Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Recipe

Mac and cheese is one of the most popular comfort food recipes, and as a cheese lover, I have made many versions at home. But Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese is one of my favorites.

Their recipe has a creamy texture with a balanced cheesy flavor that makes every bite satisfying. I love that it uses simple, everyday ingredients without making the cooking process complicated.

The milk mixture melts into the cream to create a smooth sauce that coats the pasta well, while baking gives the top a golden, cheesy finish.

If you want to enjoy this creamy and cheesy mac and cheese at home, this Kimmy’s Kreations recipe is a great choice.

What Is Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese?

Kimmy’s Kreations is a recipe brand and cooking channel run by Kimberly Villalobos, also known as “Kimmy“.

Her recipes focus on rich, soul-food-style comfort dishes shared through platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Kimmy’s Kreations

Mac and Cheese was introduced in March 2021 and quickly became a favorite among fans of creamy, cheesy comfort food.

The recipe uses several cheeses, evaporated milk, whole milk, and a simple roux. The noodles are mixed into the sauce, topped with more cheese, and baked until the top turns golden.

What Makes Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Different

Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese gets its signature flavor from the combination of cheeses and the way they are added to the sauce. Each ingredient has a clear role, from the sharp cheddar flavor to the smooth texture created by the Velveeta.

• Bold Cheese Blend – Vermont extra sharp white cheddar, sharp cheddar, and provolone bring different flavors to the dish. The white cheddar adds a sharp bite, the cheddar gives it that familiar mac and cheese flavor, and provolone melts smoothly into the sauce.

• A Little Velveeta – Just 2 ounces of Velveeta helps the cheese sauce melt smoothly and stay creamy without taking over the flavor of the cheddar.

• Evaporated Milk – Evaporated milk gives the sauce a creamy base, while whole milk helps bring the sauce to the right consistency before the cheese is added.

• Cheese Added in Stages – Part of the cheese melts into the sauce, another portion is mixed with the pasta, and the final portion goes over the top before baking. This gives the finished mac and cheese a cheesy center and a golden topping.

Why It Works So Well for Thanksgiving and Holidays

This mac and cheese fits Thanksgiving and holiday tables so well. This recipe feels rich and impressive without needing complicated skills.

You can prepare it ahead, pop it in the oven, and free up space on your stove for sides, and everything else.

The creamy layers and golden top look like a bakery-style dish, so you get compliments without extra stress.

When you want one dish that pleases picky eaters and cheese lovers alike, this recipe gives you a comforting, family-friendly option that pairs well with almost any holiday spread you already planned.

Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Ingredients

Here is a full breakdown of each ingredient with helpful substitution options and measurements:

Pasta & Cheese:

• Elbow Macaroni (1 Box) – Elbow macaroni holds the cheese sauce well. Shells or cavatappi work as a substitute, using about 4 cups dry pasta in place of one box for similar results.

• Vermont Extra Sharp White Cheddar (2 Cups) – This cheese adds a tangy, bold flavor to the sauce. Regular white cheddar can replace it in the same 2-cup amount, though the flavor will be slightly milder overall.

• Sharp Cheddar (2 Cups) – Sharp cheddar brings classic cheesy flavor and helps the sauce turn a rich golden color. Medium cheddar works as a substitute using the same 2 cups for a milder taste.

• Provolone (2 Cups) – Provolone melts smoothly and adds a mild, slightly nutty taste. Mozzarella can be swapped in using 2 cups for a stretchier, milder result.

• Velveeta (2 Oz) – This processed cheese helps keep the sauce extra creamy and smooth. Cream cheese works as a substitute using 2 ounces for a similar silky texture.

Sauce & Seasonings:

• Butter (2 Tablespoons) – Butter forms the base of the roux that thickens the sauce. Margarine can replace it using the same 2 tablespoons without much change in texture.

• All-Purpose Flour (2 Tablespoons) – Flour thickens the sauce when whisked with melted butter. Cornstarch works as a substitute using 1 tablespoon mixed with a little cold milk.

• Evaporated Milk (1 Can) – Evaporated milk adds richness without the heaviness of cream. Half-and-half can replace it using 1½ cups for a similar creamy base.

• Whole Milk (1 Cup) – Whole milk helps thin the sauce to the right consistency. Two percent milk works as a substitute using the same 1 cup amount.

• Smoked Paprika (1 Tablespoon) – Smoked paprika adds warmth and a subtle smoky flavor to the sauce. Regular paprika can replace it using the same 1 tablespoon, though it will taste less smoky.

• Garlic Powder (1 Teaspoon) – Garlic powder adds a light savory background flavor. Onion powder works as a substitute using the same 1 teaspoon for a different but tasty result.

• Salt and Pepper (To Taste) – Salt and pepper balance and boost all the other flavors in the dish. Seasoned salt can replace plain salt using a similar amount, added gradually to taste.

Kitchen Tools

1. Large Pot – for boiling pasta
2. Colander – to drain noodles
3. Medium Saucepan – for cheese sauce
4. Whisk – prevents lumpy sauce
5. Measuring Cups and Spoons – accurate portions matter
6. Cast Iron Skillet or Baking Dish – oven-safe baking dish
7. Wooden Spoon or Spatula – stirring and mixing
8. Cheese Grater – shred cheese fresh
9. Oven Mitts – safe handling hot dish

Follow These Steps to Make Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese

1. Boil the Pasta – Bring a large pot of salty water to a boil. Add the full 1 box of elbow macaroni and cook until it is almost tender but not fully soft. Drain the noodles in a colander and set them aside.

2. Make the Roux – In a medium saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour and stir constantly for about one minute until the mixture looks smooth and slightly bubbly.

3. Make the Cheese Sauce – Pour in the full 1 can of evaporated milk and 1 cup of whole milk, stirring the whole time to keep the mixture smooth. Keep stirring gently until the milk gets hot and starts to thicken slightly.

4. Prepare the Cheese – Shred or cube 2 cups Vermont extra sharp white cheddar, 2 cups sharp cheddar, 2 cups provolone, and 2 ounces Velveeta, then set the cheese aside.

5. Taste and Adjust Seasoning – Add 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and salt and pepper to taste. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning as needed.

6. Melt in the First Batch of Cheese – Add about one third of the total cheese, roughly 2 cups combined, including all 2 ounces of the Velveeta, into the hot milk mixture. Stir until every bit of cheese melts fully, then turn off the heat.

7. Combine Pasta and Sauce – Add the drained noodles into the cheese sauce. Stir well so every noodle gets coated evenly, then mix in another one third of the cheese, about 2 more cups, until it melts into the sauce.

8. Transfer to the Baking Dish – Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a cast iron skillet or a baking-safe dish. Spread it out evenly so it bakes at the same pace all over.

9. Add the Cheese Topping – Sprinkle the remaining one third of the cheese, about 2 cups, evenly across the top of the dish.

10. Bake Until Golden – Place the dish in an oven preheated to 400°F. Bake for about 20 minutes, until the top turns golden and the sauce bubbles around the edges.

11. Let the Mac and Cheese Rest Before Serving – Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for 4 to 5 minutes. This short rest helps the sauce set slightly before serving.

What to Know Before Making Perfect Kimmy’s Mac and Cheese

1. Do Not Boil the Cheese Sauce – Keep the sauce gently hot after adding cheese. A hard boil can cause the sauce to become grainy or oily. Turn off the heat once the cheese has melted.
2. Keep the Noodles Slightly Firm – The noodles continue cooking during baking. Cooking them until just tender gives the finished mac and cheese a better texture.
3. Taste Before Adding More Salt – The cheddar, provolone, Velveeta, and salted pasta water all add flavor. Taste the sauce before adding extra salt so the finished dish does not become too salty.

Other Ways I Like to Make This Mac and Cheese

Stovetop Mac and Cheese – Follow the recipe as written, using the same 1 box macaroni, 6 cups combined cheese, 2 ounces Velveeta, and evaporated milk. Skip the oven step entirely.

After mixing pasta with the cheese sauce, stir in the final third of cheese directly on low heat until melted and creamy, then serve right away.

Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese – Combine cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and 1 cup whole milk in a slow cooker. Cook on low for 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the cheese fully melts into a smooth texture.

Instant Pot Mac and Cheese – Cook 1 box macaroni in the Instant Pot with 4 cups water for 4 minutes on high pressure. Quick release, drain excess liquid, then stir in cheese sauce and 2 ounces Velveeta until melted.

Make Kimmy’s Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time

Prepare the mac and cheese as directed, but do not add the final cheese topping. Transfer the mixture to your baking dish and, before covering it, drizzle ¼ cup of extra milk evenly over the pasta and sauce.

This helps keep the sauce from drying out while it chills. Cover the dish tightly and refrigerate until ready to bake.

When you are ready to cook it, remove the dish from the refrigerator and add the reserved cheese evenly over the top. Bake at 400°F until the center is hot and the top is golden and bubbly.

Since the starting temperature of the dish can vary, it may need about 10 to 15 extra minutes compared with a freshly assembled dish.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this mac and cheese hot while the cheese is still soft and creamy. You can pair it with baked chicken, roasted turkey, smoked ham, meatloaf, green beans, or collard greens.

For Thanksgiving, I place a spoonful beside turkey and other classic sides. You can also add a little black pepper or smoked paprika on top before serving.

For a simple meal, serve it with grilled chicken and a fresh green salad. You can also portion it into small bowls as a comforting side.

How to Store Leftover Mac and Cheese

Let the mac and cheese cool briefly after cooking, then transfer it to an airtight container. Do not leave it at room temperature for an extended period.

Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keep each portion covered tightly to help prevent the top from drying out or forming a hard crust.

Reheat Mac and Cheese Without Drying It Out

For 1 cup of leftover mac and cheese, place it in a microwave-safe bowl and add 1 to 2 tablespoons of milk or cream. Cover the bowl loosely and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring halfway through.

For a larger amount, place the mac and cheese in a saucepan with a small splash of milk and warm it over low heat.

Stir often to keep it creamy. Stop heating once it is hot and smooth. Avoid high heat, as it can dry out the cheese sauce.

Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Recipe FAQs

1. Why did my cheese sauce become grainy?

High heat can cause the cheese to separate and turn grainy. Once the milk mixture thickens, lower the heat and add the cheese gradually. Stir until melted, then turn off the heat before adding the noodles.

2. What size baking dish should I use for this recipe?

A 9×13-inch baking dish works well for this amount of macaroni. You can also use a large cast iron skillet. Choose a dish with enough room to spread the pasta evenly and add the cheese topping.

3. Should I rinse the macaroni after cooking?

No. Drain the macaroni well, but do not rinse it. The starch left on the noodles helps the cheese sauce cling to the pasta.

4. What happens if I add too much flour?

Too much flour can make the cheese sauce thick and pasty and may leave a raw flour taste. Measure the flour carefully and cook the roux for about 1 minute before adding the milk.

5. Can I make Kimmy’s Mac and Cheese ahead of time?

Yes. Prepare the mac and cheese without adding the final cheese topping, then cover and refrigerate it. Add the remaining cheese just before baking. A chilled dish may need about 10 to 15 extra minutes in the oven.

6. How long does leftover mac and cheese last in the refrigerator?

Store the leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Keep each portion covered well to help prevent the top from drying out.

This Kimmy’s Kreations Mac and Cheese Recipe stays a fan favorite because of its creamy sauce, bold cheese blend, and golden baked top. You can also adjust the cheese or seasonings to suit your taste.

Try your own version and share how it turns out.