Ah, Kraft Mac and Cheese. A staple in student dorms and busy households across the country for decades. The soft, cheesy goodness is the ultimate comfort food on a budget. But what if you don’t have a microwave to make it in? Not to worry; there are plenty of ways you can cook your favorite Kraft Mac and Cheese.
In this article, I’ll explore some safe, easy ways to make Kraft Mac and Cheese without a microwave plus tips and tricks for getting the most out of your Mac and Cheese. Whether you’re a student or a busy parent, this guide will help you make delicious and budget-friendly meals from scratch in no time.
Can You Make Kraft Mac and Cheese Without a Microwave?
Yes, you can! There are several ways you can make Kraft Mac and Cheese without a microwave, such as cooking it on the stove or in the oven. The stove method is typically the most popular, as it’s quick and easy to do.
All you need is a saucepan, some water, and a stove. Just cook the pasta in the saucepan, drain, and then mix in the cheese packet. Voila – perfectly cooked and gooey mac and cheese without any microwaves necessary!
This method can also be used for other boxed pasta and sauce combinations, like Annie’s shells and cheddar or Betty Crocker. So next time your microwave is lacking or broken, fear not – easy stovetop cooking is here to save the day.
How Long Does It Take to Make Kraft Mac and Cheese on the Stove?
To make 1 package of Kraft Mac and Cheese, you will need about 15 minutes total. The actual cooking time will be between 7-8 minutes while the preparation time, including boiling the water and mixing in the cheese packet, will take about 7 minutes.
How to Cook Kraft Mac and Cheese on the Stove
Here’re the basic steps for cooking Kraft Mac and Cheese on the stove:
- Pour 6 cups of water into a saucepan and bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook the pasta for about 7-8 minutes or until it is al dente, stirring occasionally.
- Pick a piece of macaroni out to test the texture – it should be soft but not mushy.
- Drain the pasta using a colander and return it to the saucepan.
- Add the cheese packet, margarine or butter, and milk into the saucepan.
- Mix well until all of the ingredients are evenly combined.
- Serve immediately or let the mac and cheese cool before storing it in the fridge for later use.
Tips for Making Kraft Mac and Cheese on the Stove
In addition to these basic steps, there are a few tips you can follow to maximize your Kraft Mac and Cheese cooking experience.
1. Be Careful Not To Overcook the Pasta
The first risk when cooking macaroni and cheese on the stove is overcooking the pasta. If you cook it for too long, it will become mushy or fall apart, and you’ll end up with a gooey mess. To avoid this, I usually undercook the pasta a bit. If the instructions say to cook it for 8-9 minutes, I’ll start testing it around 6 minutes.
I’ll pick one or two pieces of macaroni out of the pan using a fork and feel how soft the pasta is. If it’s still slightly firm, I’ll continue cooking it until it reaches my desired level of doneness.
2. Make Sure The Internal Temperature Reads 165 Degrees Fahrenheit
If you’re concerned about food safety, you should also check the internal temperature of your macaroni and cheese. The manufacturer’s guidelines for the minimum internal temperature for boxed macaroni and cheese is 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
To do this, you can insert a food thermometer into the pan of mac and cheese, or use a quick-read thermometer to check at different spots in the pan. Be sure to check the temperature in several different places to ensure that it’s evenly heated throughout.
How to Store Leftover Kraft Mac and Cheese
If you don’t want to eat all of the mac and cheese right away, you can store leftovers for later use. To do this, you will need to cool the pasta down to room temperature first, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate it for up to 4-5 days. It’s a good idea to divide up the pasta into individual portions before storing it to make reheating and serving easier.
To reheat your leftover mac and cheese, simply place it in a microwave-safe dish and cook in 30-second increments, stirring in between each round, until it is heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the oven.
5 Easy Ways to Upgrade Your Regular Kraft Mac and Cheese
It’s the age-old question: how can I make my Kraft Mac and Cheese better than my neighbor’s? And while there are no easy answers, I’ve come up with five surefire ways to take your standard box of noodles and turn it into something special.
1. Substitute the margarine with American cheese
Let’s be honest, margarine is never going to taste as good as real cheese. So do yourself a favor and ditch the fake stuff in favor of the real deal. American cheese may not be the fanciest cheese out there, but it’ll do the trick when it comes to making your mac and cheese taste extra cheesy.
2. Mix in bacon and chipotle
Bacon makes everything better, right? Well, that applies to mac and cheese too! Just mix in some cooked bacon bits (or even better, crumbled bacon) and a touch of chipotle pepper for a smoky, spicy twist on your classic dish.
3. Add sriracha, ginger, green onions, and panko
If you like your mac and cheese with a little bit of a kick, then this variation is for you. The sriracha adds just the right amount of heat, while the ginger gives it a nice zingy flavor. The green onions add a bit of sweetness and the panko gives it a nice crunch. Trust us – this one’s a winner!
4. Use cherry tomatoes and basil
This is a great way to dress up your mac and cheese if you’re looking for something a little more sophisticated. The sweetness of the tomatoes pairs nicely with the savory flavors of the cheese sauce, while the basil adds a touch of freshness. It’s like summer in a bowl!
5. Add chili beans and cheddar cheese
This is my favorite way to upgrade my Kraft Mac and Cheese. Just add in some canned chili beans (I like to use kidney beans) and some grated cheddar cheese. The result is a hearty, filling dish that’s perfect for chilly winter nights. Plus, it’s super easy to make!
Conclusion
So next time you’re in a bind and don’t have a microwave to make your Kraft Mac and Cheese, don’t worry! You can easily cook it on the stove. With this guide, you’ll be able to make delicious mac and cheese without any microwaves necessary. Give this handy method a try today!
FAQ
1. Can You Make Kraft Mac and Cheese Without Milk?
Yes, you can make Kraft Mac and Cheese without milk. You can use milk alternatives like almond milk, soy milk, or coconut milk, which will still result in a creamy and flavorful mac and cheese. However, keep in mind that the flavor and texture of your dish may be affected if you choose to use non-dairy milk.
2. How Much Milk Do You Need to Make Kraft Mac and Cheese?
The amount of milk that you need to make Kraft Mac and Cheese will depend on the recipe that you are using and how much pasta you are cooking. In general, you will need about 2 cups of milk per box of mac and cheese.
3. What Else Can I Add to My Kraft Mac and Cheese?
There are many different ingredients that you can add to your Kraft Mac and Cheese, depending on your preferences. Some popular additions include chicken, broccoli, parsley, green peppers and mushrooms. Don’t be afraid to get creative and experiment with different flavors – you might be surprised at what you end up liking!
