Invented in 1937, Kraft Mac and Cheese was created during the Great Depression as a way to combine nonperishable dried enriched macaroni noodles and processed cheese. The new Kraft Macaroni & Cheese dinner was a way for families to eat a simple meal that was affordable and meatless. Plus, it stays good in the pantry for long time, making it a dependable choice no matter what food shortages were occurring at the time.
To make this easy Mac and Cheese, you simply follow the straightforward directions on the box- pour 6 cups water into a pot and boil water, then stir in the macaroni and cook for 7 to 8 minutes. When it's done, drain the pasta and return it to the pan. Add in 1/4 cup milk, the cheese sauce mix, and butter or margarine, and stir until your mac n cheese is cheesy and delicious. The whole meal should be done in about ten minutes! Enjoy the treat as a late-night snack or a lazy dinner after a long work day.
Although we're no longer in the Great Depression, Kraft Original macaroni & cheese dinner will always be a tasty meal or side dish. It's not bad for you either, as it contains 8% of your daily value of dietary fiber and only 2.5 g total fat and 10 mg cholesterol. You can never go wrong with this cheesy, carby combo, but we do love adding our own twist to the convenient boxed dinner. Whether you like to add paprika, cauliflower, or turmeric to your creamy macaroni & cheese, these cheesy goodness boxed mac and cheese recipes are for you! Most recipes use the original blue box which can be bought at most grocery stores or online.
11 Kraft Mac and Cheese Recipes
1. Upgraded Mac & Cheese
Upgrade the blue box original flavor with the addition of cheddar cheese, sour cream, butter cracker breadcrumbs, and crushed red pepper. Take that Velveeta!
Serve with veggies and you've got yourself a complete meal.
2. Broccoli Mac and Cheese
Let's get deluxe! Kraft Deluxe that is. This Kraft macaroni and cheese is a yummy mixture of chicken, broccoli, and macaroni.
Get the recipe at Simply Real Moms.
3. Bacon Chipotle Macaroni and Cheese
Cook the original flavor macaroni and cheese according to the package and drain, then add in the cheese powder, milk, butter, and chipotle peppers. Sprinkle the macaroni pasta with bacon and serve.
Get the recipe at Love Bakes Good Cakes.
4. Sausage and Pepper Macaroni and Cheese
Italian sausage and sharp cheddar go so well together! This Kraft mac & cheese meal combines smoked paprika, beef stock, sweet Italian sausage, and bell peppers into a fantastic family dinner free of artificial dyes and artificial flavors.
Get the recipe at Nikki Dinki Cooking.
5. Sriracha Mac 'n Cheese Bites
Take boxed Kraft Original flavor Macaroni & Cheese to a whole new level with this fun appetizer! Cook the kraft dinner according to package directions then mix with an egg and sriracha. Place the mac & cheese cups in a muffin thin and cook until crispy.
Get the recipe at Spoon University.
6. Buffalo Chicken Macaroni and Cheese
What's better than buffalo chicken and mac & cheese? Combine your favorites with this super simple recipe.
Get the recipe at Nikki Dinki Cooking.
7. Ship Wreck Dinner
Get stuck on a deserted island and this is the one dish you would want to pack with you. Beef, macaroni, and stewed tomatoes make up this hearty family dinner.
Get the recipe at My Food and Family.
8. Southwestern Macaroni & Cheese
Have a ton of black beans in the pantry but don't know how to use them? Toss them in this Southwestern Macaroni & Cheese recipe along with corn.
Get the recipe at Dessert Now Dinner Later.
9. Cheesy Tuna Mac
Need a bit of comfort food? This recipe is for you! Cream of condensed broccoli soup, tuna, and macaroni and cheese make this a delicious pantry meal.
Get the recipe at Taste of Home.
10. Cheesy Chili Mac and Cheese
On the table in 25 minutes, the combo of pasta and chili can't be beaten.
Get the recipe at Ready Set Eat.
11. Mac and Cheese Casserole with Ham
Ham and peas mix up this casserole. The best part is that it's on the table in 30 minutes!
Get the recipe at My Food and Family.
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