Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese, or mac and cheese, is a popular comfort food for both children and adults. A convenient boxed dinner, Kraft's Original Mac & Cheese is a favourite for many. A 7.25-ounce box of Kraft Mac & Cheese contains about 1000 calories and can serve about three people. This calorie count can easily be increased by adding meats, vegetables, and extra cheese or butter to make a heartier meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Calories in a box | 1000 |
| Calories in dry product | 320 |
| Weight | 7.25 oz |
| Servings per box | 3 |
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What You'll Learn
- A 7.25oz box of Kraft Mac & Cheese contains around 1000 calories
- The meal is easy to prepare and can be modified with extra ingredients
- Adding butter, cream, and meat can increase the calorie count
- Other additions include vegetables, yogurt, and beans
- The box contains macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce mix
A 7.25oz box of Kraft Mac & Cheese contains around 1000 calories
The box contains macaroni pasta and a packet of original flavor cheese sauce mix. The sauce mix includes whey, milkfat, milk protein concentrate, salt, and various other ingredients. The product also has no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes.
Preparing the meal is straightforward. First, boil the pasta for 7-8 minutes, then drain the water, and finally, stir in the cheese mix and either milk, margarine, or butter. Some people also add extra ingredients to the dish, such as meat or vegetables, to increase the calorie count and add extra protein.
For those looking to increase the calorie count of Kraft Mac & Cheese, there are several popular additions. Some suggest adding more butter and heavy cream to the sauce, as well as extra cheddar or jack cheese. Others recommend mixing in canned tuna or chicken, or even slow-smoked brisket, to boost the calorie content and add flavor.
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The meal is easy to prepare and can be modified with extra ingredients
Preparing a box of Kraft Mac and Cheese is a simple and quick process. The basic recipe involves boiling water, cooking and draining the noodles, and then stirring in butter, milk, and the cheese sauce mix. The entire process can be completed in around 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for a quick meal.
While the standard preparation method is straightforward and yields satisfactory results, there are several modifications that can be made to elevate the dish. One popular variation involves adding extra cheese, such as shredded cheddar or gouda, to increase the creaminess and enhance the flavor. Another option is to incorporate cream cheese, sour cream, or French onion dip to create a richer, more indulgent texture.
For those who enjoy a crunchy topping, crushed potato chips, buttery Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs can be sprinkled on top. Adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or black pepper can also introduce new flavors and dimensions to the dish.
The beauty of Kraft Mac and Cheese lies in its versatility. It serves as a base for numerous add-ins and customizations, allowing home cooks to get creative and adapt the dish to their preferences. Whether it's adding extra cheese for creaminess or experimenting with different toppings and spices, the possibilities for modification are endless.
- Boil water in a pot and cook the noodles for around 6 minutes. Drain the pasta once it's al dente.
- Melt butter in the empty pot over medium heat. Add the drained noodles to the pot and coat them evenly in butter.
- Add the cheese sauce mix gradually, stirring after each addition to ensure even distribution.
- For a creamier texture, stir in sour cream, cream cheese, or French onion dip.
- If using extra cheese, shredded cheddar, gouda, or any other variety of your choice can be mixed in at this stage.
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle crushed potato chips, buttery Ritz crackers, or panko breadcrumbs on top.
- Bake in the oven at 375°F for about 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown.
- Let the dish stand for a few minutes before serving.
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Adding butter, cream, and meat can increase the calorie count
A box of Kraft Mac and Cheese contains multiple servings, and the calorie count can vary depending on the additional ingredients used in preparation. Adding butter, cream, and meat can increase the calorie count significantly.
Butter is a common ingredient added to mac and cheese for extra flavor and creaminess. Butter is high in fat and calories, with the exact amount varying depending on the type of butter used. For example, a single tablespoon of salted butter contains around 100 calories.
Cream is another ingredient that can be added to mac and cheese for a richer, creamier texture. Like butter, cream is also high in fat and calories. A single tablespoon of heavy whipping cream can contain around 50 calories. Using cream in addition to butter can quickly increase the overall calorie count of the dish.
Meat is often added to mac and cheese to make it a more substantial meal. The calorie content of meat varies depending on the type, cut, and preparation method. For example, a lean cut of chicken breast will have a lower calorie count than a fried, breaded piece of chicken. The way the meat is cooked and any additional seasonings or sauces used can also impact the overall calorie count.
When adding meat to mac and cheese, it's important to consider the type and amount of meat used. Opting for leaner cuts of meat and preparing them with healthier cooking methods, such as baking or grilling, can help reduce the overall calorie intake.
In summary, adding butter, cream, and meat to Kraft Mac and Cheese can significantly increase the calorie count. These ingredients are high in fat and calories, and when combined, they can make the dish much more calorific. It's important to be mindful of portion sizes and to consider healthier alternatives or cooking methods when aiming for a lower-calorie meal.
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Other additions include vegetables, yogurt, and beans
A box of Kraft Mac and Cheese contains about 1000 calories. This number can be easily increased by adding extra ingredients, such as vegetables, yogurt, and beans.
Vegetables are a great way to add vitamins and antioxidants to your meal. Broccoli florets, for example, can be added to boost the fiber content of the dish. Other options include peas, which are a good source of protein, and chopped tomatoes, peppers, and green onions, which add flavor and texture.
Yogurt, specifically Greek yogurt, can be used to make the dish creamier while also providing some additional protein.
Beans are an excellent source of protein and can easily be incorporated into the dish. Black beans or chickpeas are good options to consider.
Other protein-rich ingredients that can be added include meat, such as chicken breast, canned tuna, or slow-smoked brisket. Tofurky Italian Sausage is a good vegetarian alternative, with 280 calories and 30g of protein per link.
By adding these ingredients, you can increase the nutritional value of the Kraft Mac and Cheese while also boosting the calorie count to meet your specific needs.
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The box contains macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce mix
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is a convenient and tasty boxed dinner option, perfect for a quick and easy meal for both kids and adults. The box contains macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce mix, and all you need to add is milk and margarine or butter. With no artificial flavours, preservatives or dyes, it's a great go-to family dinner.
Preparing Kraft Mac & Cheese is simple and straightforward. First, boil the pasta for 7-8 minutes, then drain the water. After that, stir in the cheese sauce mix along with milk and margarine or butter. The cheese sauce mix is individually sealed within the box, ensuring freshness and convenience.
The box typically weighs 7.25 ounces and provides approximately three servings. While the exact calorie count may vary depending on the specific product and serving size, a single box generally contains around 1000 calories. This makes it a substantial and filling option, and it's no surprise that it's a popular choice for those looking to increase their calorie intake.
For those looking to enhance their Kraft Mac & Cheese experience or add even more calories, there are numerous modifications and additions that can be made to the regular recipe. Some popular options include adding meat such as slow-smoked brisket, ground beef, or canned tuna, as well as vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and green onions. Using heavy cream and butter can also increase the calorie count while adding richness to the dish.
Additionally, for those seeking extra protein, options like cottage cheese, Greek yoghurt, beans, or flavourless protein powder can be incorporated into the sauce. Kraft Mac & Cheese provides a versatile base that can be customised to suit individual tastes and nutritional needs, making it a flexible and satisfying meal choice.
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Frequently asked questions
A 7.25 oz box of Kraft Mac and Cheese contains approximately 1000 calories.
One box typically contains about three servings.
In addition to the boxed ingredients, you will need milk, margarine, or butter.
Boil the pasta for 7-8 minutes, drain the water, and stir in the cheese mix, milk, and margarine or butter.
