About This Recipe
This recipe follows the original preparation method for Kraft Dinner, a boxed macaroni and cheese product first introduced in 1937. The instructions reflect the standard cooking process printed on Kraft Dinner packaging.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Requires only 15 minutes total preparation time
- Uses minimal kitchen equipment
- Delivers consistent results with basic ingredients
- Follows a standardized cooking process
Ingredients
- 1 box (7.6 oz / 216 g) Kraft Dinner
- 4 cups water (for boiling)
- 1/4 cup milk
- 4 tbsp butter or margarine
Step by Step Instructions
- Boil water: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a medium saucepan.
- Cook pasta: Stir in pasta from Kraft Dinner box. Boil uncovered for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Drain pasta: Drain cooked pasta using a colander. Do not rinse.
- Return to pan: Return drained pasta to saucepan.
- Add ingredients: Add milk, butter, and cheese powder from package.
- Stir: Stir continuously until all ingredients are fully combined and sauce appears creamy (approximately 3 minutes).
- Serve: Transfer immediately to serving dishes.
FAQ
Can I use water instead of milk?
Milk is required to achieve the intended creamy texture. Substituting water will result in thinner sauce consistency.
Can I reduce the butter amount?
Using less than 4 tbsp of butter will alter the intended flavor and texture profile.
Is the pasta gluten-free?
Standard Kraft Dinner contains wheat-based pasta. Check packaging for gluten-free alternatives.
You Must Know
- Preparation requires constant stirring during final mixing to prevent clumping
- Sauce thickens within 2-3 minutes after combining ingredients
- Overcooking pasta beyond 8 minutes will result in soft texture
Storage Tips
- Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in microwave with 1 tbsp milk added per serving
- Do not freeze prepared Kraft Dinner