Kraft Macaroni & Cheese is a staple in many households. It’s the ultimate comfort food and is perfect when craving something savoury and creamy. It tastes amazing, but it’s also super easy to make! There are two ways to prepare Kraft Mac & Cheese: on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Both methods require just a few ingredients that you likely have at home. If you’re short on time, then making Kraft Mac & Cheese in the microwave is the fastest way to get your fix for this classic dish. In this article, I will show you some of the best ways to Make Kraft Mac and Cheese in a Microwave.
How To Make The Perfect Kraft Mac & Cheese In A Microwave
When making Kraft Mac & Cheese in the microwave, you must use a large plate or bowl to prevent the water from spilling. The reason is that when you’re cooking in the microwave, there’s no way to control how much heat is applied at any given time.
If you’re craving macaroni and cheese but don’t want to wait for the water to boil or deal with a pot, you can make your favourite pasta dish in the microwave. It’s quick, easy, lets you enjoy Kraft Mac & Cheese, and even takes less time than it takes to order takeout. Here’s how it’s done.
Ingredients:
- 1 box of Kraft macaroni and cheese
- 1 1/2 cups of water
Equipment:
- Microwave-safe bowl or container
- Water measuring cup
- Fork or spoon for stirring
Step 1: Measure and add water to the bowl
Start by measuring 1 1/2 cups of water and pouring it into a microwave-safe bowl or container. Using a safe container for the microwave is important, as some materials can’t withstand high heat.
Step 2: Add the pasta and stir
Next, add the macaroni noodles from the Kraft mac and cheese box to the water bowl. Use a fork or spoon to stir the pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the water. Stirring the pasta occasionally during cooking will help prevent clumping.
Step 3: Microwave on high power for 3-4 minutes
Now it’s time to cook the pasta in the microwave. Put the bowl in the microwave and set the power level to high. Microwave the pasta for 3-4 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage. If you’re unsure of your microwave’s wattage, start with 3 minutes and add time if needed. Note that the pasta will absorb the water as it cooks, so you don’t need to drain it like you would when cooking on the stove.
Step 4: Stir in a cheese sauce and additional ingredients (if desired)
After the pasta is done cooking, take the bowl out of the microwave and stir in the cheese sauce packet that came with the Kraft mac and cheese. Use a fork or spoon to mix the cheese sauce and pasta until fully combined. If you want to customize your mac and cheese, this is also the time to add additional ingredients like bacon bits or hot sauce.
Step 5: Microwave for an additional 30 seconds to 1 minute
Once the cheese sauce is mixed, put the bowl back in the microwave and cook on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will help the cheese sauce fully coat the pasta and get it to the right temperature. Keep an eye on the bowl in the microwave to ensure it doesn’t boil over or splatter.
Step 6: Let cool and serve
After cooking the mac and cheese in the microwave, let it cool for a minute or two before serving. The bowl will be hot, so be careful when handling it. Once it’s cooled slightly, grab a fork or spoon and enjoy your quick and easy meal.
Tips and Tricks for Perfect Microwave Mac and Cheese
1. Use the right amount of water
The amount of water you use when cooking mac and cheese in the microwave can make a big difference in the final product. For one box of Kraft mac and cheese, we recommend using 1 1/2 cups of water.
This will give you the right amount of sauce without making it too runny. If you prefer your mac and cheese with more sauce, add more water, but be careful not to add too much.
2. Stir pasta occasionally to prevent clumping
One downside to cooking mac and cheese in the microwave is that the pasta can sometimes stick together in clumps. To prevent this from happening, stir the pasta occasionally while it’s cooking. This will help distribute the water and prevent the pasta from sticking together.
3. Adjust microwave cooking time based on wattage
Every microwave is different, so adjusting the cooking time based on your microwave’s wattage is important. If your microwave has a lower wattage, you may need to cook the mac and cheese for longer than 3-4 minutes. On the other hand, if your microwave has a higher wattage, you may need to cook it for less time. It’s best to start with the recommended time and adjust as needed.
4. Customize with additional ingredients
One of the great things about mac and cheese is that it’s a blank canvas you can customise. Add some additional ingredients to take your microwave mac and cheese to the next level.
Bacon bits, hot sauce, and chopped veggies are all great options that add flavour and texture to your dish.
5. Use a lid
Using a lid or cover when cooking mac and cheese in the microwave can help prevent splattering and ensure that the pasta cooks evenly. If you don’t have a lid that fits your microwave-safe bowl, you can use a paper towel instead.
How long should I microwave Kraft mac and cheese?
The cooking time for Kraft mac and cheese in the microwave varies depending on the packaging. Read the package instructions carefully and follow them closely to achieve the perfect texture and flavour. With a few tips and tricks, you can elevate your mac and cheese game and enjoy this comfort food favourite in no time.
In addition to the cooking time, there are a few other tips you can follow to make your Kraft mac and cheese even better:
- Use the right amount of water. Adding too much or too little water can affect the texture of the pasta. Measure the water accurately and use the amount specified on the package.
- Stir frequently. Stirring helps distribute the heat evenly and prevent clumps from forming.
- Let it rest. Allowing the mac and cheese to cool for a minute after cooking can help the cheese sauce thicken and adhere to the pasta.
- Add your twist. While the classic mac and cheese is delicious, you can customize it by adding your favourite ingredients, such as bacon, green onions, or diced tomatoes.
Can I add extra cheese to my Kraft mac and cheese while microwaving it?
Adding extra cheese to your Kraft mac and cheese while microwaving it is possible, but it requires a bit of finesse to get the texture and consistency just right.
To do this, you’ll want to add your extra cheese after microwaving your Kraft mac and cheese according to the package instructions. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Prepare your Kraft mac and cheese according to the package instructions.
- Once your mac and cheese is fully cooked, please remove it from the microwave and let it cool for a minute or two.
- Add your desired amount of extra cheese to the mac and cheese. Be careful not to add too much cheese, which can overwhelm the dish and make it too rich.
- Mix the cheese in thoroughly with a fork or spoon.
- Microwave the mac and cheese with the extra cheese for 10-15 seconds or until the cheese has melted and is fully incorporated.
- Give the mac and cheese a final stir to ensure the extra cheese is evenly distributed throughout the dish.
- Serve and enjoy!
How do I prevent my Kraft mac and cheese from becoming too dry?
One of the most common problems with this dish is that it can sometimes become too dry. Here are some tips to remember if you’re looking for ways to prevent your Kraft mac and cheese from becoming too dry.
- Don’t overcook the pasta: One of the main causes of dry mac and cheese is overcooked pasta. When you overcook the pasta, it becomes mushy and absorbs all the sauce, leaving you with a dry dish. Follow the package instructions for cooking the pasta and check it often to ensure it’s cooked al dente. This means the pasta is cooked through but still has a bit of a bite.
- Add more milk or cream: If your mac and cheese is too dry, add more milk or cream to the sauce. This will help to thin it out and create a creamier texture. Start with a small amount and gradually add more until you achieve the desired consistency.
- Use more butter: Butter is an essential ingredient in mac and cheese, and adding more can help to keep the dish moist. Mix a few tablespoons of butter in the pan before adding the cheese sauce, and stir it well.
- Add more cheese: Cheese gives mac and cheese its flavour and texture, so adding more cheese can help prevent it from becoming too dry. Mix some grated cheese before serving or topping the dish with extra cheese.
- Don’t let it sit too long: Mac and cheese are best served hot and fresh. If it sits too long, the sauce can thicken and dry. Serve the dish as soon as it’s ready, and if you need to reheat leftovers, add a splash of milk or cream to help revive the sauce.
- Use a combination of cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese to create a more flavorful and moist mac and cheese. Mix in creamy cheeses like Brie or goat cheese, or combine cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a more complex flavour.
Kraft Mac And Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Microwave-safe bowl or container
- Water measuring cup
- Fork or spoon for stirring
Ingredients
- 1 box of Kraft macaroni and cheese
- 1 1/2 cups of water
Instructions
- Start by measuring 1 1/2 cups of water and pouring it into a microwave-safe bowl or container. Using a safe container for the microwave is important, as some materials can’t withstand high heat.
- Next, add the macaroni noodles from the Kraft mac and cheese box to the water bowl.
- Use a fork or spoon to stir the pasta, ensuring it’s fully submerged in the water. Stirring the pasta occasionally during cooking will help prevent clumping.
- Now it’s time to cook the pasta in the microwave. Put the bowl in the microwave and set the power level to high. Microwave the pasta for 3-4 minutes, depending on your microwave’s wattage. If you’re unsure of your microwave’s wattage, start with 3 minutes and add time if needed. Note that the pasta will absorb the water as it cooks, so you don’t need to drain it like you would when cooking on the stove.
- After the pasta is done cooking, take the bowl out of the microwave and stir in the cheese sauce packet that came with the Kraft mac and cheese. Use a fork or spoon to mix the cheese sauce and pasta until fully combined. If you want to customize your mac and cheese, this is also the time to add additional ingredients like bacon bits or hot sauce.
- Once the cheese sauce is mixed, put the bowl back in the microwave and cook on high for 30 seconds to 1 minute. This will help the cheese sauce fully coat the pasta and get it to the right temperature. Keep an eye on the bowl in the microwave to ensure it doesn’t boil over or splatter.
- After cooking the mac and cheese in the microwave, let it cool for a minute or two before serving. The bowl will be hot, so be careful when handling it. Once it’s cooled slightly, grab a fork or spoon and enjoy your quick and easy meal.
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Conclusion
Making Kraft Mac and Cheese in the microwave quickly and easily satisfy your craving for this classic comfort food. You can have a delicious and cheesy meal in minutes with just a few simple steps.
Remember to use a microwave-safe bowl and frequently stir the pasta to ensure even cooking. You can add your personal touches, such as extra cheese or toppings, to make the dish even more flavorful.
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