Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

Anita declared this potluck macaroni and cheese our go-to dish for family get-togethers. I agree, it’s not just darned good but it makes a mighty big batch to boot. You can make it in a (big) crockpot or on the stovetop (in a pretty big pot). It’s creamy, cheesy and downright yummy.

The Mexican cheese adds a wonderfully different flavor but it doesn’t make the dish spicy. If you want to spice up your mac and cheese, substitute Mexican Velveeta. Don’t worry, it won’t be so hot that it’ll run grandma off. But you might want to warn her a bit.

Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

You can make hundreds more variations on this recipe for potluck macaroni and cheese. I like to add drained jarred pimentos. Or chopped roasted red bell peppers. Or roasted green chiles or jalapenos. The possibilities are endless. Oh, and don’t be afraid to use different kinds of cheeses.

This isn’t meant to be the diet version of mac and cheese, though. Don’t go using 2% milk and what-not. It’s mac-and-cheese. Not a salad.

Also try my mac and cheese soup.

Potluck Macaroni and Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 2 votes

Potluck Macaroni and Cheese

You can make hundreds more variations on this recipe for potluck macaroni and cheese. I like to add drained jarred pimentos. Or chopped roasted red bell peppers. Or roasted green chiles or jalapenos.
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Keyword mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 45 minutes
Servings 16 servings
Calories 402kcal

Ingredients

  • 3 cups elbow macaroni
  • 16 ounces Velveeta cubed
  • 2 cups Mexican cheese blend shredded
  • 2 cups white cheddar cheese shredded, can substitute any shredded white cheese
  • 1 ¾ cups whole milk
  • 12 ounces evaporated milk
  • ¾ cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 large eggs lightly beaten

Instructions

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Drain well. Transfer to a 5 quart or larger slow cooker that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
  • Stir in the remaining ingredients.
  • Cook, covered, on low for 2-1/2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes.

Notes

You can also cook this on the stovetop. Instead of transferring to a slow cooker, just return the drained pasta to the pot in which you cooked it. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 30 minutes or until the cheeses have melted and the mixture is heated thoroughly, stirring often.

Nutrition

Calories: 402kcal | Carbohydrates: 27g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 15g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 107mg | Sodium: 685mg | Potassium: 296mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 921IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 455mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Oh I’ve made fru-fru mac-and-cheese before. Heck, I’ve made the stuff out of the box before. But ya know, this copycat KFC macaroni and cheese puts them all to shame. It’s crazy easy to make, like most stove-top versions. And it’s soooo creamy. And yummy. You can make an absolutely huge batch of this in no time and feed a crowd. Or you can keep it for yourself. It’s your call.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Ok, the recipe for copycat KFC macaroni and cheese does not call for a light dusting of paprika before serving. That was my idea. You don’t have to do it. Or you can use cayenne for a little kick. I’m quite sure the original version from Kentucky Fried Chicken had neither paprika or cayenne!

Also try my copycat KFC bean salad.

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Copycat KFC Macaroni and Cheese

Oh I’ve made fru-fru mac-and-cheese before. Heck, I’ve made the stuff out of the box before. But ya know, this copycat KFC macaroni and cheese puts them all to shame. 
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword copycat, Kentucky Fried Chicken, KFC, mac and cheese, macaroni and cheese
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 446kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring water to a boil over high heat in a medium saucepan.
  • Add pasta, stir, and cook 10-12 minutes until tender, stirring often.
  • Meanwhile, add remaining ingredients to a small saucepan over low heat. Stir until melted and smooth.
  • When the macaroni is cooked, pour into a strainer and rinse with cold water. Drain well then return it to the pasta pot. Turn off the heat.
  • Stir in the cheese sauce and serve.

Nutrition

Calories: 446kcal | Carbohydrates: 62g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 12g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 37mg | Sodium: 943mg | Potassium: 331mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 576IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 394mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad

Maybe, like you, I at first made a face when I came across the idea for macaroni and cheese pasta salad. But then, I thought, hey, I love mac-and-cheese. I love pasta salad. What I thought could be a crazy idea might well be brilliant. And it was. Traditional pasta salad flavors with a bit of cheddar cheese. I often cube cheddar cheese into my pasta salads, so the idea of using boxed mac and cheese really isn’t that much of a stretch. And it’s sure easier.

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad

You can easily double this recipe for a family get-together. And I honestly wouldn’t be afraid to add a minced jalapeno or two to this macaroni and cheese pasta salad for a little kick. I also like to substitute chipotle powder or smoked paprika for the black pepper for a little smokiness.

I recently discovered Blue Plate mayonnaise, which I think is the best around. If you can’t find it locally you can pick it up online for a fair price.

If you want to make mac-and-cheese, but not out of the box, try my 20-minute version. Love pimento cheese? It’s great in pasta salad too!

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad
Print Pin
5 from 1 vote

Macaroni and Cheese Pasta Salad

Maybe, like you, I at first made a face when I came across the idea for macaroni and cheese pasta salad. But then, I thought, hey, I love mac-and-cheese. I love pasta salad.
Course Side
Cuisine American
Keyword macaroni and cheese, pasta salad
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 30 minutes
Servings 12 servings
Calories 134kcal

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add the pasta from the macaroni and cheese and cook per package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
  • In a large bowl combine then cheese packages from the mac and cheese and all of the remaining ingredients.
  • Fold in the pasta.
  • Cover and refrigerate at least one hour before serving. If the salad gets too thick add a bit more mayonnaise and stir lightly.

Nutrition

Calories: 134kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 14g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 231mg | Potassium: 77mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 167IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 13mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutritional values are approximate.