Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner has been a beloved comfort food for generations. This iconic boxed meal offers a quick and easy solution for busy families and cheese lovers alike. Each 7.25-ounce box contains macaroni pasta and Kraft’s original flavor cheese sauce mix, providing a simple yet satisfying meal in minutes.
The preparation is straightforward – just boil the pasta, drain, and stir in the cheese mix with milk and butter or margarine. The result is a creamy, cheesy dish that appeals to both kids and adults. Kraft’s convenient boxed dinner comes in various package sizes, from single boxes to multi-packs, making it suitable for different household needs.
While known for its classic taste, Kraft Mac & Cheese has adapted to changing consumer preferences. The product now contains no artificial flavors, preservatives, or dyes, aligning with modern health-conscious trends while maintaining its signature flavor and convenience.
History and Origins
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner has a rich history spanning nearly a century. This iconic comfort food has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a beloved pantry staple in many households.
Evolution of Macaroni and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese has roots tracing back to the 14th century, with recipes appearing in medieval cookbooks. The modern boxed version, however, emerged during the Great Depression. Kraft introduced its Macaroni & Cheese Dinner in 1937, offering an affordable meal for families.
The product quickly gained popularity, priced at just 19 cents per box and marketed to feed a family of four. During World War II, rationing of meat and dairy products further boosted its appeal as a convenient, filling meal.
Over the decades, Kraft expanded its product line, introducing various flavors and shapes. The original blue box design became instantly recognizable, cementing its place in American food culture.
Today, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese remains a go-to option for quick, cheesy goodness. Its enduring success reflects both nostalgia and practicality, with millions of boxes sold annually worldwide.
Nutritional Profile
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner provides a mix of macronutrients and essential vitamins and minerals. The product’s nutritional content varies based on preparation method and serving size.
Understanding the Serving Size
A standard serving of Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese is about 2.5 ounces (70 grams) of dry pasta, which makes approximately 1 cup when prepared. This serving contains around 250-350 calories, depending on the preparation method.
The macronutrient breakdown typically includes 10-14% protein, 70-79% carbohydrates, and 7-11% fat. A prepared serving provides about 50 grams of carbohydrates, 10 grams of protein, and 11 grams of fat.
Wheat flour and durum flour are the primary ingredients, contributing to the carbohydrate content. The cheese sauce mix adds flavor and some nutritional value.
Essential Vitamins and Minerals
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese is fortified with several essential vitamins and minerals. These nutrients contribute to the product’s nutritional profile:
- Niacin (Vitamin B3)
- Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B1)
- Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)
- Folic Acid
The product also contains ferrous sulfate, a source of iron. These added nutrients help enhance the overall nutritional value of the meal.
The exact amounts of these vitamins and minerals can vary. It’s important to note that while fortified, this product should be consumed as part of a balanced diet to meet daily nutritional needs.
Preparation Instructions
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner is quick and easy to prepare. The process involves cooking the pasta and mixing the cheese sauce separately before combining them.
Cooking the Macaroni Pasta
Fill a medium saucepan with 6 cups of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni pasta from the box and stir gently.
Cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The pasta should be tender but still firm to the bite.
Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander, but do not rinse. Return the pasta to the pot.
Mixing the Cheese Sauce
Add 1/4 cup margarine or butter and 1/4 cup milk to the pot with the drained pasta. The warm pasta will help melt the butter.
Pour in the cheese sauce mix from the packet. Stir the ingredients together until the cheese sauce is smooth and evenly coats the pasta.
For a creamier texture, add an extra tablespoon of milk. For a richer flavor, use butter instead of margarine.
Serve immediately while hot. The mac and cheese will thicken slightly as it cools.
Product Ingredients
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner consists of two main components: enriched macaroni pasta and a powdered cheese sauce mix. The ingredients are carefully selected to create the classic flavor and texture that has made this product a household staple.
Main Ingredients
The macaroni pasta is made from enriched wheat flour, fortified with vitamins and minerals. Key additions include niacin, ferrous sulfate (iron), thiamin mononitrate (vitamin B1), riboflavin (vitamin B2), and folic acid. The pasta provides the foundation for the dish, offering a satisfying texture and neutral base for the cheese sauce.
The cheese sauce mix contains whey, milkfat, and milk protein concentrate as primary dairy components. These ingredients contribute to the creamy texture and cheesy flavor. Salt enhances the overall taste, while sodium phosphate and calcium phosphate act as emulsifiers and stabilizers.
Cheese Blend Details
Kraft’s signature cheese blend incorporates a mix of cheese cultures and enzymes to develop its distinct flavor profile. Lactic acid is added to provide a tangy note and help preserve freshness. Tapioca flour serves as a thickening agent, ensuring the sauce achieves the right consistency when prepared.
The cheese sauce mix is designed to blend smoothly with milk and butter or margarine during preparation. This combination creates the iconic orange color and creamy texture associated with Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner.
Dietary Considerations
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner has important dietary aspects to consider. These include allergen information and suitability for vegetarian diets.
Allergen Information
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner contains wheat and milk ingredients. This makes it unsuitable for individuals with wheat or dairy allergies. The product is produced in facilities that may also process other common allergens.
Consumers with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity should avoid this product due to its wheat content. Those with lactose intolerance may need to exercise caution, as the cheese sauce mix contains milk ingredients.
Vegetarian Suitability
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner is generally considered vegetarian-friendly. The product does not contain meat or animal-derived enzymes. However, it’s important to note that it does contain milk products, making it unsuitable for vegans.
The cheese sauce mix uses artificial flavors and colors derived from vegetable sources. This aligns with vegetarian dietary preferences. Vegetarians who consume dairy can enjoy this product as part of their diet.
It’s worth noting that while the product contains no artificial flavors, it does use artificial colors. Those seeking all-natural options may want to consider alternatives.
Flavor and Varieties
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner offers a rich, cheesy taste that has delighted consumers for generations. Its signature flavor profile combines creamy cheese sauce with tender pasta.
Additives for Enhanced Taste
The iconic orange hue and savory flavor of Kraft Mac & Cheese come from a blend of carefully selected ingredients. Paprika and turmeric contribute to both color and taste. Annatto, a natural food coloring derived from achiote tree seeds, helps achieve the product’s distinctive golden-orange appearance.
These additives work together to create the classic Kraft Mac & Cheese flavor that fans know and love. The cheese sauce mix includes whey and milk proteins, enhancing the creamy texture and cheesy taste.
Available Variants
Kraft offers several variations on their original macaroni and cheese formula. These include:
- Thick & Creamy
- Shapes (e.g. SpongeBob, Paw Patrol)
- Deluxe (with liquid cheese sauce)
- Easy Mac (microwaveable cups)
- Organic options
Each variant maintains the core cheese flavor while offering unique textures or convenient preparation methods. The Shapes versions use different pasta forms but retain the original cheese sauce. Deluxe editions feature a pouch of prepared cheese sauce for an even creamier result.
Cooking Tips and Tricks
Elevate your Kraft Mac and Cheese experience with these simple yet effective techniques. Start by cooking the pasta for 7-8 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
For a creamier texture, reserve 1/4 cup of pasta water before draining. Add this liquid back to the pot along with the cheese sauce ingredients for enhanced consistency.
Experiment with the milk-to-butter ratio. Using slightly less milk can result in a thicker, more indulgent sauce. For a richer flavor, try substituting half the milk with heavy cream.
Boost the cheesy flavor by adding a handful of shredded cheddar or American cheese to the mix. This complements the powdered cheese and creates a more complex taste profile.
Consider baking your mac and cheese for a crispy top. Transfer the prepared dish to a greased baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 10-15 minutes.
For a quick family dinner choice, prepare Easy Mac in the microwave. Simply add water to the cup, microwave for the specified time, and stir in the cheese packet for a speedy meal.
Customize your mac and cheese with add-ins like cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or steamed broccoli for added nutrition and variety.
Serving Suggestions
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner offers versatile serving options for a quick and satisfying meal. This classic comfort food can be elevated with simple additions to create a more balanced and nutritious plate.
Pairing with Proteins
Kraft Mac & Cheese pairs well with various protein sources to boost its nutritional value. Grilled chicken breast, sliced and mixed in, adds lean protein and complements the cheesy flavor. Diced ham or crumbled bacon sprinkled on top provides a savory twist.
For a seafood option, try mixing in canned tuna or cooked shrimp. Vegetarian alternatives include black beans or chickpeas, which add fiber and plant-based protein. These protein additions transform the mac and cheese into a more substantial main course.
Sliced hot dogs or sausages are popular choices, especially for kids. Simply cook the meat separately and stir it into the prepared mac and cheese for a quick family dinner.
Incorporating Vegetables
Adding vegetables to Kraft Mac & Cheese increases its nutritional content and introduces new flavors and textures. Steamed broccoli florets or peas can be easily mixed in, providing color and vitamins.
Diced tomatoes or bell peppers add freshness and crunch. For a creamy addition, try stirring in cooked and pureed butternut squash or cauliflower. These vegetables blend seamlessly with the cheese sauce.
Sautéed spinach or kale can be incorporated for a boost of iron and fiber. Roasted vegetables like zucchini or carrots add a caramelized sweetness that complements the cheese flavor.
For picky eaters, finely chopped vegetables can be mixed into the sauce, making them less noticeable while still providing nutritional benefits.
Storage and Shelf Life
Kraft Original Macaroni & Cheese Dinner has a relatively long shelf life when stored properly. The boxed dinner can typically last 1-2 years if kept in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
It’s important to check the “best by” date printed on the box for specific guidance. This date indicates when the product is at its peak quality, but it can often be safely consumed beyond this time if stored correctly.
Unopened boxes should be kept in a pantry or cupboard at room temperature. Avoid storing them in humid areas like near the stove or sink.
Once prepared, leftover mac and cheese should be refrigerated promptly. Store it in an airtight container and consume within 3-5 days for best quality and safety.
Signs of spoilage to watch for include:
- Mold growth
- Off odors
- Unusual discoloration
- Slimy texture
If any of these are present, discard the product immediately. Always use your best judgment when deciding whether to consume mac and cheese past its prime.