ATK Kids

How to Make DIY Mac and Cheese Mix

Making a big batch of macaroni and cheese mix requires just 3 ingredients and means you can have mac and cheese for yourself—or a crowd—whenever the craving hits.
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Published Feb. 7, 2022.

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!).

The Complete DIY Cookbook for Young Chefs

The ultimate do-it-yourself cookbook for kids. Don’t buy it at the store. Make it yourself! These recipes are perfect for everything from a weekend project with your family to an after-school snack to homemade gifts for the holidays.  
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