Have you ever made Kraft Mac & Cheese and wondered how to thicken Kraft mac and cheese? You’re not alone. If you have ever cooked homemade kraft Mac and Cheese before, you know how disappointing it can be when it comes out more like a soup than a solid mass.
This article will tell you how to thicken kraft mac and cheese so you can stop adding extra milk. The thickened mac and cheese is better than you can get at the store – It’s homemade!
You can thicken your kraft mac and cheese by adding a homemade cheese sauce, extra cheese, a roux, cream cheese, cornstarch, or milk and flour. Continue reading as I elaborate on these tips for thickening your kraft mac and cheese.
1. Add A Homemade Cheese Sauce
If your Kraft Mac and Cheese box are too thin for your tastes, you can make a homemade cheese sauce to thicken it. To make a cheese sauce:
- Start by melting some butter in a pan on the stove.
- Add flour a little while continuously stirring until the mixture becomes thick.
- Slowly add milk while whisking the mixture until it thickens again.
Once that happens, turn off your stove and add some shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce. When you’re making your homemade cheese sauce, add it to cooked macaroni noodles and whatever seasonings come in your Kraft Mac and Cheese box to complete the dish!
2. Add Extra Cheese
One of the easiest ways to thicken your Kraft mac and cheese is to add a little more cheese than the recipe calls for. A casserole dish full of cheesy pasta can be even better by adding an extra ¼ to ½ cup of cheese, thickening the sauce, and making it creamier.
You can also thicken Kraft mac and cheese by using ingredients like cream cheese or a homemade cheese sauce. Adding these ingredients will give you that thicker consistency without making the pasta any chewier or drying out the sauce.
3. Add Roux
Add a roux. If you’re trying to thicken the sauce on top of your mac and cheese, adding a roux is one way. A roux is a paste made from equal parts fat (more on that in the next point) and flour. To make this, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Then, add flour and cook until it begins to brown slightly.
Mix well after each addition of flour to form an even mixture without lumps or clumps. Next, transfer your macaroni into the saucepan with the Roux, then mix everything well to evenly distribute the contents across the pan. Cook for about two minutes before adding milk—this will further develop your Roux and result in a more flavorful dish overall—then continue cooking until it reaches your desired thickness.
Finally, stir in shredded cheese according to taste before serving! This will result in an extremely thick sauce and allow you to adjust its flavor however you, please!
4. Add Cream Cheese
The best part about adding cream cheese to thicken your mac and cheese is that you can do it while the pasta cooks.
Add a few ounces of cream cheese to the pot before draining the noodles, heat, and stir until melted into a sauce. Once the noodles are drained and returned to the pot, pour in your milk mixture (if you’re using the box version of Kraft, skip this step) and let everything cook together for a few minutes.
While this method isn’t quite as quick as others, it is one of the easiest and foolproof ways to make your Mac creamy again.
5. Pour Some Cornstarch
Kraft Mac and cheese lovers, there’s no need to make it out of your way. You should follow this recipe straight from the box and stick with what you know. The reason is simple: boxed mac and cheese is great. No need to mess with perfection!
If you have a little time, about 30 minutes, there are ways to make your boxed mac and cheese even richer, creamier, tangier, sweeter, thicker, and more delicious than you can get from the carton. But why risk ruining something good as it is? I don’t blame you for being afraid that messing around with kraft-mac-n-cheese will ruin its perfect equilibrium; on the contrary, it’ll probably be better for your health!
6. Add A Bit Of Flour And Some Milk
You can thicken Kraft Mac and Cheese with flour and milk. The flour and milk thicken the sauce, making it thicker. The flour and milk thicken the sauce, making it thicker, creamier, and more flavorful.
It’s important not to add too much; otherwise, your kraft mac and cheese texture may become globby. If the mixture has become gloppy from too much flour or milk, add more macaroni noodles to balance it.
Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole Recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Strainer
- Skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Baking dish
- Oven
- Small bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Cooking spray or butter
- Oven mitts
- Serving utensils
Ingredients
- 1 box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
- 1 can (6-ounce) of tuna, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup diced onion
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 cup milk
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray or butter and set it aside.
- Cook the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by 2 minutes. We want the macaroni to be slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- In a skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the diced onions and cook until they become translucent and slightly caramelized.
- Add the frozen peas and cook for a few minutes until they are heated through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, the contents of the Kraft Cheese Sauce packet, sautéed onions and peas, drained tuna, and ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese.
- Stir everything together until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the mac and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of shredded cheddar cheese over the macaroni mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter until well coated. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove the casserole from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Kraft Mac and Cheese Tuna Casserole hot, and garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
Video
Conclusion
Whether you use cornstarch, flour, or powdered cheese, remember to follow the recommended measurements and incorporate them into your recipe carefully. Experiment with reducing liquid and adjusting cooking times to find the ideal balance that yields a thick and luscious sauce. Don’t forget to troubleshoot any runny mac and cheese mishaps by employing our shared solutions.
Adding extra cheese can be a game-changer, intensifying both flavor and thickness. Don’t hesitate to explore different cheese varieties to suit your taste preferences and achieve that dreamy, velvety consistency.
But our journey doesn’t stop there! Feel free to get creative and customize your Kraft Mac and Cheese with additional ingredients, whether for a bolder flavor profile or to cater to dietary preferences. And for those seeking healthier alternatives, consider incorporating pureed vegetables or Greek yogurt to thicken your mac and cheese while adding nutritional value.
![How Long To Cook Short Ribs In Oven [FAQs and Tips]](https://shiftychevre.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/Oven-baked-beef-short-ribs-_-recipe-1024x575.jpg)