Andy Montoya
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and easy meal that can be made in the microwave in just a few simple steps. While cooking times may vary depending on your microwave, the method generally stays the same. This guide will take you through the process, offering some tips and tricks to ensure your macaroni and cheese turns out perfectly every time.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water | 1/3 cups or 1/3 cups hot water or 2/3-cup water or 1 cup of water |
| Butter/Margarine | 1/4 cup or 1 teaspoon |
| Milk | 1/4 cup |
| Package of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese | 7.25 ounce package or 6oz (170g) box |
| Cooking Time | 5-7 minutes or 4 to 4 1/2 minutes or 4 1/2 to 5 minutes or 10-11 minutes |
| Power | Full power |
| Bowl | 2-cup microwaveable cereal bowl or Anyday Deep dish |
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What You'll Learn
Cooking time: 5-11 minutes on high
Firstly, take a microwave-safe bowl and add 1/3 to 2/3 cups of water, depending on the quantity of macaroni you are cooking. Heat the water in the microwave for about a minute.
Next, pour the uncooked macaroni into the bowl of hot water, ensuring that you have removed the packet of cheese sauce first. Stir the macaroni and water together, then place the uncovered bowl in the microwave.
Now, microwave the macaroni on high for 5-7 minutes, or 10-11 minutes, depending on your preference and the wattage of your microwave. It is important to stir the macaroni every 1-2 minutes to prevent it from sticking together and to ensure even cooking. You will know the macaroni is done when there is no longer any water in the bowl, and the noodles are tender.
Once the water has been absorbed, remove the bowl from the microwave. Add 1/4 cup of butter or margarine and mix it with the cooked macaroni. Then, add the cheese sauce from the packet and 1/4 cup of milk. Stir everything together until the macaroni is well-coated with the cheese sauce.
You can add extra cheese, milk, or butter to adjust the consistency and taste of your macaroni and cheese. Enjoy!
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Water ratio: 1/3-2/3 cups
Cooking boxed mac and cheese in the microwave is a quick and convenient way to prepare a meal. The water ratio for cooking Kraft macaroni and cheese in the microwave varies depending on the quantity of macaroni being cooked and the specific instructions being followed.
For a single serving of Kraft macaroni and cheese, using a water ratio of 1/3 cups of water to 1/4 cup of butter or margarine and 1/4 cup of milk is recommended. This involves heating the water for one minute, adding the pasta, and stirring it before microwaving it uncovered on high power for 5-7 minutes. It is important to stir the pasta every 1-2 minutes to prevent it from sticking together. The dish is ready when there is no water left in the bowl, and the pasta has absorbed the water.
Alternatively, for a larger serving, a water ratio of 2/3 cups of water to two pouches of macaroni is suggested. This method involves microwaving the macaroni and water uncovered on high power for 4 to 4.5 minutes without draining any leftover water.
Regardless of the water ratio used, it is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the wattage of your microwave and your preferred texture for the noodles. It is always recommended to follow the package instructions and adjust cooking times as needed.
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Preventing noodles from sticking
To prevent noodles from sticking together when cooking Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the microwave, follow these steps:
Firstly, it is important to understand the types of noodles available and adjust your cooking method accordingly. Instant noodles are pre-cooked and require less cooking time, typically around 2-3 minutes in the microwave. Dried pasta takes longer to cook and absorbs more water, so you should plan for a longer cooking time. Fresh noodles can cook quickly but may require shorter microwave times, usually around 2-4 minutes.
When cooking any type of noodle in the microwave, it is crucial to stir the noodles at regular intervals to prevent clumping and sticking. For instant noodles, stir or "flip" the noodles halfway through the cooking process. For dried pasta, stir halfway through and check if more water is needed. For fresh noodles, stir at intervals while checking for doneness.
Additionally, the amount of water used is essential to prevent sticking. For instant noodles, use enough water to cover the noodles, and add a bit more if you prefer a soup-like consistency. For dried pasta, use 2-3 cups of water to ensure the pasta is completely covered. For fresh noodles, use 1-2 cups of water, being careful not to use too much to avoid diluting the flavor.
If you are cooking Kraft Macaroni and Cheese specifically, follow the instructions on the box with minor adjustments. Heat 1/3 cup of water in the microwave for one minute. Then, pour the pasta into the hot water, ensuring the packet of cheese sauce is removed. Stir the pasta and microwave uncovered for 5-7 minutes on high, stirring every 1-2 minutes to prevent sticking. Remove the dish from the microwave once the water is absorbed, and do not overcook.
By following these steps and adjusting your technique based on the type of noodle, you can effectively prevent noodles from sticking together when cooking Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the microwave.
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Adding butter, milk, and cheese
To make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the microwave, you'll need to add butter, milk, and cheese after cooking the pasta. Here's a step-by-step guide for this process:
Step 1: After cooking the pasta according to the package instructions, remove the dish from the microwave. It's crucial to ensure that all the water has been absorbed and there isn't any leftover water in the dish.
Step 2: Add butter or margarine to the cooked pasta. The amount of butter will depend on your preference and the serving size, but generally, 1/4 cup of butter or margarine is a good starting point for a creamy consistency. Stir the butter into the pasta until it's well combined.
Step 3: At this point, you'll add the cheese sauce that comes with the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese package. Follow the package instructions for the exact amount, but typically, you'll use the entire packet of cheese sauce. Mix the cheese sauce thoroughly with the buttered pasta.
Step 4: Now, it's time to add milk. Pour in about 1/4 cup of milk and blend all the ingredients together. Keep stirring until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheese sauce, creating a creamy and cohesive mixture.
Step 5: For an extra cheesy kick, consider adding a few slices of American cheese to the cooked noodles. This step is entirely optional but will result in an even silkier and cheesier dish.
Step 6: Finally, allow the dish to cool down slightly. As it cools, you'll notice that the sauce thickens, ensuring a hearty and indulgent macaroni and cheese experience.
Remember, the measurements provided are a guide, and you can adjust the amounts of butter, milk, and cheese to suit your taste preferences and the serving size you desire. Enjoy your homemade Kraft Macaroni and Cheese!
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Customisations: extra cheese, veggies, sour cream
You can customise your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese with a variety of ingredients to elevate the dish. Here are some ideas for adding extra cheese, veggies, and sour cream:
Extra Cheese
If you're a cheese lover, you can never go wrong with adding some extra cheese to your Kraft Mac and Cheese. Here are some options:
- Shredded cheddar cheese: Sprinkle some shredded cheddar cheese on top of your prepared mac and cheese for a creamy and flavourful boost.
- Cream cheese: Adding cream cheese will make your mac and cheese even creamier and richer.
- Parmesan cheese: Try mixing in some powdered or shredded parmesan cheese for an extra savoury kick.
- French onion dip: If you're feeling adventurous, swap out the milk for French onion dip, adding water to adjust the consistency. This will give your mac and cheese a unique flavour.
Veggies
Adding vegetables to your mac and cheese is a great way to boost the nutritional value and add some colour and texture:
- Baby green peas: Throw in some frozen or fresh baby green peas for a pop of colour and sweetness.
- Kale: Chopped kale can be mixed in while you're preparing the cheese sauce. It adds a healthy kick without overpowering the cheese flavour.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is a great way to add creaminess and tanginess to your mac and cheese:
- Mix-in: After preparing the mac and cheese according to the package instructions, stir in some sour cream along with the cheese sauce. This will create a creamier and slightly tangy dish.
- Topping: If you prefer a more pronounced sour cream flavour, use it as a topping. Prepare your mac and cheese as usual, then top it with dollops of sour cream and some shredded cheese. Bake it in the oven until the cheese melts, creating a delicious, creamy crust.
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Frequently asked questions
First, add 1/3 cups of water to a microwave-safe bowl and heat for one minute. Next, pour the pasta into the hot water and stir. Microwave the uncovered bowl on high for 5-7 minutes, stirring the pasta every 1-2 minutes to avoid clumping. Once the water is absorbed, remove the bowl from the microwave and add 1/4 cup of butter or margarine. Finally, add the cheese sauce and 1/4 cup of milk, and blend until the pasta is coated.
You should microwave the pasta for 5-7 minutes on high. However, this time may vary depending on your microwave, so be sure to stir the pasta every 1-2 minutes to avoid overcooking.
No, you should not cover the bowl when microwaving Kraft mac and cheese. Cooking it uncovered allows for better moisture evaporation, minimizing the risk of spills.
Yes, you can add extra cheese, vegetables, or sour cream and chives to your Kraft mac and cheese for a creamy, elevated dish.
