DIY Mac-n-Cheese Mix

It’s possible to have homemade mac-n-cheese that’s almost as fast as preparing it from the blue box. I like to prep multiple batches of the dry mix and store in small ziplocs or glass jars. Lends itself to many add-ins: pre-cooked chicken or sausage, ham, steamed veggies, chopped fresh herbs, sun-dried tomatoes, you name it. The finished sauce is enough for about 12 oz of pasta, 3-4 servings.

In a small bowl, combine:

• 2 Tbsp flour
• 1 Tbsp onion flakes
• 1 Tbsp nutritional yeast
• 1 tsp dry mustard
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp salt
• Optional: dry herbs or spices: ¼ tsp thyme, ¼ tsp coriander, etc

Ready to cook? You will need:

• 12 oz pasta
• 3 Tbsp butter
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup grated cheese
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce (optional)

Start a pot of water boiling for your pasta. Add plenty of salt to the water and boil the pasta according to package directions. Drain, reserving 1 cup of cooking water.
Melt butter in a large saucepan or saute pan. Stir in dry mix, until no dry flour remains. Whisk in milk, simmer till thickened. Turn off heat.
Add cheese and stir till melted. Add Worcestershire sauce (if using) and season to taste with additional salt and freshly ground pepper. Stir in cooked and drained pasta and desired additions. Adjust sauce consistency with the reserved pasta water.

Flavor variations:

Classic: Use sharp cheddar. Stir in sliced hot dogs and frozen peas.
Chicken and Mushroom: Cook 8 oz sliced mushrooms in 1 Tbsp butter. Add 2 Tbsp butter, and when it’s melted, sprinkle dry mix over the mushrooms and proceed with recipe. Stir in sliced cooked chicken at the end.
Sausage and Kale: Saute bulk sausage in the saucepan. If there is too much fat left behind, scoop some out. If the sausage is lean, add butter to compensate, and proceed with the recipe. Add 1/2 bunch kale, torn into small pieces, partway through boiling the pasta.
Spinach and Tomato: Saute 4 minced cloves of garlic in butter before adding dry mix. Stir two more cloves of minced garlic, chopped fresh spinach, and chopped sundried tomatoes into final sauce.