Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese

KFC Mac and Cheese is ultra creamy, ultra cheesy, and delicious as a side dish or simple meal. Even better, it’s incredibly easy to make! This simple stovetop recipe combines a simple cream sauce with a handful of spices and tender pasta for a dish that beats takeout any day.

KFC Mac and Cheese

While I love playing and experimenting in the kitchen, I’ll always fall back on easy recipes when it’s time to make dinner.

In fact, this KFC mac and cheese recipe might be the easiest one I’ve shared yet — next to my lazy day recipe, of course.

All you have to do is make a simple cheese sauce on the stove while you boil the pasta, then mix it all together and dig in!

I love being able to satisfy my family’s cravings without spending a ton of money on fast food.

From Whataburger patty melts to Panda Express fried rice, there’s always a way to make your favorites at home.

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions

• Elbow Macaroni – It’s a classic for a reason! These tiny tubes gobble up the cheesy sauce, and the bend makes sure it all stays inside.
  
  That said, another short pasta such as shells, penne, or cavatappi will work too.
  
• Butter & Flour – When combined, these make a roux — an essential part of any cream or cheese sauce.
  
  The mixture helps with thickening and keeps the texture nice and smooth.
  
• Half-and-Half – This is equal parts milk and heavy cream, so feel free to make your own if you can’t find it at the store.
  
  I find that this balance makes KFC mac and cheese sauce nice and creamy but not too thick.
  
• Cheese – Grab Velveeta for ultra creaminess and sharp cheddar for flavor. If you can’t get Velveeta, another processed cheese like American is your best bet.
  
• Seasonings – Salt is always a must, and I like to use white pepper instead of black pepper so there aren’t any visible flecks in the sauce.
  
  A little garlic powder and paprika make this mac and cheese KFC copycat extra yummy, and you can adjust the amount to suit your taste.

Tips and Tricks to Make Mac and Cheese Like KFC

• Let the half-and-half warm on the counter while you prep the cheese.

Dairy does some funny things when it goes from cold to hot too quickly.

It’s always a good idea to measure out any milk or cream and let it come to room temperature (or as close to it) before pouring it into a hot pan.

I’ll usually do that first when making this KFC mac and cheese recipe before I even put the water on to boil!

• Salt the pasta water and rinse the noodles after.

In other pasta dishes, starch water can help bring a sauce together. But in this KFC mac and cheese, it can actually cause a grainy texture.

Start by salting the pasta water to prevent excess starch from being released from the macaroni. Then, rinse the pasta after draining too.

As a bonus, rinsing in cold water will stop the cooking process so your macaroni doesn’t get mushy.

• Whisk, whisk, whisk!

Make sure the melted butter and flour and really well combined, and keep whisking as it bubbles for about a minute.

This helps get rid of the raw flour taste and adds a subtle nuttiness to the dish.

Keep that wrist working while you add the half-and-half too! Pour it in a little at a time while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps.

Then, keep stirring as the sauce thickens to prevent it from scalding on the bottom.

Prep Ahead

• Bring half-and-half to room temp
• Cube Velveeta
• Shred cheddar

Kitchen Tools You Will Need

• Large Pot and Strainer to cook and drain the pasta.
• Large Saucepan – Choose a heavy-bottomed one so the heat is distributed more evenly and doesn’t burn the cheese sauce.
• Cheese Grater – Fresh cheese makes this recipe even better! Skip the bagged shreds and buy a block to grate yourself.
• Whisk – These have held up for over 10 years and are still as good as the day I bought them. 
• Heat-Resistant Spoon – Perfect for cooking, stirring, and serving.

Serving Suggestions 

What better way to enjoy mac and cheese from KFC than with some fried chicken and more of your favorite sides?

You can feed the whole family a delicious feast with mashed potatoes and gravy, coleslaw, sweet corn, and buttery biscuits… for a fraction of the cost of takeout.

For a simpler meal, toss some nuggets in the air fryer or top your bowl with crispy bacon pieces.

Sometimes I’ll throw some broccoli or peas in there too — on the side or mixed right into the bowl!

Storing and Reheating Mac and Cheese From KFC

Allow leftovers to cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Copycat KFC mac and cheese is best when eaten within 3 days.

To reheat, return leftovers to a saucepan on the stove and add a splash of milk or half-and-half to help loosen the sauce and keep it creamy.

Warm on low heat, stirring frequently until hot.

KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQ

Enjoy!
With love, from our simple kitchen to yours.

 Don’t miss a thing! Follow us on
Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Instagram

Originally published March 2025

Disclosure: Posts may contain affiliate links. If you purchase a product through an affiliate link your price will remain the same and The Slow Roasted Italian will automatically receive a small commission. Thank you for supporting us, it helps us keep creating new recipes.