➤ story by SOFIA MARTÍNEZ
There’s a time and place for the real deal: freshly grated cheese, a proper roux, a golden breadcrumb topping. This is the macaroni and cheese that stretches into perfect cheese pulls, and shows up at the center of the Thanksgiving table.
But let’s not pretend that’s what we’re making on a random Tuesday night. Because nine times out of 10, anyone who loves “proper” mac and cheese will always be down for the boxed kind too, complete with its neon orange powder and artificial cheese flavor. This is the mac and cheese many of us grew up on: convenient, filling, and tasty.
Related: How Chick-Fil-A Mac & Cheese is Made, According to an Employee
If boxed mac and cheese is your go to on busy weeknights, this is a judgment free zone. In fact, I’m about to do you a solid and share a recipe for the powdered cheese mix that comes in the packet. Instead of stocking up on individual boxes, make this powder once, store it, and use it whenever the craving hits. Any pasta becomes mac and cheese. No box required, and it’s shelf stable too.
This recipe, from TikTok creator @MadMealsInAJar, combines cheese powder, milk powder, butter powder (yes, it’s a thing), and salt, making it so all you have to do is add cooked pasta and a bit of hot water. The result is a pantry shortcut that’s not only more flexible, but ultimately more economical.
Check out the full recipe below.
Hoosier Hill Farm Cheddar Cheese Powder, 1lb
Judee’s Gluten Free Butter Powder, 11oz
Swiss Miss Nonfat Dry Milk, 13oz
Boxed Mac and Cheese Powder Recipe
➤ photo by GILMER DIAZ ESTELA / PEXELS
Ingredients
- 1 cup cheddar cheese powder
- 4 tablespoons milk powder
- 4 tablespoons butter powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
Directions
- Add all the powders into an empty 16 oz. jar or airtight container, then shake to combine. Store in a cool, dry place for up to 6 months.
- When ready to use, measure out 2½ tablespoons of the cheese powder mix for every ½ cup of uncooked pasta. (Makes 1 serving).
- Cook pasta as normal, then combine with the cheese powder, adding 1-2 tablespoons of leftover pasta water per serving, depending on the consistency you like.
- This powdered cheese mix recipe already includes milk and butter, so no need to add these ingredients unless you want your mac and cheese to be richer and creamier.
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