Is there a kid out there, or adult for that matter that doesn’t LOVE macaroni and cheese??! My 3 year old would eat it for every meal, including breakfast if I let her. My Husband doesn’t mind sneaking a bite or two either when I make it!
When my Sister and her family were visiting Salt Lake City from their home in Southern Utah, she talked us into a dinner trip to California Pizza Kitchen. I hadn’t been there in a long time so I relied on her suggestions for ordering. She insisted that their Macaroni & Cheese was so good she ordered it for herself. I was skeptical at first because we were at a pizza joint, shouldn’t I be ordering pizza? I went for the Macaroni & Cheese anyway and decided Avery (my 3 year old) and I could share.
OH MY GOODNESS… I almost didn’t let Avery have any…
Very shortly after that (like maybe 2 days), I talked my sister into another dinner trip to CPK for more Macaroni & Cheese. It was after this that I decided I needed to research some copycat recipes so I could make this at home for Avery (and myself, let’s be serious). Turns out, it’s so stinking easy to make and you get a TON, so there is plenty not only for Avery and I, but also for my hubby and even leftovers!
I have shared this recipe with my entire family and they have all made it and continue to rave about it! Check it out – TRY IT! You won’t be sorry – and you can kiss those boxes of Kraft and Velveeta GOODBYE!
Ready to try it? DO IT! Let Avery and I know how you like it! We would LOVE to even see pictures or the end results!
Bon Appetit!
CPK copycat Mac & Cheese
Mac & Cheese
Instructions
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Boil 4 quarts of water in a large stockpot. Traditionally you salt the water to season the pasta noodles, but the Velveeta has enough seasoning that this step is skipped in this recipe.
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Cube up the Velveeta and plop that into your large sauce pan set to medium-low heat. Pour in your heavy cream and drop in that butter. Stir this frequently (almost constantly) until melty. Once almost completely melted, turn the heat down to low and continue to watch it and stir frequently to avoid scalding.
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Once your water is at a rolling boil, pour in the entire box of Rotini pasta (this is the preferred noodle here, but really you can use anything like Penne, Cavatappi, Elbow, Farfalle, etc.) Cook the noodles for about 10 minutes, or until al dente.
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Drain the noodles, do not rinse and return the pan to the stovetop. Pour the luscious cheese sauce over the noodles and fold all the noodles in. Serve immediately.
Note
- A few shakes of your favorite hot sauce (Sriracha is my favorite) gives this dish some fun heat!
- Make this more of an entrée for the whole gang by adding in some favorites like steamed broccoli, grilled chicken or even hot dogs! I LOVE Macaroni & Cheese with sliced up hot dogs or smoked sausage! So GOOD!
- Want flare? Add in chopped up bacon and chopped up jalapeños! Pour the whole mixture into a 9×9 baking dish. For the topping – mix together 4 tbsp. melted butter, 1/4 cup parmesan cheese and 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs. Pop the whole thing in a 350 degree oven for 12-15 minutes. AMAZING!
