Homemade Mac and Cheese Mix in a Jar
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.
Want to still have “prepared mac and cheese mix” but be able to control all the ingredients? Here’s how to make your own homemade mac and cheese mix!
If you’ve been around the blog for a bit you know that I love homemade mixes that I can make and store on the shelves of my pantry. I like to make dry soup mixes, baking mixes. meal mixes like Homemade Hamburger Helper, and everything in between.
Today I’m going to share with you how we make our own shelf-stable mac and cheese mix. I tried to calculate the cost of this mix compared to the cost of a store-bought mix, but fell short. This version is at least 2 1/2 times the size of a box, and it will depend on where you get the ingredients and if they are on sale. Either way, I’ll show you how to make this for yourself.
Ingredients in Macaroni and Cheese Mix
- Dry Powdered Cheese. You can get organic cheese powder here. I used Frontier Cheese Powder which I had gotten on sale. There are some other brands on Amazon as well, just watch ingredients.
- Elbow Macaroni. I buy mine in bulk here.
- Mustard Powder. We add this for extra flavor. You can leave it out if you prefer. Paprika would be a good add too!
- Salt. I just use pink salt.
- Tapioca Starch. You could also use arrowroot or potato starch. Do not use if your cheese powder already has some added!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Homemade Mac and Cheese Mix
Place the noodles in a quart jar.
Combine all the spices in a small jelly jar and put a lid on it.
Place the little jar inside the big one. Put another lid on the big jar.
Store in your pantry until you are ready to use.
To make, boil the noodles.
Drain, add in the butter and milk, and the powdered mix.
Stir until creamy and combined.
Serve warm!
Homemade Mac and Cheese Mix
Make your own shelf stable mac and cheese mix with powdered cheese!
Ingredients
Dry Mix
- 1/2 cup dried cheese powder
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder optional
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon tapioca starch or arrowroot
- 3 cups dry elbow macaroni
To Make Mac and Cheese
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 1/4 cup milk
Instructions
-
Place all the spices and cheese powder in the small jelly jar and put the lid on. Shake to mix.
-
Place the dry pasta in the wide mouth jar.
-
Put the small jar inside the large jar and put a lid on the large jar to store.
-
To make your mac and cheese, cook the pasta. Drain and add the butter, milk, and cheese powder. Stir until creamy and smooth.
More Info About DIY Mac and Cheese Mix
Of course, you can add more things to the mac and cheese after making it. My kids love peas, sausage, and I’ve even added egg yolk for higher protein!
This mix will store for at least a year if stored in an airtight container in the pantry.
If you have a freeze-dryer you can probably make your own cheese powder!
More of My Favorite Mixes
- Homemade Rice Roni Mix
- Carrot Cake Mix Recipe
- Homemade Muffin Mix Recipe
- Homemade Cappuccino Mix Recipe
- 4 Cozy Fall Mix Recipes to Stock Your Pantry
Merissa Alink
Merissa has been blogging about and living the simple and frugal life on Little House Living since 2009 and has internationally published 2 books on the topic. You can read about Merissa’s journey from penniless to freedom on the About Page. You can send her a message any time from the Contact Page.