Kamil Perry
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but there are several ways to elevate it. Adding extra cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese, can make it creamier and more decadent. Spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika can also enhance the flavour. Preparing the sauce separately before adding the noodles can improve the texture, and cooking the noodles in chicken broth can add flavour. For a heartier dish, proteins like bacon, chicken, or tuna can be added, along with vegetables like peas, broccoli, or spinach. Toppings such as breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or buttery garlic Ritz crackers can provide a crunchy texture. With these simple tricks, boxed macaroni and cheese can be transformed into a gourmet meal.
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What You'll Learn
Add more cheese
Kraft Mac and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but adding more cheese can take it to the next level. Here are some ideas to elevate your boxed macaroni and cheese with extra cheese:
Cheddar Cheese
Start with the classic, sharp cheddar cheese. Grate some extra sharp cheddar on top of your prepared macaroni for an extra cheesy kick. You can also stir in shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce for a creamier texture. If you're feeling adventurous, try using white cheddar for a slightly different flavor profile.
Cream Cheese
For an indulgent upgrade, add some cream cheese to your Kraft Mac and Cheese. It will make the dish creamier and richer. You can use it in addition to the included cheese packet or blend it with the powdered cheese for an extra smooth sauce.
Gruyere or Gouda
Take your mac and cheese to the next level with some Gruyere or Gouda cheese. These cheeses add a depth of flavor and a touch of sophistication to your dish. Try blending them with the included cheese packet or adding them to the sauce for a silky smooth texture.
American Cheese
American cheese is a great addition to your Kraft Mac and Cheese. It melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture to the dish. Simply add it to the sauce and stir until melted for an extra cheesy experience.
Parmesan Cheese
For a more robust flavor, sprinkle some freshly grated Parmesan cheese on top of your prepared macaroni. Parmesan adds a salty, nutty flavor that complements the creaminess of the dish. You can also try mixing it into the sauce for a more subtle cheesy note.
With these ideas, you can transform your simple boxed mac and cheese into a cheesy, indulgent treat. So, get creative, and don't be afraid to experiment with different types and combinations of cheese to find your perfect flavor profile!
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Use spices
Kraft Mac and Cheese can be a little one-note, so using spices is a simple way to elevate the flavour. Here are some ways to spice up your boxed macaroni:
Garlic and Onion Powder
A little garlic powder and onion powder can go a long way in enhancing the flavour of boxed mac and cheese. You can also use fresh garlic cloves, frying them until golden brown before mixing them into the macaroni.
Smoked Paprika
Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavour to the dish.
Red Pepper Flakes
Adding red pepper flakes to your mac and cheese will give it a spicy kick.
Salt and Pepper
A simple combination of salt and pepper is a classic way to season and elevate any dish, including mac and cheese.
Green Onions
Chopped green onions add a mild onion flavour and a pop of colour to your mac and cheese.
Spicy Brown Mustard
Stirring in some spicy brown mustard can add a tangy and slightly spicy kick to your mac and cheese.
Hot Sauce
For those who like it hot, adding hot sauce to your mac and cheese will bring a spicy, tangy flavour.
Pickled Jalapeños
If you're feeling adventurous, try adding some pickled jalapeños for a spicy and tangy crunch.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes add a sweet and umami flavour to the dish, and pair well with basil-y pesto.
These spice and herb combinations will surely elevate your boxed mac and cheese, making it taste more like a homemade, creamy, and delicious treat.
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Add milk or cream
Milk or cream can be added to Kraft macaroni and cheese to enhance its flavour and texture. The type of milk or cream used can vary depending on preference and availability. For example, whole milk, lactose-free milk, almond milk, or even non-dairy milk can be used.
When adding milk, it is recommended to start with a small amount, such as a splash or a tablespoon at a time, and adjust as needed. This is because the sauce can become too thin if too much milk is added. Milk can be added at different stages of the cooking process. Some recipes call for milk to be added while whisking it with the powdered cheese and butter before combining it with the cooked noodles. Others suggest adding milk to the cooked macaroni and cheese mixture if it becomes too thick.
Cream, including heavy cream, sour cream, and even French onion dip, can be used as a substitute for milk or to enhance the creaminess of the dish. Sour cream, in particular, adds a nice tang to the macaroni and cheese. When using sour cream, it is recommended to reduce the amount of butter used to prevent the dish from becoming too greasy.
Additionally, cream can be used to thin out the sauce if bagged cheese is used, as it tends to take longer to melt due to the anti-clumping agents used.
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Include meat or fish
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but adding meat or fish can make it even better. Here are some ideas to elevate your boxed mac and cheese with meat or fish:
Tuna
Tuna is a popular addition to mac and cheese, offering a quick, easy, filling, and affordable option. It can be paired with sriracha for a spicy kick. Canned salmon is another fish option that pairs well with mayo.
Chicken
Chicken is a versatile choice for mac and cheese. You can use chopped chicken nuggets, leftovers, or freshly cooked chicken, cut into small pieces and sprinkled into the dish. Chicken broth can also be used to cook the noodles, adding extra flavour.
Bacon
Bacon adds a savoury twist to mac and cheese. It can be used alone or combined with peas for a proto-carbonara dish. For a more indulgent option, try crispy prosciutto.
Ground Beef
Ground beef is a hearty and flavourful addition to mac and cheese. It can be seasoned and browned to perfection.
Crab
For a more luxurious option, crab meat can be added to mac and cheese. This combination offers a sophisticated take on the classic comfort food.
Hot Dogs
Sliced hot dogs are a fun and nostalgic addition to mac and cheese, offering a simple way to increase the protein content.
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Play around with pasta shapes
Kraft Mac and Cheese typically comes with thin, slightly curved noodles, but you can experiment with different pasta shapes to elevate your dish. Elbow macaroni is one of the most common substitutes, but if you're looking for something different, consider cavatappi, also known as "double elbows," which hold a short, ridged, tube shape that allows sauces to penetrate the centre and outer portions.
If you're feeling adventurous, try lumache, which are short, ridged, shell-shaped pasta that resembles snails. The pinched ends are perfect for trapping sauces, and they work exceptionally well with thick sauces like mac and cheese. For a fun twist, farfalle pasta, also known as bow ties, is a kid-friendly option that will bring a smile to your face.
For a more gourmet approach, bucatini noodles can be used to create "long Kraft." However, they might be challenging to find separately, so you may need to purchase Kraft Dinner (KD) to acquire them. Gemelli is another option, with a similar size to bucatini, but lacking the hollow centre. If you're seeking a shape that's closer to the classic Kraft noodle, tubettini is a good choice, although it's slightly thicker and shorter.
Finally, for a playful meal, Kraft has introduced Super Mario-themed pasta shapes, including the iconic Fire Flower, Super Star, and Super Mushroom. These fun shapes will bring a smile to your face and level up your comfort food experience. So, don't be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes to find your favourite variation of Kraft Mac and Cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
Adding milk or cream will make your mac and cheese creamier. For an extra creamy texture, use cream instead of milk.
You can add chopped chicken, bacon, spam, ground beef, or ham to Kraft Mac and Cheese.
Peas, broccoli, spinach, and tomatoes are all great vegetarian toppings for Kraft Mac and Cheese.
You can add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, or red pepper flakes to Kraft Mac and Cheese.
You can add cheddar cheese, cream cheese, gouda, gruyere, or any other cheese you have on hand.
