Mac & Cheese: Kraft's Quick Cooking Guide

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and easy dish to prepare. The boxed dinner is a favourite among kids and adults alike, offering a rich and cheesy taste. While the box instructions suggest cooking the macaroni for 7 to 8 minutes, some variations and tips suggest ways to enhance the dish's flavour and texture. From adding ingredients like butter, milk, and margarine to achieving the perfect boil, there are several techniques to elevate this classic comfort food.

Boiling the water

Fill your saucepan with the desired amount of water and place it on the stovetop. Turn the temperature to high and wait for the water to start boiling. You will know that the water is boiling when it begins to bubble rapidly. This should take a few minutes, depending on the strength of your stove.

While the water is heating up, you can prepare the other ingredients. Gather your macaroni, margarine or butter, milk, and cheese sauce mix. It is also a good idea to have a colander or strainer ready for draining the pasta after it has finished cooking.

Once the water has reached a rolling boil, it is time to add the macaroni. Open the package of dry macaroni and carefully pour it into the boiling water, being careful not to splash. Use a wooden spoon to stir the macaroni occasionally as it cooks.

The macaroni will need to cook for about 7-8 minutes. To check if it is done, pick up a piece of macaroni with a fork after 7 minutes to see if it feels tender. If it is not quite tender yet, continue boiling for an additional 30 seconds and then check again. Be careful not to overcook the macaroni, as it can turn mushy. If you prefer a slightly firmer noodle, you can check it after around 6 minutes of cooking time.

In conclusion, boiling the water is a crucial first step in making Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. By following these instructions, you will be well on your way to creating a delicious and creamy dish that your family and friends will surely enjoy!

Adding the macaroni

First, you will need to bring water to a boil in a medium-sized saucepan. The amount of water you use will depend on how much macaroni you are making. As a guide, use 6 cups (1.4L) of water for 7-1/4 oz. (205g) of macaroni.

Once the water is boiling, it is time to add the macaroni. Open the package and carefully pour the macaroni into the water, being careful not to splash yourself. Stir the macaroni occasionally as it cooks with a wooden spoon.

The macaroni will need to cook for around 7-8 minutes, or until tender. To check if it is ready, pick up a piece of macaroni with a fork. It should be tender but still slightly firm. If it is not ready, continue boiling for another 30 seconds and then check again. Be careful not to overcook the macaroni, as it will turn mushy. If you prefer a firmer noodle, check the macaroni after around 6 minutes.

Once the macaroni is tender, remove the saucepan from the heat and drain the water. Place a colander or drainer in the sink and gently tip the saucepan contents into it. The water will drain away, leaving just the macaroni. It is important not to rinse the macaroni with fresh water, as this will remove the starch that helps the cheese sauce stick to the pasta.

Now that you have added the macaroni and drained it, it is time to return the pasta to the saucepan and add the remaining ingredients.

In summary, adding the macaroni to your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese involves boiling water in a saucepan, cooking the pasta for around 7-8 minutes, and then draining the water. This step is crucial as it forms the base of your meal, and getting it right will ensure your macaroni and cheese has the perfect texture.

Stirring occasionally

When cooking Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, it is important to stir the macaroni occasionally as it cooks. This will ensure that the macaroni cooks evenly and doesn't stick to the pan. It is also important to stir vigorously when adding the butter and cheese sauce to ensure that all the macaroni is coated and that there are no lumps in the sauce.

The first step in cooking Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is to bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. The amount of water will vary depending on the amount of macaroni being cooked, but generally, 5-6 cups of water should be sufficient. Once the water is boiling, the macaroni can be added. It is important to stir the macaroni occasionally as it cooks to prevent it from sticking to the pan and to ensure even cooking. The macaroni should be cooked for 7-8 minutes or until tender.

Once the macaroni is tender, it should be drained and returned to the pan. It is important not to rinse the macaroni as this will remove the starch that helps the cheese sauce stick to the pasta. After draining, the margarine, milk, and cheese sauce mix can be added. Stirring vigorously at this stage is crucial to ensure that the cheese sauce, milk, and margarine or butter are well combined and there are no lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

The stovetop temperature can be kept on low or medium to help the butter melt faster and make stirring easier. It is also possible to add extra ingredients to the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese to enhance the flavor and make it even more delicious. Some popular add-ins include bacon, ginger, cherry tomatoes, chili beans, and various types of cheese, such as American cheese or cream cheese.

In summary, stirring occasionally is an important step when cooking Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. It ensures even cooking and prevents the macaroni from sticking to the pan. Vigorous stirring is also necessary when adding the cheese sauce and other ingredients to create a smooth and creamy sauce. With these tips in mind, anyone can make a delicious and creamy bowl of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

Draining the water

Once the macaroni has been drained, it's time to return the noodles to the saucepan. At this stage, you can add the margarine or butter, milk, and cheese sauce mix. The cheese sauce mix is usually the second packet in the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box. It is important to note that the amount of butter or margarine can be adjusted according to personal preference. However, using less butter may make the cheese more likely to clump.

Some cooks prefer to make the cheese sauce separately before adding the cooked macaroni. This can help ensure a smooth and creamy sauce without lumps. To do this, return the pot to the stove and add the butter, swirling it until melted. Then, stir in the milk and add the cheese sauce mix, stirring until fully combined. Finally, add the cooked macaroni and gently stir until the noodles are evenly coated.

The draining step is crucial to ensuring the macaroni is cooked properly and the sauce adheres to the noodles. By following these steps, you'll be on your way to a delicious and creamy Kraft Macaroni and Cheese!

Adding margarine, milk and cheese sauce

Adding margarine, milk, and cheese sauce is the final step in making Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. This is when the dish comes together, and the creamy, cheesy sauce is created.

Firstly, drain the cooked macaroni and return it to the pan. It is important not to rinse the macaroni, as the starch on the noodles helps the cheese sauce stick. For the best results, use a colander to drain the macaroni, and then return it to a warm pan.

Next, add the margarine and milk to the macaroni. The amount of margarine and milk needed will depend on your preference. The standard amount is 1/4 cup of margarine or butter and 1/4 cup of milk. However, some people prefer to add less margarine to cut calories or alter the taste and texture. If you add less margarine, the cheese may clump more, so be sure to stir the ingredients well. You can also add a splash of milk to the leftovers when reheating to prevent the dish from drying out.

Now it's time to add the cheese sauce. The cheese sauce mix is the second packet in the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box. Open the packet and pour the cheese powder into the centre of the pan. Begin stirring the mixture in a vigorous, concentric motion from the outside of the pan towards the centre. This will ensure that the cheese powder is evenly distributed and that the sauce is smooth and creamy. Continue stirring and gradually add the remainder of the milk.

At this point, you can also add extra ingredients to the sauce to make it even cheesier and creamier. For example, you could add slices of American cheese, cream cheese, or shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, or a splash of hot sauce.

Once you have added all the ingredients and stirred them together well, your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is ready to serve! Enjoy it warm, and be sure to refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.

Frequently asked questions