Copycat KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe, Calories & Nutrition Guide 2026
Many fast-food sides come and go, but KFC mac and cheese remains one of the most ordered items on the menu. Customers often choose it as a creamy side to balance crispy fried chicken.
The dish contains soft elbow macaroni mixed with a thick cheddar cheese sauce. It is served warm and comes in different portion sizes. This guide explains copycat recipe, calories, ingredients, nutrition facts, and portion options so you can decide if it fits your meal.
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What Is KFC Mac and Cheese?
KFC mac and cheese is a warm pasta side dish served at Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurants. It contains elbow macaroni coated in a creamy cheddar cheese sauce.
The sauce is smooth and thick. It covers the pasta evenly and creates a rich texture. The dish is designed to complement crispy chicken meals like Original Recipe Chicken tenders, or Chicken sandwich at KFC. KFC mac and cheese is usually available in 3 portion sizes i.e. small ($3.89) and large ($5.39) for different family sizes.
KFC Mac and Cheese Recipe (Easy Copycat)
Make creamy KFC mac and cheese at home with this simple copycat recipe. The texture is smooth, the cheese sauce is rich, and the pasta turns soft and flavorful just like the version served at the KFC. You can prepare this dish in less than 30 minutes, making it a quick side for fried chicken or any comfort-style meal.
Why This Copycat Recipe Works
If you enjoy the classic side dish from KFC, this homemade version delivers a very similar taste and texture. The sauce is creamy and rich, and the macaroni stays tender. One difference you may notice is the bright orange color that the restaurant version has. That color likely comes from added food coloring, which is not included here.
Make your own KFC Mac and Cheese at home with that KFC signature taste that you know and love in under a half hour with this easy recipe!
Recipe Details
|
Category |
Information |
|---|---|
|
Prep Time |
10 minutes |
|
Cook Time |
13 minutes |
|
Total Time |
23 minutes |
|
Servings |
6 servings |
|
Cuisine |
American |
|
Course |
Side Dish |
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my mac and cheese not thick enough?
The sauce thickens naturally as it cools. After cooking, allow the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes. Stir it occasionally and the texture will become thicker while remaining creamy.
Can I replace Velveeta cheese?
Velveeta is strongly recommended because it gives the closest flavor and texture to the KFC version. If you prefer not to use store-bought Velveeta, you can prepare a homemade Velveeta-style cheese and use that instead.
Where can I find powdered milk?
Powdered milk is commonly sold in grocery stores in boxes, bags, or cans. It is usually located in the baking aisle.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, place it in a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months.
What is the best way to reheat it?
You can reheat this dish in two ways:
Microwave:
Heat the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe bowl until warm.
Stovetop:
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat. Add a small splash of milk while stirring to restore the creamy texture.
Ingredients Needed
Below are the ingredients required to prepare this copycat KFC mac and cheese recipe.
|
Ingredient |
Notes |
|---|---|
|
8 ounces elbow macaroni |
About half a box |
|
1¼ cups whole milk |
Whole milk gives the best flavor |
|
1½ tablespoons powdered milk |
Important for authentic flavor |
|
¾ teaspoon cornstarch |
Helps thicken the sauce |
|
½ teaspoon dry ground mustard |
Adds subtle flavor depth |
|
12 ounces Velveeta cheese |
Cut into small cubes |
|
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese |
Freshly shredded melts better |
|
Salt |
Add according to taste |
Ingredient Tips
How to Make KFC Mac and Cheese?
Follow these simple steps to prepare the dish.
Step 1: Cook the macaroni
Cook 8 ounces of elbow macaroni according to the package instructions in a large stock pot or Dutch oven.
Once cooked, drain the pasta well and return it to the pot.
Step 2: Add the sauce ingredients
Add the following ingredients to the pot over medium-low heat:
Step 3: Stir Constantly
Stir continuously while the cheese melts.
Important: Do not allow the mixture to boil or simmer.
Step 4: Add the cheddar cheese
Remove the pot from heat.
Stir in 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese until fully melted.
Taste the sauce and add salt if needed.
Step 5: Allow the sauce to thicken
The mac and cheese will become thicker as it cools.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it rest for a few minutes and stir occasionally.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
|
Nutrient |
Amount |
|---|---|
|
Calories |
385 kcal |
|
Carbohydrates |
39 g |
|
Protein |
23 g |
|
Fat |
15 g |
|
Sodium |
1051 mg |
|
Fiber |
1 g |
|
Sugar |
9 g |
Nutrition Disclaimer
The nutritional values provided are estimates. Exact values may vary depending on the specific brands of ingredients used. If you want to compare this with other menu items, you can explore the complete KFC nutrition guide.
KFC Mac and Cheese Calories Breakdown
Calories vary depending on the serving size. The cheese sauce contributes most of the energy content.
|
Nutrient |
Small Serving |
Large Serving |
|---|---|---|
|
Calories |
140 kcal |
540 kcal |
|
Total Fat |
6 g |
23 g |
|
Saturated Fat |
1.5 g |
6 g |
|
Trans Fat |
0 g |
0 g |
|
Cholesterol |
5 mg |
10 mg |
|
Sodium |
590 mg |
2220 mg |
|
Carbohydrates |
17 g |
66 g |
|
Fiber |
1 g |
5 g |
|
Sugar |
0 g |
8 g |
|
protein |
2 g |
18 g |
The kfc small mac and cheese calories are usually the lowest because the portion size is limited.
Ingredients Used in KFC Mac and Cheese
The recipe for kfc mac and cheese uses common pasta and dairy ingredients. The focus is a creamy cheddar-based sauce.
Main components include:
These ingredients create the smooth texture customers expect.
Cheese Sauce Components
The cheese sauce is the most important part of kfc mac and cheese. It provides flavor and creaminess.
Typical sauce ingredients include:
|
Ingredient |
Purpose |
|---|---|
|
Cheddar cheese |
Main flavor |
|
Milk or cream |
Smooth texture |
|
Butter |
Richness |
|
Modified starch |
Thickness |
|
Salt |
Flavor balance |
This mixture coats the pasta evenly and keeps the dish creamy. You can create the copycat mac and cheese by the recipe given above.
KFC Small Mac and Cheese Calories
The kfc small mac and cheese calories are 140. This portion is designed for one person and is commonly included in combo meals.
Many customers choose the small serving when ordering KFC mac and cheese as a side with KFC chicken bucket or combo boxes.
|
Portion |
Calories |
Price |
|---|---|---|
|
Small |
140 kcal |
$3.89 |
|
Large |
540 kcal |
$5.39 |
The small size helps keep the overall meal balanced.
When the Small Portion Makes Sense?
The kfc small mac and cheese calories make it one of the lighter KFC side options.
It works well when paired with:
This portion keeps the meal satisfying without adding too many calories.
How KFC Mac and Cheese Tastes?
Flavor Profile
Customers often describe the flavor of kfc mac and cheese as creamy and mildly cheesy.
The sauce is smooth and coats the pasta evenly. The taste is balanced and not overly sharp.
Texture and Consistency
The texture of kfc mac and cheese is soft and creamy. Important texture characteristics:
The sauce stays creamy even after cooling slightly.
Customer Experience
Many customers order KFC mac and cheese because it balances crispy fried chicken.
Common feedback includes:
This balance makes it a popular side option.
KFC Mac and Cheese Price
Prices vary depending on location and country. The following table shows estimated pricing in many regions.
|
Portion Size |
Estimated Price |
|---|---|
|
Small |
$3.89 |
|
Large |
$5.39 |
These prices may change with promotions or combo meals.
Best KFC Menu Items to Pair With Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese works well with many fried chicken meals. The creamy pasta balances salty and crispy flavors.
Here are common menu items that pair well with mac and cheese:
|
KFC Item |
Why It Works |
|---|---|
|
Original Recipe Chicken |
Creamy pasta balances crispy coating |
|
Extra Crispy Chicken |
Rich side complements crunchy texture |
|
Chicken Tenders |
Easy combo meal option |
|
Chicken Sandwich |
Adds a warm side to the sandwich meal |
Ideal Combo Meal Setup
Many customers add kfc mac and cheese to combo meals with fries or biscuits.
A simple combo meal from KFC may include:
This mix gives both crispy and creamy textures.
KFC Mac and Cheese Vs Other Fast Food Mac and Cheese
Many fast-food chains offer mac and cheese sides. Flavor and nutrition can vary.
Some restaurants use stronger cheddar flavors, while KFC mac and cheese focuses on a smooth and creamy texture compared with options at chains like Popeyes or Chick-fil-A.
|
Restaurant |
Calories (Small) |
|---|---|
|
KFC |
140 |
|
Popeyes |
200+ |
|
Chick-fil-A |
260 |
Can You Order KFC Mac and Cheese Online?
KFC allows customers to order food online through multiple platforms. Availability may depend on location. Customers can order KFC mac and cheese using the official KFC website or mobile app.
Delivery Platforms
Online ordering is also available through food delivery services. Common platforms include:
These services allow customers to add mac and cheese to combo meals easily.
Steps to Order Online
Ordering KFC mac and cheese online usually follows these steps:
- Open the KFC website or delivery app
- Select your nearest KFC location
- Browse the sides menu
- Add mac and cheese to your cart
- Choose pickup or delivery
This process takes only a few minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
KFC offers mac and cheese as a simple comfort-food side. The dish contains soft pasta mixed with creamy cheddar sauce.
Many customers choose kfc mac and cheese because it balances crispy fried chicken with a smooth and mild flavor.
The kfc small mac and cheese calories make the small portion a practical option for individual meals. It provides creamy flavor without adding too many calories.
Overall, mac and cheese remains one of the most popular sides on the KFC menu. It is easy to order, widely available, and pairs well with many chicken meals.
