Are you a comfort food lover looking for a rich, creamy, and indulgent pasta dish? Look no further! Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style, and when made with Kraft’s iconic blue box mac and cheese mix, it’s a recipe for success. But why settle for the same old recipe when you can elevate it to new heights with creative twists and flavorful additions? In this article, we’ll share 18 creamy macaroni and cheese recipes that incorporate Kraft’s beloved product in innovative ways. From spicy jalapeño to truffle oil, and from buffalo chicken to lobster tail, these recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings and inspire you to get cooking!
Classic Kraft Macaroni and Cheese with a Twist
Elevate the comfort classic by adding some smoky bacon to give it a savory twist.
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft macaroni and cheese (7.25 oz)
– 4 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the crumbled bacon and cook for 2-3 minutes or until crispy.
3. Pour in the milk and stir until the mixture is smooth.
4. Add the contents of the Kraft macaroni and cheese box to the saucepan. Stir until well combined.
5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheesy sauce. Mix until coated.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional crumbled bacon if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spicy Jalapeño Kraft Mac and Cheese
A creamy macaroni and cheese dish gets a bold boost of flavor with the addition of spicy jalapeños.
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft macaroni and cheese
– 2-3 jalapeños, sliced
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a separate pot, combine milk and butter. Heat over medium heat until melted and smooth.
4. Add cooked macaroni, Kraft cheese contents, and sliced jalapeños to the pot. Stir until well combined.
5. Pour mixture into a baking dish and top with additional Kraft cheese contents if desired.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Elevate a classic comfort food by adding the rich flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. This simple twist is sure to become a new family favorite!
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Add the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese contents to the saucepan. Stir until well combined with the garlic butter mixture.
4. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Combine the cooked macaroni with the garlic parmesan mixture. Serve hot.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Buffalo Chicken Kraft Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this creamy, spicy twist on the classic mac and cheese recipe.
Ingredients:
• 1 box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
• 1 pound cooked chicken breast or tenders, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1/4 cup Frank’s RedHot sauce (or similar buffalo wing sauce)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add cooked chicken and buffalo wing sauce. Stir until coated.
4. Combine cooked macaroni, chicken mixture, and shredded cheddar cheese in a baking dish.
5. Top with additional shredded cheddar cheese (optional).
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Bacon and Cheddar Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Get ready to take your mac ‘n cheese game to the next level with this easy and delicious recipe that combines the classic Kraft macaroni and cheese with crispy bacon and melted cheddar cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup milk
Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Add in the Kraft macaroni and cheese contents and stir until well combined.
5. Gradually add in the milk while stirring until the desired consistency is reached.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Truffle Oil Infused Kraft Mac and Cheese
This recipe adds a luxurious twist to the comfort food classic, infusing the creamy macaroni and cheese with the earthy flavor of truffle oil.
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
– 2 tbsp truffle oil
– 1/4 cup milk or half-and-half (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese according to package instructions.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the truffle oil and milk or half-and-half (if using).
3. Add the truffle-infused mixture to the cooked macaroni and cheese. Stir until well combined.
4. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of paprika if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes (including cooking time for Kraft Macaroni & Cheese)
Lobster Tail Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Elevate your mac ‘n cheese game with the luxurious addition of lobster tail, paired with the iconic Kraft brand.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz macaroni
– 2 cups Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Mix
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped lobster tail (about 2 oz)
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add milk and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Mix, stirring until well combined.
5. Stir in grated cheddar cheese until melted.
6. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until coated.
7. Fold in chopped lobster tail.
8. Transfer mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheddar cheese (optional).
9. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Broccoli and Cheddar Kraft Mac and Cheese
Elevate the classic macaroni and cheese with the addition of steamed broccoli and a sprinkle of cheddar for a comforting and satisfying meal. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
– 2 cups broccoli florets
– 1/4 cup milk
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Steam broccoli florets until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
4. In a large pot, combine cooked macaroni, steamed broccoli, and Kraft Macaroni & Cheese contents. Stir until well combined.
5. Add milk and grated cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and dot with butter.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
BBQ Pulled Pork Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
This recipe combines the rich flavors of BBQ pulled pork with the creamy goodness of Kraft macaroni and cheese. It’s an easy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb cooked pulled pork
– 1 box Kraft macaroni and cheese
– 1/4 cup BBQ sauce
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, pulled pork, and BBQ sauce. Mix until well combined.
3. In a separate pot, heat the milk over low heat.
4. Add the Kraft macaroni and cheese mix to the milk and stir until smooth and creamy.
5. Combine the macaroni mixture with the pulled pork mixture and stir until well combined.
6. Serve hot, topped with additional shredded cheddar cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Kraft Mac and Cheese
Elevate the classic mac and cheese with a flavorful twist, combining creamy pesto and sweet sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
– 2 tablespoons pesto
– 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
3. In a medium saucepan, combine cooked macaroni, pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan cheese, and garlic powder. Stir until well combined.
4. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated Parmesan cheese (optional).
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Mac and Cheese Stuffed Bell Peppers with Kraft
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with this creative twist: stuffing it inside bell peppers! This comforting recipe combines the classic comfort food with the sweetness of roasted bell peppers.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 cups Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large bowl, combine cooked macaroni, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese, and shredded cheddar cheese. Mix well.
4. Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove seeds and membranes. Place them in a baking dish.
5. Stuff each bell pepper with the macaroni mixture and top with breadcrumbs.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the peppers and season with salt and pepper.
7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until bell peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Artichoke Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Elevate your mac ‘n cheese game with the addition of spinach, artichokes, and a rich sauce. This comforting casserole is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
– 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1/4 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni, spinach, artichoke hearts, mayonnaise, and shredded cheddar cheese.
4. Mix until well combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional shredded cheddar cheese (optional).
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Sriracha and Lime Kraft Mac and Cheese
Elevate your macaroni and cheese game with this creamy, spicy, and tangy recipe that combines the bold flavors of Sriracha and lime.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound macaroni
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
– 2 cups milk
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1-2 teaspoons Sriracha sauce (depending on desired spiciness)
– Juice of 1 lime
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk together to make a roux, cooking for 1 minute.
4. Slowly add milk, whisking continuously to avoid lumps. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes or until thickened.
5. Remove from heat and stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted. Add Sriracha sauce and lime juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional grated cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mac and Cheese Bites with Kraft
Transform classic macaroni and cheese into bite-sized snacks that are perfect for parties or a quick snack. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create these creamy, cheesy bites using Kraft’s iconic macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions:
1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Mix in the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese contents until well combined.
3. In a separate bowl, mix together breadcrumbs and grated cheddar cheese.
4. Roll the macaroni mixture into small balls (about 1-inch diameter).
5. Dip each ball into the beaten egg and then roll in the breadcrumb mixture to coat.
6. Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep frying pan over medium-high heat.
7. Fry the bites for 2-3 minutes on each side, or until golden brown.
8. Drain on paper towels and serve warm.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Loaded Baked Potato Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this creative twist on macaroni and cheese! This recipe combines the creamy goodness of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese with the warm, fluffy charm of a loaded baked potato.
Ingredients:
– 1 package Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
– 1 large baking potato
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled cooked bacon
– 1/4 cup chopped scallions (green onions)
– 1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Bake the potato for 45-60 minutes, or until tender.
3. Cook the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese according to package instructions.
4. Top the baked potato with the cooked macaroni and cheese mixture.
5. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon, and chopped scallions over the top.
6. Dot the top with butter and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes
Cajun Shrimp Kraft Mac and Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this bold fusion of Cajun flavors and creamy macaroni and cheese. This recipe combines the convenience of Kraft macaroni and cheese with the spicy kick of Cajun shrimp.
Ingredients:
– 1 box Kraft macaroni and cheese
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/4 cup Cajun seasoning (such as Tony’s or Zatarain’s)
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until pink and cooked through.
4. Combine cooked macaroni and shrimp mixture in a baking dish.
5. Top with Kraft macaroni and cheese contents (do not add water).
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Mac and Cheese Pizza with Kraft
Elevate your pizza game by combining the comfort of macaroni and cheese with the classic flavors of a margherita pizza.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup macaroni
– 2 cups water
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1 package Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
– 1 pre-baked pizza crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner contents and stir until smooth.
3. Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and mix well.
4. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place pizza crust on a baking sheet.
5. Spread the mac and cheese mixture evenly over the pizza crust, leaving a small border around the edges.
6. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese on top of the mac and cheese.
7. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
8. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
This creamy Kraft macaroni and cheese recipe gets a sophisticated twist from the sweet, caramelized onions and nutty Gruyère cheese. Perfect for a comforting yet impressive dinner or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz Kraft macaroni
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 tbsp unsalted butter
– 1/4 cup brown sugar
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 cups Gruyère cheese, shredded
– 1 cup milk
– 1/4 cup Kraft cheddar cheese, shredded
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add onions and cook for 20-25 minutes or until caramelized.
4. In a separate pot, combine Gruyère cheese, milk, and cheddar cheese. Stir until smooth.
5. Combine cooked macaroni, caramelized onions, and cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and top with additional grated Gruyère cheese if desired.
7. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Summary
Get ready to indulge in 18 creamy macaroni and cheese recipes that will satisfy your comfort food cravings! From classic twists to bold flavors, these Kraft recipes offer a variety of delicious takes on the beloved dish. Try adding jalapeños for a spicy kick, parmesan for a savory flair, or lobster tail for a luxurious treat. Whether you’re in the mood for something simple and comforting or adventurous and exciting, there’s a macaroni and cheese recipe here to suit your taste.
