How To Make Kraft Macaroni And Cheese: 12 Steps (with Pictures)

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow Kraft Mac and Cheese Recipe Instructions, Plus Ways to Make it Taste Even Better PDF download Download Article Whether you want the OG meal or a delicious variation, we've got you covered Co-authored by Dan Hickey Reviewed by Marrow Private Chefs

Last Updated: April 1, 2025 Fact Checked

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  • Making Kraft Mac & Cheese (Box Instructions)
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  • Upgrades & Add-Ins
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  • How to Store Leftovers
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  • Microwaving Mac & Cheese Snack Cups
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  • Video
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  • Q&A
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  • Things You'll Need
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This article was reviewed by Marrow Private Chefs and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 768,513 times.

Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a quick and easy dish that only takes a few minutes to prepare! It’s smooth, creamy, and delicious all on its own, but if you like, you can upgrade this regular boxed dish to something special by adding ingredients like bacon, ginger, cherry tomatoes, or chili beans. In this article, we’ll show you how to make the classic recipe according to the instructions on the box, plus how to jazz up your meal with extravagant add-ins. Let’s get cookin’!

Kraft Mac and Cheese Instructions

  1. Boil 6 cups (1.4 L) of water in a pot on the stove.
  2. Add the macaroni and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Drain the water with a colander and return the noodles to the pot (don’t rinse).
  4. Add 1/4 cup (55 g) of margarine or butter and 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of milk.
  5. Stir in the contents of the cheese sauce packet until smooth.
  6. Enjoy warm and refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days.

Steps

Section 1 of 4:

Making Standard Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

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  1. Step 1 Bring 6 cups (1.4 L) of water to a boil in a saucepan. 1 Bring 6 cups (1.4 L) of water to a boil in a saucepan. Pour the water into the saucepan, then place the saucepan on the stovetop and adjust the temperature to High. Wait until the water begins to bubble rapidly.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 2 Add the macaroni and cook it for 7–8 minutes. Open the package with the dry macaroni in it. Carefully pour it into the boiling water, taking care not to splash. Stir the macaroni occasionally as it cooks with a wooden spoon. You will know that the macaroni is ready when it is tender but still slightly firm.
    • Tip: Pick up a piece of macaroni using a fork after 7 minutes to check that it feels tender. If not, continue boiling the macaroni for an extra 30 seconds and then check it again.
    • Avoid overcooking the macaroni as it will turn mushy. If you prefer a slightly firmer noodle, check if they’re done around 6 minutes.
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  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 3 Drain the water from the macaroni. Remove the saucepan from the heat once the macaroni is tender. Place a colander or drainer for the noodles in the sink and gently tip the contents of the saucepan into it. The water will drain away, leaving just the macaroni in the colander or drainer.
    • Don’t rinse the macaroni with fresh water. The noodles are coated with starches that help the cheese sauce stick to them, so rinsing them might make your mac and cheese soupier.[1]
  4. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 4 Place the macaroni, margarine or butter, milk, and cheese sauce mix into the saucepan. Transfer the macaroni from the colander back into the saucepan. Add ¼ cup (55 g) of margarine, 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of milk, and the cheese sauce mix into the saucepan.
    • The cheese sauce mix is the second packet in the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese box.
    • Tip: Some people prefer to add less butter to cut calories or alter the taste and texture. Feel free to adjust the amount depending on your preference! Less butter may make the cheese more likely to clump, though.
  5. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 5 Stir the ingredients to combine them. Use a wooden spoon to mix together the macaroni, margarine or butter, milk, and cheese sauce. Continue stirring until the cheese sauce, milk, and margarine or butter has dissolved into a smooth and creamy sauce. Stirring the ingredients in well prevents any lumps forming in the sauce.
    • Tip: Keep the stove burner on low or medium to help the butter melt faster.
  6. Step 6 Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately or store it in the refrigerator. 6 Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately or store it in the refrigerator. Divide the macaroni and cheese into individual serving bowls and enjoy! If you don’t want to eat it straight away, let it cool before placing it into an airtight container. Store the airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days (it’ll be best to eat within 1 or 2 days, though).[2] Store the macaroni and cheese in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
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Section 2 of 4:

Upgrading Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

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  1. Step 1 Replace some of the margarine with American cheese to make the dish creamier. 1 Replace some of the margarine with American cheese to make the dish creamier. Once you have cooked the macaroni and are adding the ingredients into the saucepan to make the cheese sauce, replace half of the margarine with 3 slices of American cheese. This means that you will add 1/8 cup (27.5 g) of margarine, 3 slices of American cheese, 1⁄4 cup (59 mL) of milk, and the cheese sauce mix into the saucepan with the macaroni.
    • The American cheese will melt as you stir it in.
    • Alternatively, you can add all of the margarine or butter plus 3 slices of American cheese if you want the dish to be extra cheesy However, the dish may become more greasy.
  2. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 2 Mix in bacon and chipotle for a spicy and smoky dish. Fry 4 slices of bacon while the macaroni is cooking. Then, slice the bacon into small pieces once it is cooked. Stir in the bacon pieces and 1/2 tsp (5.7 g) of chipotle in adobo once the macaroni and cheese is ready.[3]
  3. Watermark wikiHow to Make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese 3 Add sriracha, ginger, green onions, and panko for a more decadent dish. Add a zing of flavor to amp up a regular box of macaroni and cheese! When the mac and cheese is finished, stir in 1 tbsp (3.1 g) of freshly grated ginger and 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of sriracha hot sauce. Then, sprinkle 1/4 cup (25 g) of green onions and 1/4 cup (25 g) of panko breadcrumbs over the top of the dish.[4]
    • Panko are Japanese breadcrumbs.
    • Adjust the amount of ginger and sriracha hot sauce to taste.
  4. Step 4 Use cherry tomatoes and basil to make a Margarita-themed dish. 4 Use cherry tomatoes and basil to make a Margarita-themed dish. Cook the macaroni and cheese first. Then, stir in 1/2 cup (74.5 g) of halved cherry tomatoes and 1/4 cup (6.25 g) of fresh, chopped basil. This will also make the dish more colorful![5]
    • If you want to make the dish cheesier, add 1⁄4 lb (110 g) of mozzarella balls.
  5. Step 5 Add chili beans and cheddar cheese to make a hearty meal. 5 Add chili beans and cheddar cheese to make a hearty meal. Heat up 1 can of chili beans on the stove while the macaroni and cheese is cooking. When it’s ready, pour the chili beans over the dish and sprinkle 1/4 cup (25 g) of shredded cheddar cheese on top.[6]
    • Add 1/2 cup (115 g) of sour cream just before serving for extra flavor if you prefer.
  6. Step 6 Add your favorite powdered seasonings to jazz it up. 6 Add your favorite powdered seasonings to jazz it up. Keep it simple by preparing the macaroni and cheese as normal and mixing in salt and freshly ground black pepper once it’s ready. Alternatively, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of curry powder to add a spicy hit to this favorite dish.[7]
    • If you use salt, add just a pinch. A serving size already has 710mg of sodium, so it’s easy to make it too salty on accident.[8]
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Section 3 of 4:

How to Store Leftover Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

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  1. Step 1 Store leftover mac and cheese in the fridge for 3–4 days. 1 Store leftover mac and cheese in the fridge for 3–4 days. Let the macaroni cool for a bit first, but don’t let it sit out for more than 2 hours (or it may start to spoil). Transfer the macaroni to an airtight container or Ziploc bag and keep it in the fridge at 40 °F (4 °C) for up to 4 days.[9]
    • To reheat, spoon out an individual serving into a microwave-safe bowl or heat it up over low-medium heat on the stove. Add a splash of milk or a small pat of butter to prevent it from drying out.
  2. Step 2 Or, freeze leftovers and eat them within 3 months for the best taste. 2 Or, freeze leftovers and eat them within 3 months for the best taste. If you can’t eat your leftovers within 4 days, place the airtight container or bag into the freezer instead. It’ll technically be safe to eat for many months, but the taste and texture will be best if you eat it within 3 months.[10]
    • To reheat, transfer the macaroni to the fridge to thaw (for a few hours or preferably overnight), then heat it up in the microwave or on the stove. Or, if you don’t have time to thaw it, place it straight in the oven from the freezer at 350 °F (177 °C) for 20–30 minutes.
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Section 4 of 4:

Microwaving Kraft Mac & Cheese Snack Cups

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  1. Fill the cup to the “fill line” with water and microwave uncovered for 3 ½ minutes. Fill the cup to the “fill line” with water and microwave uncovered for 3 ½ minutes. Take off the lid and remove the cheese sauce packet from the cup. Then, add water up the “fill line” (look inside the cup for a line going all the way around). Microwave it uncovered for 3 and a half minutes. Once it’s out, add in the cheese sauce packet and stir until each noodle is coated and there are no more clumps.[11]
    • If you see some white powder in the noodles when you open the cup, don’t panic! That’s starch and it’s supposed to be there.
    • Some water may bubble out of the cup while it’s in the microwave. Just wipe it up with a paper towel or cloth once the microwave cools down.

Community Q&A

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  • Question How long do the noodles need to be boiled before they are cooked? Community Answer Community Answer It depends on the type of noodle and how many you cook. Check instructions on the box or keep a close eye on the noodles and test the firmness occasionally until the noodles are cooked to your liking. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 8 Helpful 22
  • Question Can you make mac and cheese without milk? Community Answer Community Answer Yes. It will require more butter or margarine, though. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 13 Helpful 32
  • Question How much milk is needed in mac and cheese? Community Answer Community Answer This depends on how much pasta you made. If you are unsure, add milk in small amounts and stir it in, repeating as necessary until you achieve the desired creaminess. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 22
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Things You’ll Need

  • 1 box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
  • Saucepan
  • Wooden spoon
  • Fork
  • Colander
  • Serving bowls
  • Airtight container (for leftovers)

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.allrecipes.com/article/should-you-rinse-pasta-after-cooking/
  2. ↑ https://www.stilltasty.com/fooditems/index/17611
  3. ↑ https://www.today.com/food/hack-your-mac-11-simple-ways-make-boxed-mac-cheese-t75441
  4. ↑ https://www.today.com/food/hack-your-mac-11-simple-ways-make-boxed-mac-cheese-t75441
  5. ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/recipe/nation/10-ways-to-boost-your-boxed-macaroni-and-cheese-for-10#
  6. ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/recipe/nation/10-ways-to-boost-your-boxed-macaroni-and-cheese-for-10#
  7. ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/recipe/nation/10-ways-to-boost-your-boxed-macaroni-and-cheese-for-10
  8. ↑ https://www.kraftmacandcheese.com/products/00021000658947-original-mac-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-dinner-family-size/?gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjws560BhCuARIsAHMqE0Eijmr3knM5mRHY1MsoTZhNGD2fSp6z2kFT_K2bpSPIsWKdtY6Oi9IaAmuJEALw_wcB&gclsrc=aw.ds
  9. ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/1490564/best-way-store-macaroni-and-cheese-fridge-freezer/
More References (2)
  1. ↑ https://www.tastingtable.com/1490564/best-way-store-macaroni-and-cheese-fridge-freezer/
  2. ↑ https://www.kraftmacandcheese.com/products/00021000012534-original-mac-cheese-macaroni-and-cheese-microwaveable-dinner/

About This Article

Marrow Private Chefs Reviewed by: Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts This article was reviewed by Marrow Private Chefs and by wikiHow staff writer, Dan Hickey. Marrow Private Chefs are based in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. It is a chefs’ collective comprised of an ever-growing number of chefs and culinary professionals. Though regionally influenced primarily by coastal, traditional southern, cajun, and creole styles and flavors, the chefs at Marrow have a solid background in all types of cuisine with over 75 years of combined cooking experience. This article has been viewed 768,513 times. 4 votes - 30% Co-authors: 56 Updated: April 1, 2025 Views: 768,513 Categories: Featured Articles | Macaroni and Cheese Article SummaryX

To make Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, bring 5 cups of water to boil in a large saucepan. Once the water is bubbling rapidly, carefully pour in the macaroni noodles. Allow them to boil for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. When the time is up, check to make sure the noodles are tender, then pour them through a colander to strain them. Pour the noodles back into the saucepan, then add 1/4 cup of margarine, 1/4 cup of milk, and the cheese sauce packet and stir everything together. Serve and enjoy! Keep reading for ways to dress up your macaroni, like adding bacon and chipotle! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Marrow Private Chefs Reviewed by: Marrow Private Chefs Culinary Experts 4 votes - 30% Click a star to vote 30% of people told us that this article helped them. Co-authors: 56 Updated: April 1, 2025 Views: 768,513 Violet B-G

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