucky Fried Chicken classic, turning simple ingredients into a heartwarming dish. With tender macaroni in a creamy homemade cheese sauce, you’ll enjoy the nostalgic taste of your favorite fast-food side.

Copycat KFC mac and cheese in bowls.


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What Makes KFC Mac and Cheese So Memorable 

While you probably won’t go to KFC just to order Mac ‘n Cheese, you could. After all, the chain is known for making a silky smooth version bursting with cheesy goodness. Think of it as a major upgrade to your childhood favorite!  

Why You Should Try This Recipe 

Boxed Mac and Cheese may not be very delicious, but it is definitely convenient. Well, this copycat KFC Mac and Cheese recipe is almost as easy to make and so much better tasting!

In just about the same amount of time that it takes to prepare off-the-shelf macaroni and cheese, you can make it fresh. And once you try it, you’ll never want to see another packet of Day-Glo orange cheese powder again!

KFC Macaroni and Cheese Ingredients

To make this recipe, you’ll need:

  • Large elbow macaroni
  • Evaporated milk 
  • Whole milk 
  • Mustard powder
  • American cheese 
Copycat KFC mac and cheese ingredients on a marble surface.

Recipe Notes

Evaporated milk is not the same as condensed milk. Double-check the labels so you don’t use the wrong can. 

Feel free to swap the American cheese for another kind. Sharp cheddar cheese and Monterey Jack make great options. 

How to Make KFC Mac and Cheese 

To prepare copycat KFC Mac and Cheese:

  1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the elbow pasta according to the instructions on the package. 
  2. Drain the macaroni well, and spread it out on a rimmed pan to cool. 
  3. While the macaroni is cooling, combine the evaporated milk, whole milk, and American cheese in the same pan you used to boil the macaroni. Don’t rinse out the pot. The leftover starch from the pasta will help to thicken the cheese sauce. 
  4. Warm the cheese sauce over low heat while stirring. Reduce the heat if the sauce comes to a simmer. 
  5. Once the cheese melts and the sauce has a smooth consistency, return the macaroni to the pot.
  6. Stir well to coat the pasta with the cheese sauce, and serve immediately. 
Collage of making copycat KFC mac and cheese.

What to Serve With KFC Mac and Cheese 

What could be more comforting than eating a huge bowl of macaroni and cheese on its own? Pairing it with something equally delicious! Grilled or fried chickenpulled pork sandwichesmeatloaf, or ribs are all great options. And don’t forget the biscuits!

Serve it with a variety of hot sauces to make spicy mac and cheese.

Do you need an inexpensive and no-fuss way to make this recipe more filling? Add sliced hot dogs, bacon bits, or any cooked meat to the sauce.

Top it with crispy chicken and shredded 3-cheese blend to make your own KFC mac and cheese bowl.

Overhead view of copycat KFC mac and cheese in three bowls and three spoons.

How to Store the Leftovers

Allow any extra macaroni and cheese to come down to room temperature, and then transfer it to an airtight container. Spreading the mac and cheese on a baking tray will speed up the cooling time.

Mac and cheese will stay fresh in the fridge for up to three days, and you can freeze it for up to a month before it becomes mushy. 

How to Reheat KFC Mac and Cheese

The quickest way to reheat this dish is in the microwave, and unlike other foods, the results are pretty good. Just be sure to thaw frozen macaroni and cheese in the fridge overnight before heating. 

  1. Transfer the mac and cheese to a microwave-safe bowl. 
  2. Stir in a tablespoon or two of milk.
  3. Cover the bowl with a paper towel and microwave at 50 percent power for a minute. Stir. Continue heating the food for one minute at a time until it is hot.

You can reheat the copycat KFC Mac and Cheese on the stovetop if you don’t have a microwave. 

  1. Add the leftovers to a cold pan and stir in a tablespoon or two of milk. Starting with a hot pan can dry out or burn the mac and cheese. 
  2. Heat over low while stirring frequently. 
Copycat KFC mac and cheese, fried chicken, and a biscuit on a plate.

Love KFC? Try These Copycat Recipes!

More Mac and Cheese Recipes

Check out more of my easy side dish recipes and the best fast food recipes on CopyKat!

Copycat KFC mac and cheese in bowls.

KFC Mac and Cheese

You can make KFC Macaroni and Cheese with this easy copycat recipe.
5 from 11 votes
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Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: KFC Recipes
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Calories: 524kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 pound large elbow macaroni
  • 12 ounces canned evaporated milk
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 teaspoon mustard powder
  • 18 ounces American cheese

Instructions

  • Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions.
  • Drain the pasta.
  • In the pan where you cooked the pasta add the evaporated milk, the whole milk, and the cheese. Heat on low until the cheese melts.
  • Add pasta and stir until well coated.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 524kcal | Carbohydrates: 50g | Protein: 23g | Fat: 25g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 80mg | Sodium: 1126mg | Potassium: 387mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 9g | Vitamin A: 754IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 828mg | Iron: 1mg

About Stephanie Manley

I recreate your favorite restaurant recipes, so you can prepare these dishes at home. I help you cook dinner, and serve up dishes you know your family will love. You can find most of the ingredients for all of the recipes in your local grocery store.

Stephanie is the author of CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home, and CopyKat.com's Dining Out in the Home 2.

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