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I have been slowly adding more homemade mixes to my pantry because I really like having the convenience of a store-bought packet without needing to remember to buy one every time. This Homemade Mac and Cheese Dry Mix has quickly become one of those jars that makes an ordinary busy-night dinner much easier.
The idea is simple. You mix cheddar cheese powder, dry milk, and a few pantry seasonings together once. Then, when you want mac and cheese, measure out the mix and stir it into a 16-ounce box of cooked macaroni with butter and milk or reserved pasta water.
It fits right in with the other pantry staples I keep on hand, like my Homemade Brown Gravy Dry Mix, Homemade Cream of Anything Soup Mix, and Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Seasoning Mix.
One batch makes enough dry mix for about three 16-ounce boxes of macaroni. I also made a free printable pantry label for the jar, including several sizes so you can choose the one that works with your container.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It makes weeknight mac and cheese easy. The cheese sauce ingredients are already measured and mixed together.
- It makes a family-size batch. The directions are written specifically for a full 16-ounce box of macaroni.
- You control the ingredients. You can choose the cheddar cheese powder and seasonings you want to use.
- It keeps well in the pantry. Store the dry mix in an airtight jar so it is ready when you need it.
- It uses simple ingredients. There is no complicated cheese sauce to make.
- It is easy to customize. Add more liquid for a looser sauce or a little extra mix for stronger cheese flavor.
- The free printable label includes the directions. You do not have to pull up the recipe every time you make a batch.
Ingredients
- Cheddar cheese powder
- Whole milk powder
- Onion powder
- Ground mustard
- Garlic powder
- Black pepper
- Salt
The cheddar cheese powder provides most of the flavor, so this is one ingredient where the product you choose matters. I used Hoosier Hill cheddar cheese powder for the batch pictured here. Readers who prefer an option without artificial color can also use this dye-free cheddar cheese powder.
Ground mustard does not make the finished mac and cheese taste like mustard. It gives the cheese flavor a little more depth and balances the richness.
Equipment
- Large mixing bowl: Choose a bowl with enough room to whisk the powders without sending them over the sides.
- Whisk: A whisk works well for breaking apart small clumps and distributing the seasonings evenly.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements matter with a concentrated dry mix.
- Airtight jar or pantry container: A mason jar works especially well and gives you a place to use the free printable label.
- Large pot: When you are ready to prepare the mac and cheese, use a pot large enough for a full box of elbow macaroni.
- Silicone spoon or spatula: This makes it easy to stir the cheese mixture into the pasta and scrape the bottom of the pot.
How to Make Homemade Mac and Cheese Dry Mix
Start by adding all of the dry ingredients to a mixing bowl.
You may notice that the cheddar cheese powder and milk powder form a few little clumps. That is normal.
Whisk the mixture well until the color looks even throughout and you no longer see pockets of individual seasonings.
Once everything is combined, transfer the mix to an airtight jar. I like a clear jar because you can immediately see how much mix is left.
Add the printable label to the outside so the serving directions stay with the mix.
When you are ready to make mac and cheese, cook a full box of elbow macaroni until al dente.
Before draining it, scoop out some of the pasta water and set it aside. That starchy water is useful for turning the powder into a smooth sauce.
Drain the macaroni and return it to the warm pot. Stir in the butter while the noodles are still hot so it melts and coats the pasta.
Next, add the dry mac and cheese mix along with part of the reserved pasta water or milk. Stir over low heat until the powder dissolves and coats the macaroni. Add more pasta water gradually rather than pouring it all in at once. This gives you much better control over the final consistency.
The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it sits. Stop adding liquid when the macaroni looks just a little creamier than you think you need. You can always stir in another splash before serving.
For an even richer mac and cheese, replace some or all of the reserved pasta water with milk.
Serve with a scoop of baked beans (homemade or store bought) – it’s tastier than you’d think!
If you’d prefer a dye free cheese powder, you can find it here.
This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
PrintHomemade Mac & Cheese Dry Mix
This Homemade Mac & Cheese Dry Mix is an easy pantry staple made with cheddar cheese powder, whole milk powder, and simple seasonings. Use it with cooked macaroni, butter, and reserved pasta water for an easy homemade mac and cheese.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About 2½ cups dry mix, enough for approximately 3 (16-ounce) boxes of macaroni
- Category: Seasoning, Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- For the Dry Mix:
- 1½ cups cheddar cheese powder
- ¾ cup whole milk powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- For the finished macaroni:
- 16 ounces elbow macaroni
- ¾ cup Homemade Mac & Cheese Dry Mix (above)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- ½–¾ cup reserved hot pasta water, as needed
Instructions
- Add the cheddar cheese powder, whole milk powder, onion powder, ground mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt to a medium bowl.
- Whisk thoroughly until everything is evenly combined and any clumps are broken up.
- Transfer the dry mix to an airtight container or jar.
- Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
How to use to prepare a 16-Ounce Box of Macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions.
- Before draining, reserve at least 1 cup of the hot pasta water.
- Drain the macaroni and return it to the warm pot.
- Add the butter and stir until melted.
- Add ¾ cup of the dry mac and cheese mix.
- Add ½ cup reserved pasta water and stir over low heat until smooth and creamy.
- Add additional pasta water, 1–2 tablespoons at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
- Taste and add additional salt if needed. Serve warm.
Notes
- For a richer sauce: Replace some or all of the pasta water with milk.
- For a cheesier sauce: Add another 1–2 tablespoons of dry mix to taste.
- Consistency: The sauce will thicken as it sits. Add a splash of reserved pasta water or milk to loosen it.
- Storage: Keep the dry mix in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, following the storage recommendations for your cheese and milk powders.
Recipes That Pair Well With This
Homemade mac and cheese works as an easy side for everything from chicken to burgers. These are some good options when you want to turn it into a complete meal.
- Juicy Garlic Herb Chicken Breasts – Simple seasoned chicken works well with the rich, creamy mac and cheese without competing with it.
- Easy Baked Cheeseburger Sliders – Serve the mac and cheese alongside these sliders for an easy family dinner or casual get-together.
- Crispy Chick-fil-A–Style Chicken Sandwich – Crispy chicken and creamy macaroni make a classic comfort-food combination.
- Garlic Parmesan Green Beans – These give you an easy vegetable side to balance the pasta.
- Peach Dump Cake – Finish a comfort-food dinner with an easy warm dessert that does not require much extra prep.
- Chick-fil-A Style Thick Fudgy Chocolate Chunk Brownies – These rich brownies are an easy make-ahead dessert when you want something chocolate after dinner.
More Recipes to Try
Building a pantry of homemade mixes can save quite a few last-minute trips to the store. Here are several more staples you can make ahead.
- Homemade Taco Seasoning – Keep a jar ready for tacos, burritos, nachos, and other quick dinners.
- Homemade Pizza Seasoning Blend – An easy seasoning blend for homemade pizza, breadsticks, and more.
- Homemade Chili Seasoning Mix – Mix up a larger batch and skip the individual chili seasoning packets.
- Homemade Cajun Seasoning – This one is useful for chicken, pasta, seafood, and vegetables.
- Homemade Chocolate Milk Mix – Another simple dry pantry mix that is easy to keep ready for the kids.
- Homemade Baking Powder – A useful kitchen basic made from just a few pantry ingredients.
Tips for Little Helpers
This is a great recipe for kids because there is very little cooking involved when you make the dry mix. Younger helpers can measure ingredients into the bowl, while older kids can whisk everything together and transfer it to the storage jar.
A wide-mouth jar and small measuring scoop can make the transfer much less messy. Kids can also help cut out the printable label and choose which size fits the jar.
When you prepare the macaroni, save the stovetop portions for an adult or older child who is comfortable working with boiling water and a hot pot.
Tips for Success
Whisk the dry ingredients thoroughly before storing them. The milk powder and cheese powder can settle differently, so an evenly blended mix helps each scoop taste consistent.
Give the jar a quick shake before measuring the mix, especially if it has been sitting for a while.
Do not skip reserving the pasta water. It gives you an easy way to loosen the sauce without watering down the flavor too quickly.
Add the liquid gradually. Start with less, stir well, and then add more until the sauce reaches the consistency you like.
Keep the heat low after adding the cheese mixture. You only need enough heat to bring everything together.
Cheddar cheese powders can vary in saltiness and intensity. Taste the finished macaroni before adding extra salt.
FAQs
How much Homemade Mac and Cheese Dry Mix do I use for one 16-ounce box of macaroni?
Use the amount listed in the recipe card (3/4 cup dry mix) for one full 16-ounce box. The batch is designed so you can measure the mix instead of making a new cheese sauce each time.
Why use whole milk powder in the dry mix?
Whole milk powder adds creaminess while keeping the pantry mix completely dry. Once you add hot pasta water or milk, it helps create the sauce.
Can I use milk instead of reserved pasta water?
Yes. Milk makes the finished mac and cheese richer. You can use all milk or a combination of milk and pasta water.
Can I use water instead of pasta water?
You can, but reserved pasta water works better. It contains starch from cooking the noodles, which helps the sauce cling to the macaroni.
What does ground mustard do in mac and cheese?
It adds a mild tang that helps bring out the cheddar flavor. The finished macaroni should not taste strongly of mustard.
Can I leave out the ground mustard?
Yes. The recipe will still work without it, although the flavor will be slightly different.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes. Short shapes such as shells, cavatappi, or rotini work well. Keep the total dry pasta amount the same when using the mix as written.
Can I add extra dry mix for a stronger cheese flavor?
Yes. Stir in a small amount at a time and adjust the liquid as needed. Different brands of cheddar powder can vary in intensity.
Does this taste exactly like boxed mac and cheese?
It has the same convenient powdered-cheese style, but the flavor depends on the cheese powder and seasonings you use. The purpose of this recipe is to give you that same quick pantry convenience in a homemade bulk mix.
Is there a dye free option?
Yes! Hoosier Hill also makes a dye free cheddar cheese powder specifically for Mac and cheese mixes. Find it here!
Storage
Transfer the finished dry mix to a clean, completely dry airtight container. Keep it in a cool, dry pantry away from heat and moisture.
Because both cheddar cheese powder and whole milk powder have their own manufacturer storage recommendations, use the shortest storage guidance listed on the products you purchased. That is more reliable than assigning one universal pantry shelf life to every brand.
Always use a clean, dry measuring cup when scooping from the jar. Moisture can cause the powder to clump and shorten its storage life.
The free printable label makes it easy to keep the basic preparation directions directly on the container.
Cooked mac and cheese should be transferred to an airtight container and refrigerated after it cools.
Freezing Instructions
I would not freeze the dry mix because there is no real advantage to doing so. It is designed for dry pantry storage.
The prepared mac and cheese can technically be frozen, but the sauce may change texture once thawed and reheated. For the best creamy consistency, I prefer making only what we expect to eat within the next few days.
When reheating refrigerated macaroni, add a small splash of milk before warming it. Stir as it heats to help loosen the sauce again.
Variations
Extra cheesy: Add a little more dry mix to the finished macaroni until the cheese flavor is where you want it. You may need an extra splash of pasta water or milk.
Creamier mac and cheese: Use milk in place of some or all of the reserved pasta water.
Dye-free: Choose a cheddar cheese powder made without artificial coloring. This dye-free cheddar cheese powder option can be substituted for the regular cheddar powder.
Different pasta shapes: Try small shells, rotini, cavatappi, or another short pasta that holds onto the cheese sauce.
Add-ins: Stir in cooked bacon, diced ham, shredded chicken, peas, or broccoli for a more filling meal.
A little heat: Add a small pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika to the prepared macaroni rather than changing the entire jar of dry mix.
Final Thoughts
Homemade Mac and Cheese Dry Mix is exactly the kind of pantry recipe I like to keep around. It takes a few minutes to mix once, then saves time every time we want mac and cheese later.
Using a full 16-ounce box of macaroni also makes it practical for a family meal rather than a tiny single serving. The reserved pasta water keeps the preparation simple because the milk powder is already built into the mix.
Add the free printable label to your jar, keep it in the pantry, and the directions will be right there when you need them.
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