Upgraded Kraft Mac N Cheese
Transform your weeknight dinners with this indulgent recipe for Upgraded Kraft Mac N Cheese—an irresistible take on the classic comfort food. By enhancing the familiar boxed macaroni and cheese with creamy additions like rich cream cheese, sharp cheddar, and a blend of aromatic spices, this version is packed with elevated flavors. Topped with buttery, golden breadcrumbs for a delightful crunch and finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this dish combines nostalgic simplicity with gourmet flair. Perfect for busy evenings, this creamy mac and cheese comes together in just 20 minutes, making it an easy yet satisfying option for two. Savor the ultimate in comfort food with this irresistible, cheesy upgrade!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 box Kraft Macaroni & Cheese box
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 0.5 cup Whole milk
- 2 tablespoons Cream cheese
- 1 cup Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.5 teaspoons Onion powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil or melted butter (optional, for breadcrumbs)
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt and cook the macaroni from the Kraft box according to the package instructions (usually about 7-8 minutes).
While the pasta is boiling, measure and prepare the other ingredients. If using breadcrumbs, mix them with a tablespoon of olive oil or melted butter in a small bowl and set aside.
Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and set it aside temporarily. Return the pot to the stove over low heat.
Add the butter to the pot and let it melt. Stir in the powdered cheese packet from the Kraft box, followed by the milk, cream cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper.
Stir the mixture continuously until smooth and creamy. Add the shredded cheddar cheese and continue stirring until it is fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
Return the drained macaroni to the pot and gently fold it into the cheese sauce until every piece is well-coated.
If using breadcrumbs, sprinkle them evenly over the mac and cheese. Optionally, you can transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish and broil it for 2-3 minutes until the breadcrumbs are golden and crispy.
Serve the upgraded mac and cheese hot. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy your upgraded, indulgent dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1689 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 129.0 g | 165% | |
| Saturated Fat | 66.5 g | 332% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.6 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 300 mg | 100% | |
| Sodium | 1887 mg | 82% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 93.8 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 4.0 g | 14% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.0 g | ||
| Protein | 49.4 g | 99% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.3 mcg | 7% | |
| Calcium | 1189 mg | 91% | |
| Iron | 4.3 mg | 24% | |
| Potassium | 529 mg | 11% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
