Bushra Griffith
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner, is a popular non-perishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in Canada and the US in 1937 and has since become a well-loved comfort food. The product typically comes with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. While the box provides classic prep instructions, calling for specific quantities of water, margarine, and milk, many people adjust these quantities to their personal preferences. This article will explore the topic of how many cups of noodles are included in a box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese and provide insights into the product's history, variations, and preparation methods.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Macaroni | Dry |
| Cheese | Powdered |
| Water | 6 cups (~1,440 mL) |
| Milk | 1/3 cup (~80 mL) |
| Margarine/Butter | 1 tbsp (15 mL) |
| Additional Ingredients | Spinach, Cauliflower, Oats, Flax Seed |
| Flavours | White Cheddar, Cheddar, Four-Cheese Sauce, Old World Italian |
| Shapes | Spirals, Alphabet, Numbers, Pop Culture Icons |
| Variations | Easy Mac, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, Homestyle Deluxe |
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What You'll Learn
Kraft Mac & Cheese preparation
Preparing Kraft Mac & Cheese is a straightforward process, but there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare this popular comfort food:
Boiling the Noodles
Start by bringing water to a boil in a large saucepan. The amount of water can vary depending on personal preference, but generally, 5 cups of water is a good starting point. Once the water is rapidly bubbling, carefully add the macaroni noodles to the saucepan. It is important to stir the noodles occasionally to prevent them from sticking together. The boiling time can range from 4 to 8 minutes, depending on your desired texture. Shorter boiling times, around 4 minutes, will result in a firmer noodle, while longer boiling times, up to 8 minutes, will give you a softer, tender noodle.
Draining and Combining
After boiling, it is crucial to drain the noodles properly. Use a colander to strain the noodles and then pour them back into the saucepan. At this point, you can add the margarine or butter, milk, and cheese sauce mix. The standard amount is 1/4 cup each of margarine/butter and milk. However, you can adjust the amount of margarine/butter according to your taste preferences and desired texture. Stir the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy sauce without any lumps.
Enhancing the Flavour
While the basic preparation of Kraft Mac & Cheese is simple, there are endless possibilities for enhancing the flavour. Here are some popular additions:
- Cheese: Adding extra cheese, such as cheddar, Gouda, or Gruyere, can take your Mac & Cheese to the next level.
- Dairy: Consider substituting regular milk with non-dairy milk or even adding a splash of sour cream for extra creaminess and flavour.
- Seasonings: A pinch of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper can add depth and a kick to your dish. Just be cautious with the salt, as Kraft noodles already contain sodium.
- Beans and Meat: For a heartier meal, mix in chili beans and top with shredded cheddar cheese. You can also add bacon or chipotle for a smoky flavour.
Remember, when adding extra ingredients, it is essential to taste and adjust as you go to ensure the flavours blend well together.
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Classic prep ingredients
The "classic prep" instructions on the box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese suggest using 6 cups (around 1440 ml) of water, 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of margarine, and 1/3 cup (about 80 ml) of skim milk. However, the quantities of these ingredients can be adjusted to suit personal preferences. For instance, some people may choose to omit milk or add salt to the water.
The classic prep method involves cooking the noodles in a pot of boiling water. The amount of dry macaroni used for half a box is just under 2/3 cups. Once the water is boiling, the macaroni is added, and the noodles are cooked for around seven minutes, although this may vary depending on the desired texture. It is recommended to stir the noodles frequently and check for doneness.
After cooking the macaroni, the excess water is drained, leaving the noodles in the pot. Then, the milk, margarine or butter, and cheese sauce mix are added. For half a box, the recommended amount is 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of milk, 1/2 tablespoon of margarine or butter, or 2 tablespoons for a classic prep, and 2 tablespoons of powdered cheese sauce mix.
The cheese sauce mix is found in a packet, and there are 4 tablespoons in each packet. Stir all the ingredients together until they are well combined, and the dish is ready to be served. It is important to note that the noodles are the same size, regardless of whether a full or half box is prepared.
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Kraft Dinner evolution
Kraft Dinner, or Kraft Mac & Cheese, is a nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in Canada and the US in 1937 by the Kraft Foods Group. The product traditionally comes in cardboard boxes with dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder. Over the years, Kraft Dinner has become a cultural icon in Canada, with Canadians consuming 55% more boxes per capita than Americans.
The evolution of Kraft Dinner can be traced back to the early days of the Kraft company. James L. Kraft revolutionized the cheese-selling business in Chicago in 1903, and in 1914, he innovated the use of pasteurization to extend the shelf life of cheese, putting Kraft cheese on the map. By 1916, the company officially became the J.L. Kraft & Bros. Company and began producing cheese and expanding its offerings. In 1930, Kraft merged with the Phenix Cheese Company, introducing iconic products like Velveeta and Miracle Whip.
Kraft Dinner, in particular, has undergone several transformations since its introduction. Originally a simple mac and cheese mix, Kraft has since introduced various flavour variations and formulations. For example, Easy Mac (now Mac & Cheese Dinner Cups) is a single-serving product designed for convenience. Kraft has also introduced deluxe varieties with liquid processed cheese and microwavable frozen mac-and-cheese meals.
In 2018, Kraft-Heinz, the company formed after the historic merger of Kraft and Heinz, introduced the KD Shaker, a plastic bottle of Kraft Mac and Cheese Dinner's powdered cheese. This allowed consumers to use the cheese powder as they wished without worrying about unused pasta. Kraft-Heinz has also introduced flavour boosts and unique flavours like cotton candy KD and Kraft dinner poutine to keep the dish fresh and exciting for consumers.
The Kraft logo has also evolved over the years, reflecting broader societal trends and adapting to market demands. The logo has shifted from a large "K" inside a pentagon, emphasizing cheese, to more modern designs featuring an oval-like figure with a thick red outline, conveying the impression of cheese. The most recent logo features a refined red ellipse with the word "Kraft" in blue letters, symbolizing speed and freshness.
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Similar products
Kraft Macaroni & Cheese holds a special place in many people's hearts, evoking childhood memories and comfort. However, there are now numerous similar products on the market, offering variations on the classic.
One of the most notable competitors is Annie's, which offers a range of options, including Grassfed, Shells & White Cheddar, and Original. The Shells & White Cheddar variety is particularly popular, with some considering it the ultimate mac and cheese experience. Annie's products are often praised for their flavour and quality, providing a solid alternative to Kraft.
Trader Joe's is another brand that has entered the mac and cheese game, offering a wallet-friendly option at just $0.99 per box. Their product has been described as a tasty and worthwhile quick meal, improving upon some of the weaker aspects of the classic Kraft version.
For those seeking a plant-based or vegan option, there are several choices available. One such option is a plant-based mac and cheese that comes with its own premade cheese sauce. However, reviews for this product are mixed, with some finding the pasta overcooked and the sauce too thick. Another vegan option, featuring almond milk, received less favourable reviews, with the pasta being described as overcooked and the flavour underwhelming.
Lastly, for those looking for a high-protein option, there are mac and cheese products marketed towards active lifestyles, offering 20 grams of protein per serving. However, reviews for this product suggest that it falls short in terms of flavour and texture, leaving some disappointed.
With so many options available, Kraft now faces stiff competition, providing consumers with a diverse range of mac and cheese experiences to suit different tastes, dietary preferences, and budgets.
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Kraft Dinner Smart
Kraft Dinner, known as KD in Canada, Kraft Mac & Cheese in the US, Australia, and New Zealand, and Mac and Cheese in the UK and internationally, is a popular nonperishable packaged macaroni and cheese mix. Kraft Dinner Smart, also known as KD Smart, is a healthy sub-brand of the Kraft Dinner brand. It offers a range of Kraft macaroni and cheese products without artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. Additionally, ingredients like cauliflower, oats, or flax seeds are blended into the noodles.
The preparation instructions for Kraft Dinner Smart are similar to those of the original Kraft Dinner. The classic preparation method involves boiling water, adding the dry macaroni, and following the cooking time instructions on the box. After cooking the macaroni, you can drain the water using a colander or a large spoon to prevent the noodles from falling into the sink. The next step is to add the milk, margarine or butter, and cheese sauce mix, which typically comes in a processed cheese powder packet. Stir the ingredients until they are well combined, and the dish is ready to serve.
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Frequently asked questions
A box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese contains roughly 172 grams of dry macaroni, which is just under 2/3 cups.
The classic prep instructions recommend using 6 cups (1,440 ml) of water.
The classic prep calls for adding milk, butter or margarine, and the cheese powder packet included in the box.
For a full box, the classic prep recommends 1/3 cup (80 ml) of skim milk and 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of margarine or butter. For a half box, use 2 tablespoons (29.6 ml) of milk and 1/2 tablespoon of margarine or butter.
Bring a pot of water to a boil, add the dry macaroni, and cook for about 7 minutes or until desired doneness. Drain the noodles, then add the milk, butter/margarine, and cheese powder. Stir until mixed, and serve.
