Stouffer's Macaroni & Cheese (Copycat)

My Stouffer's Mac & Cheese Obsession (and How I Recreated It!)

Let me tell you, there's nothing quite like a perfectly creamy, cheesy bowl of macaroni and cheese. For years, Stouffer's frozen mac and cheese was my ultimate comfort food. That rich, velvety texture, the perfectly balanced sharpness of the cheddar...it was a culinary masterpiece in a box. But let's be honest, the convenience came at a cost – both to my wallet and, perhaps, my waistline. So, like any self-respecting food enthusiast with a healthy dose of curiosity (and a little bit of stubbornness), I decided to embark on a mission: to recreate the magic of Stouffer's mac and cheese in my own kitchen.

My journey wasn't without its challenges. I spent hours poring over recipes, experimenting with different cheeses, and agonizing over the perfect roux. The initial attempts were...let's just say they weren't quite up to par. Some were too dry, others too watery. The cheese flavor was sometimes off, sometimes too sharp, sometimes lacking that signature Stouffer's tang. But I persisted, driven by the relentless desire to achieve that elusive, perfect bite. After countless trials and errors, I finally cracked the code. The recipe you see here is the result of my tireless pursuit of mac and cheese perfection. It's a testament to the power of perseverance and a love for delicious, homemade food.

This isn't just a recipe; it's a story of culinary exploration, a journey of trial and error, a testament to my dedication to achieving the impossible. It’s a tribute to the simple joy of a comforting meal, made even better by the satisfaction of knowing you created it from scratch. The process itself is oddly therapeutic, a calming ritual of melting cheese, whisking, and simmering. And the end result? A dish that rivals, and perhaps even surpasses, my beloved Stouffer's. So go ahead, give it a try. You might just discover a new favorite comfort food, too. And who knows, maybe you'll be inspired to embark on your own culinary adventures!

Beyond the simple act of cooking, this recipe represents something more. It represents a connection to food, a connection to tradition, and a connection to the memories we create around the meals we share. It's a reminder that the best things in life often come from the simplest of ingredients, transformed by a little love and a whole lot of patience. And for those of you who are feeling a little overwhelmed by the prospect of tackling a new recipe, don't be discouraged. This is a manageable recipe, even for beginners. Just take your time, follow the instructions carefully, and don't be afraid to experiment a little. The joy of cooking lies not only in the finished product but in the process itself.

This recipe is perfect for a cozy night in, a family gathering, or even a potluck. It's versatile enough to be adapted to suit individual preferences. Want a spicier kick? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper. Prefer a different type of cheese? Feel free to experiment! The beauty of cooking is its adaptability, and this recipe is no exception. Remember that the journey is as important as the destination, and the process of creating something delicious is a rewarding experience in itself.

So gather your ingredients, put on some music, and let the magic happen. You'll be surprised at how simple and satisfying it is to create something truly special in your own kitchen. And who knows, maybe this will be the start of your own culinary journey. Happy cooking!

Step-by-step

• 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!