Kraft Macaroni And Cheese: What's The Secret Cheese?

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, also known as Kraft Dinner (KD) in Canada, is a packaged macaroni and cheese mix. It was introduced in 1937 and has since become a popular comfort food for both children and adults. The product consists of dried macaroni pasta and a packet of processed cheese powder, which is prepared by adding milk and butter or margarine. While the original version included artificial dyes, preservatives and emulsifying salts, recent formulations have removed these additives. The Kraft Macaroni and Cheese product line has expanded over the years to include various flavours, pasta shapes and deluxe versions with liquid processed cheese.

Kraft Mac & Cheese ingredients

Kraft Mac & Cheese is a convenient boxed dinner that includes macaroni pasta and original flavour cheese sauce mix. The product was first introduced in 1937 and has since become a popular comfort food for both kids and adults.

The box contains enriched macaroni (wheat flour, durum flour, niacin, ferrous sulfate [iron], thiamin mononitrate [vitamin B1], riboflavin [vitamin B2], folic acid) and a cheese sauce mix (whey, milkfat, salt, milk protein concentrate, sodium triphosphate, tapioca flour, citric acid, calcium phosphate, sodium phosphate, lactic acid, with paprika, turmeric, and annatto added for colour, cheese culture, enzymes). To make the meal, you just need to add milk, margarine or butter.

Kraft Mac & Cheese contains no artificial flavours, preservatives or dyes and is a good source of protein. The preparation is simple: boil the pasta for 7-8 minutes, drain the water, and then stir in the cheese mix, milk, and margarine or butter.

Over the years, Kraft has introduced various product lines with different flavours and pasta shapes, including Deluxe and Homestyle versions, as well as single-serving options like Easy Mac (now known as Mac & Cheese Dinner Cups).

How to make Kraft Mac & Cheese

Kraft Mac & Cheese is a convenient boxed dinner that is a favourite among kids and adults alike. The process is simple: boil the pasta, drain the water, and stir in the cheese mix, milk, and margarine or butter. This article will outline the steps to make Kraft Mac & Cheese, as well as some tips and tricks to elevate the dish.

Ingredients

To make Kraft Mac & Cheese, you will need the following ingredients:

• Macaroni pasta
• Original flavour cheese sauce mix
• Milk
• Margarine or butter

Step-by-Step Guide

• Bring a pot of water to a boil.
• Add the macaroni pasta to the boiling water and cook for 6-8 minutes. The box recommends a cooking time of 7.5-8 minutes, but some suggest that cooking for a shorter time, around 6 minutes, can improve the texture of the pasta.
• Drain the water from the pasta.
• In the now-empty pot, heat 12-13 tablespoons of butter or margarine over medium heat until melted.
• Reduce the heat to low and add the drained pasta to the pot. Thoroughly coat the pasta in the butter or margarine.
• Add the cheese sauce mix and about 1/3 of the milk. Stir until the powder is fully mixed.
• Add another 1/3 of the milk and stir until combined.
• Finally, add the remaining cheese sauce mix and milk. Stir until all the cheese is mixed in.
• Turn off the heat and serve.

Tips and Tricks

• Keep the heat on throughout the cooking process, as Kraft Mac & Cheese tastes better when it's hotter.
• Do not add the milk before the cheese, as this can result in a soupy consistency.
• Avoid salting the water as the Kraft noodles already contain a high amount of sodium.
• Store the milk in a separate container and heat it in a saucepan to avoid a film forming at the bottom of the pan.
• Do not melt the butter or margarine with the milk. Instead, allow the drained noodles to absorb the butter for a creamier texture.
• For a more indulgent version, try using more butter or margarine and milk than the recommended amount.
• For added flavour, consider adding garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, or additional salt.

Kraft Mac & Cheese Deluxe

The Deluxe version takes the classic Kraft Mac & Cheese to the next level. It comes with a prepared, processed cheese sauce in a foil pouch, doing away with the need for additional preparation or ingredients. The cheese sauce is smooth, creamy, and perfectly complements the elbow macaroni pasta, resulting in a decadent and indulgent meal.

Preparing Kraft Mac & Cheese Deluxe is simple and hassle-free. Just boil the pasta for 7-8 minutes, drain the water, and then stir in the delicious cheese sauce. With no artificial flavours, preservatives, or dyes, this mac and cheese is a healthier option for families without compromising on taste.

Kraft Mac & Cheese nutritional value

Kraft Mac & Cheese is a convenient boxed dinner that includes macaroni pasta and original flavour cheese sauce mix. The cheese sauce mix contains ingredients such as whey, corn syrup solids, milk, milkfat, palm oil, modified food starch, salt, milk protein concentrate, and maltodextrin, among others.

The nutritional value of Kraft Mac & Cheese is as follows:

• Calories: 350 per one-cup serving or 1,050 per box
• Fat: 11 grams per one-cup serving, which is about 99 calories from fat, or nearly 28%
• Carbohydrates: 37.9g

In addition to these, Kraft Mac & Cheese also contains several vitamins and minerals, including thiamin, niacin, folic acid, and beta-carotene, as well as iron, calcium, and phosphorus.

It is worth noting that the calorie and fat content can be adjusted by using less butter and opting for a lower-fat milk variety.

History of Kraft Mac & Cheese

Mac and cheese has a long and fascinating history. The earliest recorded recipe for the dish dates back to 1769 and likely originated in Northern Europe. However, the story of Kraft Mac & Cheese began much later, in 1937, during the Great Depression.

During this time of economic hardship, Kraft introduced its iconic boxed macaroni and cheese. The product was a game-changer, as it conveniently packaged dried macaroni noodles with a processed cheese powder, creating a nonperishable, easy-to-prepare meal. At just 19 cents a box, it was an affordable option that could feed a family of four. In its first year, Kraft sold over 8 million boxes, and its popularity continued to grow during World War II due to rationing and the increased number of women working outside the home.

The success of Kraft Mac & Cheese can also be attributed to the company's innovative approach to cheese processing. While James Lewis Kraft did not invent processed cheese, he patented a processing method in 1916 and began building his cheese business. This allowed Kraft to create a shelf-stable product with a longer life, making it attractive to consumers, especially those without refrigerators.

Over the years, Kraft Mac & Cheese has evolved to meet changing consumer needs and preferences. In 1975, the company introduced a version with spiral-shaped noodles, followed by Velveeta Shells & Cheese in 1984. The product line expanded further with the introduction of single-serving options, such as Easy Mac in 1999, and later, Mac & Cheese Dinner Cups. In recent years, Kraft has also removed artificial dyes and preservatives from its Mac & Cheese, responding to consumer feedback and concerns about health and nutrition.

Today, Kraft Mac & Cheese is more than just a convenient meal—it has become a cultural icon, especially in Canada, where it is often referred to as "Kraft Dinner" or "KD." It is a staple in many households and has earned a place in popular culture, with references in music and literature. The product's longevity and continued popularity are a testament to its comfort and convenience, making it a beloved dish for both children and adults worldwide.

Frequently asked questions