Description
This creamy, indulgent Kraft Deluxe mac and cheese transforms from pantry staple to gourmet comfort food with simple enhancements. Ready in just 20 minutes, it delivers unbeatable flavor and convenience.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 box Kraft Deluxe Mac and Cheese (original or white cheddar)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter (optional)
- ¼ cup whole milk or half-and-half
- ½ cup shredded cheddar, Gruyère, or Monterey Jack cheese
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon mustard powder
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs mixed with 1 tablespoon melted butter (optional topping)
Instructions
- Bring 6 cups of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook for 7-8 minutes until al dente. Stir occasionally.
- Drain pasta and return the empty pot to low heat. Melt butter (if using).
- Return drained pasta to the pot. Add cheese sauce pouch and gradually stir in milk to achieve desired consistency.
- Add shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and mustard powder. Stir until melted and seasoned to taste.
- Optional: Transfer to oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumb mixture, and broil 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Notes
Use almond milk and plant-based butter for dairy-sensitive diets. Add vegetables or lean proteins to make it more nutritious. Always stir gently and avoid overheating the sauce to maintain creaminess.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Comfort Food
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 49g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 20mg