Baked mac and cheese from the box

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Baked mac and cheese from the box

"This recipe came from a Kraft newsletter. It's very simple, takes the 'blue box' of mac and cheese and adds just a few ingredients and steps to make it taste a bit more homemade. Note that this calls for the "dinner" Kraft mac n cheese, which is the one with the packet of cheese that you squeeze out, not the standard one with the powdered cheese. If you have to use the standard variety, use 2 boxes and add more milk or sour cream, as it tends to dry out during baking."

 

Ready In:

40mins

Ingredients:

6

ingredients

  • 1 (14 ounce) package Kraft macaroni and cheese (dinner, blue box)
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1⁄2 cup sour cream
  • 1⁄4 teaspoon ground red pepper or 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 6 butter flavored crackers, crushed (like Ritz)
  • 1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine, melted

directions

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Prepare Mac n Cheese dinner as directed on package.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup of the Cheddar cheese, the sour cream and pepper.
  • Spoon into greased 1-1/2 quart baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese.
  • Combine the melted butter and cracker crumbs and sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Join The Conversation

    1. Baked mac and cheese from the box

      In the Great white north we have Kraft dinner, not KD mac, straight tunes, any different?

       

    2. Baked mac and cheese from the box

      I was so skeptical about this recipe Upgraded Kraft Mac n Cheese. The sour cream really kicked up the box mac n cheese The butter cracker topping was everything! It browned really pretty and tasted delicious.

       

    3. Baked mac and cheese from the box

      I used two 7.25 boxes. Boiled noodles separately, al dente, set aside. Continued box recipe with butter, milk and cheese packets. Stirred in 2/3 sour cream and half cup cheese. Folded noodles back in. Poured half in a buttered dish and layered 1/2c cheese on top. Poured remaining half of mixture and added another 1/2c on top. Mixed 1T butter and 10 ritz crackers to make crumbles drier and then sprinkled on top. Baked for 25-30 minutes because 20 minutes didn't brown it enough. This is pretty good but in no way as good as from scratch and pretty much the same if not more steps.

       

    4. Baked mac and cheese from the box

      I used two 7.25 boxes. Boiled noodles separately, al dente, set aside. Continued box recipe with butter, milk and cheese packets. Stirred in 2/3 sour cream and half cup cheese. Folded noodles back in. Poured half in a buttered dish and layered 1/2c cheese on top. Poured remaining half of mixture and added another 1/2c on top. Mixed 1T butter and 10 ritz crackers to make crumbles drier and then sprinkled on top. Baked for 25-30 minutes because 20 minutes didn't brown it enough. This is pretty good but in no way as good as from scratch and pretty much the same if not more steps.

       

    5. For 14 ounces, does that mean it needs 6 boxes?

       

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    Baked mac and cheese from the box

    How do you make boxed mac and cheese better?

    Adding protein to your mac and cheese is a quick, easy way to turn it into a well-rounded meal. Shredded rotisserie chicken, cubed ham, and crumbled bacon would all make fantastic mac and cheese mix-ins. After all, everything's better with bacon.

    How can I make a box of mac and cheese taste better cheap?

    Spices: A little garlic powder and onion powder goes a long way in making this the best easy mac and cheese ever! Definitely don't skimp on these. You could also add a bit of paprika, black pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce if you want to amp up the flavor even more.

    Should I bake my mac and cheese covered or uncovered?

    Place in the oven uncovered and bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Serve: Immediately and enjoy! Store: Leftover baked macaroni and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat: On the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream.

    What should I add to my Kraft mac and cheese?

    You'll want to melt some extra cheese with the butter before adding the cheese packet. Adding some parmesan cheese will add even more flavor. If you like garlic, then you can't go wrong by adding a little garlic powder. A tiny dash of cayenne pepper or hot sauce is the ticket.