Kamil Perry
Kraft Mac and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but there are several ways to elevate it and make it taste more like homemade baked macaroni and cheese. You can add ingredients like cream cheese, sour cream, butter, and various spices to enhance the flavor and texture. Some people also add extra shredded cheese, such as cheddar, gruyere, gouda, or parmesan, to make it even cheesier and creamier. Others like to include protein such as cooked bacon, chicken, or vegetables like peas and broccoli. You can also bake the mac and cheese to create a crispy topping, which can be achieved by sprinkling breadcrumbs or crushed crackers on top.
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Preparing the ingredients
Ingredients
Start by gathering the necessary ingredients. For a basic Kraft macaroni and cheese, you will need a box of Kraft macaroni and cheese, which typically includes a packet of powdered cheese. Additionally, you may want to consider the following optional ingredients to enhance the flavor and texture:
- Butter: Adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Milk: Regular milk or non-dairy milk can be used to adjust the consistency and creaminess.
- Sour cream: Adds a tangy flavor and creaminess to the dish.
- Heavy cream: For an even richer and creamier texture.
- Cream cheese: Provides a tangier alternative to butter and creates a smooth sauce.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded or sliced cheddar cheese can be added for extra cheesiness and flavor.
- Other cheeses: Gruyere, gouda, parmesan, or American cheese can be used for added depth of flavor.
- Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper can enhance the flavor profile.
- Breadcrumbs: Toasted breadcrumbs on top give the dish a homemade feel.
- Meat: Crispy fried spam, tuna, or cooked bacon can be added for extra protein and flavor.
Preparation
Once you have gathered your ingredients, it's time to prepare them:
- Prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions. Cook the pasta al dente, omitting salt, and drain it.
- Chop and fry any meat additions, such as spam, until crispy.
- Grate or shred the cheese if you are using blocks of cheese.
- Melt butter in a separate pan if you plan to use it as a topping or mix-in.
- Chop or crush crackers or breadcrumbs if you plan to use them as a topping.
- Prepare any spices by measuring out the desired amounts.
Combining Ingredients
After preparing the individual ingredients, it's time to bring them together:
- In a saucepan, combine the cooked macaroni with the powdered cheese packet, milk, and butter according to the package instructions.
- Stir in any additional cheeses, such as cream cheese, cheddar, or gruyere, until melted and combined.
- Add milk or cream a little at a time if the sauce becomes too thick.
- Mix in spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika to enhance the flavor.
- Finally, gently fold in any meat additions, such as tuna or crispy spam.
Now that your ingredients are prepared and combined, you are ready to move on to the next steps of assembling and baking your Kraft macaroni and cheese!
Cheese Street Corn: What's the Perfect Melty Topping?
You may want to see also
Cooking the pasta
The amount of time the pasta needs to be cooked varies depending on the type of pasta used. For example, one source recommends cooking the pasta for 7.5 minutes, while another suggests cooking it until al dente. It is important not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
Additionally, you can add garlic salt to the boiling water for extra flavor.
Mesophilic Culture: The Secret to Perfect Feta Cheese
You may want to see also
Making the sauce
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter can vary depending on your preference, but it typically ranges from 2 tablespoons to 4 tablespoons. Butter adds richness and flavour to the sauce, enhancing the creamy texture. If you want a healthier option, you can reduce the amount of butter and replace it with milk or another liquid.
Once the butter is melted, it's time to add the cheese. This is where you can get creative and use a combination of cheeses to elevate the flavour. The classic choice is cheddar cheese, and you can use shredded or grated cheddar for a more pronounced cheesy flavour. Additionally, consider adding cream cheese, which will contribute a tangy flavour and a creamy texture. If you're feeling adventurous, experiment with other cheeses such as Gruyere, Gouda, Parmesan, or Monterey Jack. The key is to add the cheese gradually and stir continuously until it melts, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
To enhance the flavour of your sauce, consider incorporating spices and seasonings. Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika are excellent additions that will give your macaroni and cheese a savoury boost. You can also add black pepper and red pepper flakes for a spicier kick. If you're feeling creative, fresh or dried herbs like parsley, thyme, or basil can add a delightful freshness to your sauce.
While stirring in the cheese and spices, gradually add milk or another liquid to achieve the desired consistency. Whole milk will create a rich and creamy sauce, but you can also use non-dairy milk or even pasta water if you don't have milk on hand. If you want an extra indulgent sauce, you can substitute heavy cream or half-and-half for the milk. Just be mindful that these options will result in a richer, more decadent sauce.
Finally, taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt to enhance the flavours, and consider adding a small amount of sugar or a dash of hot sauce to round out the flavours. Remember, it's important to stir continuously while adding liquids and seasonings to ensure a smooth and well-combined sauce.
By following these steps and making adjustments to suit your taste, you'll end up with a mouthwatering sauce that will take your baked macaroni and cheese to the next level. Enjoy the process of crafting your sauce, and don't be afraid to experiment and find your perfect combination of cheeses, spices, and liquids!
Cheese Powder: Make a Quick Cheese Sauce
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Baking the dish
Preheat your oven to 350°F or 375°F. Grease a 1-1/2 quart baking dish.
Prepare the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside.
In a saucepan, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and milk. Stir until a sauce forms. You can also add butter and garlic salt to the sauce. For a tangy flavor, add a dollop of sour cream.
Stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce until it is evenly coated.
Spoon the macaroni and cheese into the greased baking dish. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top.
For a crunchy topping, combine melted butter and cracker crumbs and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
Bake at 350°F or 375°F for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the dish is bubbling.
Let the baked macaroni and cheese stand for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Fungi in Cheese-Making: A Tasty Partnership
You may want to see also
Serving suggestions
Baked macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and preferences. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your baked macaroni and cheese:
Protein Pairings
For a heartier meal, consider adding some protein to your macaroni and cheese. Chopped spam, fried until crispy, can be a tasty and affordable option, adding a similar flavour to bacon. You could also try tuna, which is a classic pairing, or even seasoned browned ground beef. If you're feeling adventurous, why not experiment with crab, chicken sausages, ham, or hot dogs?
Vegetable Medley
Vegetables can add a nutritious and delicious twist to your mac and cheese. Broccoli is a popular choice, and you can even roast it beforehand for an extra flavour boost. Peas are another option, especially if you're serving this dish to kids. Spinach is a great way to sneak in some extra greens, and its mild flavour won't overpower the cheese.
Spicy Kick
If you like your food with a kick, try adding some hot sauce to your mac and cheese. Sriracha can be a great choice, providing not only heat but also a tangy flavour. Red pepper flakes will also bring the heat, and smoked paprika can add a subtle smoky spice.
Cheesy Goodness
For cheese lovers, the more cheese, the better! Try adding extra sharp cheddar cheese, or experiment with different varieties like Gruyere, Gouda, or cream cheese for a tangier, creamier flavour. Don't be afraid to mix and match cheeses to find your perfect blend.
Crunchy Toppings
To add a crunchy texture to your baked macaroni and cheese, consider using breadcrumbs or cracker crumbs as a topping. You can toast them beforehand for extra crispness. Buttery garlic-flavoured Ritz crackers, in particular, can add a nice savoury note to the dish.
Savoury Sides
Macaroni and cheese can be a versatile side dish as well. It pairs well with baked crusted cod and roasted broccoli for a more sophisticated meal. Or, for a comforting combination, serve it alongside some fried or grilled spam, chicken, or even chopped chicken nuggets.
Panela Cheese: Best Ways to Use It
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
To make baked macaroni and cheese using Kraft, you can follow the instructions on the box, which involves cooking the pasta, draining it, and then stirring in butter, milk, and the powdered cheese. You can then bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven.
There are several ingredients you can add to Kraft macaroni and cheese to enhance its flavor. Some popular options include cream cheese, sour cream, cheddar cheese, gouda cheese, garlic, onion, and hot sauce. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as bacon, spam, or tuna.
To make Kraft macaroni and cheese creamier, you can add milk, cream, or half-and-half. You can also reduce the amount of butter used and replace it with cream cheese to create a tangier flavor.
There are several topping options that can enhance the taste and texture of Kraft macaroni and cheese. You can try breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or grated cheese on top. Adding a combination of melted butter and cracker crumbs can also create a crispy and flavorful topping.
