When I want quick and easy mac and cheese for myself, I reach for the boxed stuff. When I want to make mac and cheese for a crowd, it’s much more involved: grating block after block of cheese, making a béchamel, and getting the seasonings juuuust right. I just can’t win . . . or can I?
By making your own mac and cheese mix, you get all the convenience of boxed mix—plus, a seemingly never-ending supply of macaroni and cheese (our recipe makes 12 batches!). All you have to do is combine cheddar cheese powder (available in some grocery stores or online); nonfat dry milk powder, which adds dairy flavor and creaminess; and a bit of tangy dry mustard.
Then, just add cooked pasta, butter, and a bit of water to make a single serving—or, up the ingredients to serve more than one.
Adults will delight in the ease and nostalgia of this recipe, while kids will love recreating a favorite store-bought food at home. It’s one of the 100+ DIY-ified recipes the ATK Kids team dreamed up for The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs. Check out the recipe below, and make it with the family (or keep it for yourself!).
