Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese (Copycat)

Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese (Copycat)
Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese (Copycat)
My reverse-engineered recipe for Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese. Recipe may be halved and baked in an 8 x 8 baking dish.
  • Preparing Time: 30 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Served Person: 12
vegetarian white meat free tree nut free nut free contains gluten red meat free shellfish free contains pasta contains dairy pescatarian
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons flour
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 4 quarts boiling water (add 1 tablespoon salt)
  • 4 cups dry medium elbow macaroni
  • 6 tablespoons stick margarine (i use blue bonnet)
  • 4 1/2 cups skim milk
  • 1/8 teaspoon citric acid
  • 1 can cheese spread (kraft sharp cheddar easy cheese)
  • 16 ounces shredded cheddar cheese (medium not mild or sharp)
  • Carbohydrate 6.62839194338478 g
  • Cholesterol 1.8375 mg
  • Fat 0.165798888889032 g
  • Fiber 0.00673611095473844 g
  • Protein 3.13497500000074 g
  • Saturated Fat 0.107580972222248 g
  • Serving Size 1 1 serving(s) (133g)
  • Sodium 338.521222222248 mg
  • Sugar 6.62165583243004 g
  • Trans Fat 0.00827263888888889 g
  • Calories 41 calories

NOTE: This recipe can be prepared in two methods -- "crusty" (baked), or "creamy" (stovetop). SET oven rack to center position; PREHEAT oven to 375degreesF if using the "crusty" baked macaroni and cheese option in Step 9; SPRAY a 9 x 13 baking dish with non-stick baking spray; SHRED 16 ounces (1 lb.) sharp cheddar cheese; SET aside. BRING 4 quarts (16 cups) water to a rolling boil; ADD 1 tablespoon salt and 4 cups dry medium elbow macaroni; BLANCH macaroni until just tender; DRAIN cooked macaroni in colander, scraping all pasta from pot. RINSE drained macaroni in colander under cold running water for 30 seconds; ALLOW macaroni to drain; RETURN empty pot to stovetop on medium-low to medium heat. MELT 6 tablespoons margarine in pot; ADD 2 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons cornstarch to make a roux; COOK over low heat, whisking until light golden (do not scorch). POUR in 4 1/2 cups skim milk while whisking; ADD 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon citric acid; STIR; RAISE heat to medium. ADD one (8 ounce) can Kraft Sharp Cheddar Easy Cheese; REDUCE heat to low; ADD 16 ounces shredded medium cheddar cheese; STIR constantly over lowest heat until mixture melts and becomes very smooth and consistent in texture. ADD rinsed drained macaroni to pot; WHISK to separate any clumped macaroni and combine; ADD salt to taste if necessary. POUR then scrape mixture into greased 9 x 13 baking dish (for make-ahead freezing only, use greased cake or loaf pans); SET baking dish over a large baking sheet covered with foil. FOR CRUSTY MACARONI AND CHEESE: Leave baking dish uncovered; Bake at 375degreesF for 30 minutes. Allow to cool and set for 10 minutes. Serve and enjoy! FOR CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE: Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring often until desired consistency is achieved. Serve and enjoy!