Andy Montoya
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and easy meal that has been a staple in many households for years. While convenient, it may not always satisfy your taste buds. Luckily, there are many ways to spice up this boxed meal and make it taste gourmet. From adding different cheeses, meats, and spices to creating a homemade cheese sauce, you can transform this simple dish into something extraordinary.
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What You'll Learn
Add butter, milk, and cheese
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and easy dish that can be made even better with a few simple additions. Adding butter, milk, and cheese is a great way to enhance the flavour and texture of this classic comfort food. Here are some tips and variations to try:
Butter, Milk, and Cheese Proportions
Start by preparing the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese according to the package instructions. The basic recipe typically calls for cooking the pasta, draining it, and then stirring in the powdered cheese, butter, and milk. The standard proportions for the classic version are 4 tablespoons of butter, 1/4 cup of milk, and the cheese sauce mix. However, some prefer to use less butter, around 2 tablespoons, to reduce calories or alter the taste and texture. You can adjust the amount of butter according to your preference, keeping in mind that less butter may make the cheese more likely to clump.
Non-Dairy Milk and Butter Alternatives
If you're looking for a dairy-free option or want to experiment with different flavours, you can replace the milk with non-dairy alternatives. Actress Blake Lively's hack suggests using 1/2 cup of non-dairy milk along with 1/2 tablespoon of butter. However, some palates may find that the non-dairy milk gives an odd flavour to the final dish. For a completely different take on the classic, you can even skip the milk and butter altogether and use mayonnaise and water to achieve a creamy texture.
Extra Cheese for Creaminess and Flavour
To take your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese to the next level, consider adding extra cheese. After preparing the pasta according to the package instructions, you can follow Blake Lively's hack by adding a splash of whole milk, 1/3 of a block of cream cheese, and two generous handfuls of shredded Cheddar and/or Gouda cheese. This combination results in a decadent, creamy, and flavourful dish. For an even cheesier experience, you can also add some grated Gruyère. If you want to reduce the amount of butter, you can replace half of it with three slices of American cheese to make the dish creamier.
Spices and Seasonings
While not strictly about butter, milk, and cheese, it's worth mentioning that spices and seasonings can further elevate your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. You can add salt and pepper to taste, and if you're feeling adventurous, try tossing in some crispy bacon bits, pickled jalapeños, or chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a sweet and umami-packed flavour.
With these tips and variations, you can transform your simple box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese into a heartier, more indulgent meal. Experiment with different combinations to find your favourite flavour profile, and don't be afraid to get creative with your add-ins!
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Use non-dairy milk
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a popular choice for people in a time crunch or those who appreciate a warm, simple meal. The traditional recipe calls for a combination of powdered cheese and milk, but for those who are lactose intolerant or prefer non-dairy options, there are several alternatives to choose from.
One option is to replace the milk with a non-dairy alternative such as almond milk or oat milk. Start by adding the almond milk and stirring until combined. Then, gradually add in the cheese sauce mix, stirring constantly until well blended. If you prefer a creamier texture, you can add soy milk or plain yogurt/sour cream for extra tanginess. Adjust the amount of milk alternative to your taste preference; for a thicker sauce, use less milk, and for a thinner sauce, use more.
Another idea is to use extra butter or margarine to create a creamy texture. Butter adds richness and creaminess to the dish, making the cheese sauce even better. You can also try adding in cream cheese, which provides a slight tanginess and helps achieve a creamy texture. Additionally, you can experiment with spices such as onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to enhance the flavors.
For those who want to add a touch of smokiness and complexity to the dish, crispy bacon is a great option. Diced jalapeños can bring some heat to balance the creamy cheese, while caramelized onions add a touch of sweetness and tenderness. These ingredients can be mixed into the macaroni and cheese, providing a versatile and customizable dish.
In conclusion, there are numerous ways to spice up Kraft Macaroni and Cheese using non-dairy milk alternatives and various mix-ins. Whether you're looking for a creamier texture, extra flavor, or a touch of spice, these suggestions will help elevate your lactose-free mac and cheese.
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Include meat, like chicken, tuna, or spam
Kraft Mac and Cheese can be spiced up by adding meat, such as chicken, tuna, or spam. Here are some ways to do this:
Chicken
Chop up cooked chicken into small pieces and sprinkle them into your macaroni and cheese. You can use leftovers, fresh-cooked chicken, or even chopped chicken nuggets. For an extra boost of flavour, cook the noodles in chicken broth.
Tuna
Tuna is a popular addition to Kraft Mac and Cheese, especially when paired with sriracha or hot sauce. Canned tuna can be added directly to the dish, or you can cook it with garlic and butter before mixing it in.
Spam
Spam, or sliced hot dogs, can be added to Kraft Mac and Cheese for extra protein. Fry or grill the spam before adding it to the dish, and consider adding some sliced peppers or onions for extra flavour.
Ground Beef
Browned ground beef is another great option for adding protein to your mac and cheese. You can also try ground turkey or sliced sausages.
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Add vegetables, like peas or tomatoes
Adding vegetables is a great way to spice up your Kraft macaroni and cheese. Peas, for example, are a classic addition. You can use frozen peas, or even canned peas, and simply stir them through the cooked macaroni and cheese.
If you want to add some tomato to your dish, you could sauté the tomatoes with garlic, butter, milk, and cheese powder. This will create a rich, creamy sauce with a tangy tomato flavour. You could also add some French mustard to this sauce for an extra kick.
If you want to add more vegetables, you could include broccoli and spinach, or even some kale. These vegetables will add colour, flavour, and nutrients to your dish. You could also add some sliced hot dogs to the dish for extra protein.
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Make it spicy with hot sauce or jalapeños
Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal, but sometimes you might want to spice it up a little. Adding hot sauce or jalapeños is a great way to do this.
Hot sauce is a simple and effective way to add some spice and flavour to your macaroni and cheese. Some people believe that the vinegar in hot sauce adds an extra tang that works well with the cheese. Sriracha is a popular choice for adding spice and flavour to macaroni and cheese. If you want to make your own spicy sauce, you can start by browning ground pork in a pan with some oil. Then, add diced bell peppers and cook until softened. Next, add a spoonful of fire-roasted tomatoes (canned is fine) and finish with a splash of hot sauce. Stir this mixture into your macaroni and cheese for a smoky, spicy kick.
If you want to add some spice without the sauce, jalapeños are a great option. Pickled jalapeños can be coarsely chopped and mixed into your macaroni and cheese. You can also experiment with fresh jalapeños, either sliced or chopped, and adjust the amount you add to your taste.
You can also combine hot sauce or jalapeños with other ingredients to create a unique flavour profile. For example, adding crispy chicken nuggets and a few dashes of hot sauce to your macaroni and cheese can create a Buffalo chicken sandwich feel. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as cheddar or gruyere, to find the perfect combination of spicy and creamy.
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Frequently asked questions
You can add butter, milk, and cheese powder. You can also add in some extra cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese.
You can add pickled jalapeños, crispy prosciutto, or hot sauce.
You can add crispy bacon, spam, tuna, or ground beef.
You can add peas, sautéed mushrooms, or sun-dried tomatoes.
