Randy Chandler
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but there are ways to elevate it and make it even better. From adding more cheese to including meat and vegetables, there are endless ways to dress up this classic dish. Whether you're looking for a creamier texture, a flavour boost, or a more gourmet experience, simple ingredients and hacks can take your boxed macaroni and cheese to the next level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Cream Cheese, Gruyere, Gouda, Mozzarella, Parmesan, Boursin |
| Meat | Bacon, Spam, Chicken, Tuna, Sausages, Ground Beef, Crab, Hot Dogs |
| Vegetables | Peas, Broccoli, Spinach, Mushrooms, Tomatoes, Scallions, Kimchi, Pickled Jalapenos |
| Spices | Garlic, Onion, Smoked Paprika, Red Pepper Flakes, Black Pepper, Salt |
| Other | Breadcrumbs, Crackers, Sour Cream, Butter, Milk, Cream, Mustard, Hot Sauce, Pesto, Sun-dried Tomatoes |
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What You'll Learn
Add cream cheese, sour cream, and/or extra shredded cheese
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but a few extra ingredients can elevate it to a rich and indulgent dish. Adding cream cheese, sour cream, and extra shredded cheese will create an ultra-creamy texture and a more intense flavour.
Cream cheese adds a tangy flavour and a creamy texture. It can be used to replace butter, or alongside it. Softening the cream cheese to room temperature first will help it melt more quickly. Boursin or another herb-infused cream cheese can also be used for a delicious flavour twist.
Sour cream adds a rich and creamy texture to the macaroni and cheese. It can be stirred through the sauce or layered with the macaroni for a more decadent dish.
Extra shredded cheese can be added to the sauce to increase the cheese flavour and create a gooey, indulgent texture. It can also be sprinkled on top of the macaroni and baked to create a melty, golden crust. Cheddar is a popular choice, but any cheese that melts well can be used. Gouda, Gruyere, and American cheese are all excellent options.
For a truly decadent dish, try adding all three of these ingredients to your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Simply cook the macaroni according to the packet instructions, then stir through the cream cheese, sour cream, and shredded cheese until a sauce forms. Scoop into bowls and enjoy! For an extra special touch, top with a breadcrumb and herb mixture and bake until golden and crispy.
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Use spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese can be transformed by adding spices like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. These spices can be added to the cheese sauce to elevate the flavour and create a more sophisticated dish.
Garlic powder and onion powder are key ingredients to enhance the flavour of boxed macaroni and cheese. These spices are easy to use as they are already in powder form and can be added directly to the sauce. They provide a strong savoury flavour, creating a more intense taste experience. Smoked paprika can also be added to the sauce to give a subtle smoky flavour. It is a great way to add depth to the dish and create a more complex flavour profile.
When using these spices, it is important to remember that a little goes a long way. Start with a small amount and taste as you go, adding more if needed. This ensures that the spices enhance the dish without becoming overpowering.
In addition to the spices, garlic and onion can also be added to the dish in their fresh form. Sautéing minced garlic and chopped onion in butter before adding the remaining ingredients can add a more intense garlic and onion flavour to the dish. This creates a more well-rounded flavour profile that complements the spices.
By using a combination of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika, along with fresh garlic and onion, the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese can be transformed into a more flavourful and sophisticated dish. These spices add depth and intensity to the sauce, creating a memorable and satisfying meal.
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Add crispy prosciutto, bacon, or spam
Adding crispy prosciutto, bacon, or spam to your Kraft macaroni and cheese is a great way to elevate this classic dish. Here are some detailed suggestions to take your mac and cheese to the next level:
Crispy Prosciutto
For a sophisticated twist, try adding oven-crisped prosciutto to your Kraft macaroni and cheese. Cut the prosciutto into thin strips and bake them in the oven until crispy. You can also fry them in a pan for a few minutes until they reach your desired level of crispness. Mix the crispy prosciutto into your prepared macaroni and cheese, or sprinkle it on top as a tasty topping.
Crispy Bacon
Bacon is a classic addition to macaroni and cheese. Cut bacon into one-inch pieces and fry them until crispy. You can also use pre-cooked bacon bits and simply sprinkle them on top. The saltiness and smokiness of the bacon pair perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce.
Crispy Spam
For a unique and budget-friendly option, consider adding crispy Spam to your mac and cheese. Chop the Spam into small cubes or thin strips and fry them until crispy. You can also lightly pan-fry the Spam before adding it to your macaroni and cheese. The salty flavor of Spam complements the cheese sauce, creating a comforting and hearty dish.
Combination Ideas
You can also combine these ingredients with other add-ins to create unique flavor profiles. For example, try adding crispy prosciutto or bacon to a macaroni and cheese dish that also includes frozen peas, pickled jalapeños, or a variety of cheeses like cream cheese, cheddar, or Gruyère. You can also experiment with different spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or smoked paprika to enhance the overall flavor.
By adding crispy prosciutto, bacon, or spam, you can easily transform your Kraft macaroni and cheese into a heartier and more flavorful meal. These simple additions offer a great way to elevate this classic comfort food and create a satisfying dining experience.
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Include vegetables like peas, broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but adding vegetables can make it even more delicious and nutritious. Here are some ideas to dress it up with peas, broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes:
Peas
Peas are a great addition to macaroni and cheese, providing a surprising dose of vegetarian protein. Simply cook the pasta according to the package directions, adding frozen peas a minute before removing it from the heat. Drain the pasta and peas, then make the sauce as directed with milk and butter. Add in the cheese, along with some diced ham, smoked Gouda, and paprika for extra flavour. Stir everything together, and you have a hearty and tasty meal.
Broccoli
Broccoli is another excellent choice to include in your mac and cheese. You can steam or sauté broccoli florets while the pasta is cooking or even toss the broccoli into the pot of water to boil with the pasta. After draining the pasta and mixing in the cheese, stir in the broccoli until it's heated through. You can also add some shredded chicken or grilled chicken to this combination for a heartier dish.
Spinach
Spinach adds a nutritional boost to your macaroni and cheese. Start by making the sauce over low heat, combining milk, cream cheese or butter, the cheese packet, and spinach. Stir until the spinach is wilted and the cheese is melted, then mix in the cooked pasta. You can also add artichokes to this spinach variation for an extra veggie kick.
Sun-dried Tomatoes
Sun-dried tomatoes bring an elegant and tasty twist to the classic mac and cheese. Sauté some diced onions in butter, then add garlic and flour, whisking to create a roux. Pour in milk, whisking until smooth, and season with salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and Dijon mustard. Stir in the cheese until melted, then add in sun-dried tomatoes. Pour the sauce over cooked pasta, toss to combine, and bake in the oven for a bubbly, delicious dish.
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Top with breadcrumbs, buttery Ritz crackers, or crushed potato chips
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but there are ways to elevate it and make it even more delicious. Adding toppings such as breadcrumbs, buttery Ritz crackers, or crushed potato chips can take this simple dish to the next level.
Let's start with breadcrumbs. Toasted breadcrumbs can give your mac and cheese a crunchy texture and a homemade feel. You can simply sprinkle them on top of your prepared macaroni for a crispy garnish. For an extra flavour boost, you can cook the breadcrumbs in butter with seasonings before adding them to your dish. Try a combination of panko, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper for a savoury and crispy topping.
If you're looking for something a little more indulgent, buttery Ritz crackers are a great option. The rich, buttery flavour of the crackers pairs perfectly with the creamy cheese sauce. You can crush the crackers and sprinkle them on top, or add them whole for a more substantial bite. For an extra kick, use Ritz crackers with a garlic flavour.
For a fun and unique twist, try topping your mac and cheese with crushed potato chips. This adds a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour that complements the cheese sauce. You can mix the crushed chips directly into the macaroni or sprinkle them on top, along with some melted butter for extra indulgence.
These topping ideas are simple yet effective ways to dress up your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Whether you choose breadcrumbs, buttery Ritz crackers, or crushed potato chips, you're sure to impress your taste buds and your guests. Enjoy experimenting with these toppings and discovering your favourite combinations!
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Frequently asked questions
Adding milk or cream to your Kraft Mac and Cheese will make it creamier. You can also replace the butter with cream cheese for a tangy flavor.
Breadcrumbs, Ritz crackers, and bacon bits are all popular toppings for Kraft Mac and Cheese.
You can add vegetables like peas, broccoli, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes. You can also add proteins like chicken, bacon, or hot dogs.
Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes can all help to elevate the flavor of Kraft Mac and Cheese.
