Randy Chandler
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal that can be made even better with a few simple hacks. While preparing Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, you may have noticed that the instructions call for the addition of margarine, also known as vegetable oil spread. This leads to the question: is margarine really necessary, and what purpose does it serve? In this discussion, we will explore the role of margarine in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, the potential alternatives, and how it affects the overall taste and texture of this beloved comfort food.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Need for margarine | It is not necessary, but it adds flavor, texture, and creaminess. |
| Alternatives | Butter is preferred over margarine for taste and texture. |
| Amount | 1/4 cup of margarine |
| Other ingredients | Milk, cheese sauce mix, and water are also required. |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Mac and Cheese recipe
The classic Kraft Mac and Cheese recipe is a simple and quick meal that can be made even more delicious with a few extra ingredients and steps.
Ingredients:
- Kraft Mac and Cheese box (with powdered cheese)
- Butter
- Milk
- Cheese (cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese)
- Sour cream
- Spices (pepper, garlic powder)
- Ritz crackers
Instructions:
Start by boiling water and cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but do not rinse it. Return the drained pasta to the pot and add the specified amount of milk and butter as per the package instructions. Stir in the powdered cheese that comes with the box.
To make the dish even creamier and more flavourful, you can add some heavy cream, sour cream, and extra shredded cheese (cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese). You can also add spices like pepper and garlic powder to taste.
For a crunchy topping, crush some Ritz crackers and mix them with melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture over the mac and cheese.
If you want to bake your mac and cheese, spoon the mixture into a greased baking dish and sprinkle more shredded cheese on top. Bake at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
Feel free to get creative and add extra ingredients like ground beef, turkey, hot dogs, or bacon to make this dish your own!
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Adding margarine makes it creamy
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and easy dish to make. While it is creamy and delicious on its own, adding margarine can make it even creamier.
The standard recipe for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese involves boiling water, cooking and draining the noodles, and then stirring in milk and the cheese sauce mix. The cheese sauce mix is the second packet found in the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box. The noodles are then returned to the pot, and margarine or butter is added. The margarine or butter is stirred into the mixture until it forms a smooth and creamy sauce.
Adding margarine or butter to the dish improves the texture, making it smoother and creamier. The fat in margarine or butter adds creaminess and richness to the dish, resulting in a more robust and thicker sauce. The sauce is also more likely to cling to the pasta.
However, some people prefer to reduce the amount of margarine or butter to cut down on calories or alter the taste and texture. Using less margarine or butter may cause the cheese to clump.
There are also alternative ingredients that can be added to make the dish creamier, such as cream cheese, sour cream, or heavy cream.
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Alternatives to margarine
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a simple dish to prepare, but there are several ways to make it even better. The recipe calls for butter, but margarine is listed as a substitute in a 1:1 ratio. However, if you don't have margarine, there are several alternatives you can use instead.
One option is to use cream cheese, which adds a creamy texture and a rich flavour. It is thicker than butter, so it may be necessary to add some water or milk to thin out the sauce. Sour cream is another alternative that can be used in place of margarine or butter, and it adds a tangy flavour. Greek yogurt is also an option if you're looking for that tangy flavour profile.
Oil is another substitute, but it should be added carefully and slowly, as too much can result in a slimy texture. Vegetable or olive oil are good choices, and a little salt can enhance the flavour. Bacon grease is another option for a savoury, buttery substitute.
For those who want a dairy-free option, pumpkin puree can be used in place of margarine. This will add a unique flavour profile to the dish.
There are several alternatives to margarine that can be used in Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, so feel free to experiment with different options to find your preferred flavour and texture.
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Kraft Mac and Cheese cooking instructions
Kraft Mac and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal option for both kids and adults. The boxed dinner includes macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce mix, and preparing it is a breeze. Here are the step-by-step cooking instructions for a delicious Kraft Mac and Cheese:
Step 1: Boil Water and Cook Macaroni
Start by bringing water to a boil in a medium saucepan or pot. The amount of water can vary, but ensure it is sufficient to completely cover the macaroni. Once the water is boiling, add the desired amount of macaroni and cook it for around 7 to 8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Drain the Macaroni
After the macaroni is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it's time to drain the water. Use a colander or sieve to drain the macaroni thoroughly. It is important not to rinse the macaroni after draining, as this can wash away starch that helps the cheese sauce adhere to the pasta.
Step 3: Return Macaroni to the Pan
Place the drained macaroni back into the saucepan or pot. At this point, you can add a small amount of butter or margarine to the macaroni and stir it to prevent sticking and add a creamy texture.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cheese Sauce
Now, it's time to make it cheesy! Add the cheese sauce mix from the Kraft box to the macaroni. You can also add milk to the mixture—the amount of milk can vary according to your preference, but typically, 1/4 cup of milk is recommended. Stir the mixture well to combine the cheese sauce and milk evenly with the macaroni.
Step 5: Optional Enhancements
For an even creamier and more indulgent dish, consider adding extra ingredients like butter, margarine, or even cream cheese. Some people like to add shredded cheese, such as cheddar or gouda, to make it extra cheesy. A splash of whole milk can also enhance the creaminess. Additionally, you can experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or red pepper flakes to kick it up a notch.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, serve your Kraft Mac and Cheese in bowls and enjoy the cheesy goodness! It's a quick, easy, and comforting meal that's perfect for the whole family.
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Kraft Mac and Cheese variations
While making Kraft Mac and Cheese, margarine is one of the options to choose from to make the sauce. You can also use butter or other fats like mayonnaise. The choice of fat depends on the cook's preference and the desired taste and texture.
Kraft Mac and Cheese is a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways. Here are some variations to the classic recipe:
Baked Kraft Mac and Cheese
This variation involves preparing the mac and cheese on the stovetop, as directed on the package. Then, the mixture is transferred to a greased baking dish and sprinkled with additional cheese and toppings like cracker crumbs, crushed potato chips, or buttery garlic-flavoured Ritz crackers. The dish is then baked in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, resulting in a crispy and golden topping.
Creamy Kraft Mac and Cheese
For an extra creamy version, some cooks stir in heavy cream, sour cream, or cream cheese in addition to the shredded cheese. This creates a rich and indulgent texture that elevates the dish. Cream cheese, in particular, adds a unique creaminess to the sauce.
Cheesy Kraft Mac and Cheese
To enhance the cheesiness, different types of cheese can be added to the sauce. Cheddar cheese is a popular choice, but some recipes also include Gouda or Gruyere for extra depth of flavour. The combination of cheeses takes the dish to the next level.
Savoury Kraft Mac and Cheese
For a savoury twist, some cooks add spices and seasonings like garlic powder, red pepper flakes, or spicy brown mustard. These ingredients boost the flavour and add a subtle kick to the dish. The garlic and red pepper combination, in particular, can transform the taste profile.
Hearty Kraft Mac and Cheese
To make it a more substantial meal, some people add protein to their Kraft Mac and Cheese. Ground beef, ground turkey, sliced hot dogs, or bacon are popular choices. These additions make the dish heartier and more satisfying.
These variations showcase the versatility of Kraft Mac and Cheese, allowing cooks to customise it according to their preferences and creativity. Whether it's adding extra cheese, baking it, or including savoury ingredients, these twists on the classic recipe offer something for everyone.
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Frequently asked questions
No, you don't need margarine, but it does add flavour and texture.
Adding margarine (or butter) and milk to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese makes the sauce thicker and creamier.
You can use butter instead of margarine. Some people prefer butter as it makes the dish taste smoother and creamier.
You need 1/4 cup of margarine for Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.
