Thinking outside the box when cooking Kraft Dinner? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

Blasphemy. · 06-25-2007, 02:33 AM

Hey, we all know that you can get a box of this stuff for dirt cheap in the stores. Or even knock of 20 cents and get the cheap no-name brand.
But when the money isn't flowing the finest, we all know this stuff does the charm.

I enjoy adding a couple minced cloves of garlic and grated cheese to my macaroni.

Does anybody know any great recipes with using this stuff and the powdered cheese as the base?

kate jack · 06-25-2007, 03:43 AM

A can of chunk chicken meat. mmmmmm...

Baraka_Guru · 06-25-2007, 03:50 AM

Basil, oregano, and high-quality mustard.

Charlatan · 06-25-2007, 04:49 AM

My Mom used to add creamed corn to spiral KD. It was actually pretty good.

KD is really expensive here... about S$5 for a box. It's insane.

SecretMethod70 · 06-25-2007, 05:35 AM

This is really nothing special, and I'm sure pretty much everyone has done this... or at least it seems that way... but just in case someone hasn't done or heard of this, boiled hot dogs go quite well with macaroni & cheese.

Lady Sage · 06-25-2007, 05:42 AM

I add sliced pepperoni. Mmmmm pepperoni mac.

Charlatan · 06-25-2007, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SecretMethod70

This is really nothing special, and I'm sure pretty much everyone has done this... or at least it seems that way... but just in case someone hasn't done or heard of this, boiled hot dogs go quite well with macaroni & cheese.

This is the standard at our house. To not have hot dogs is odd.

I don't know if you can get it in the US but President's Choice white chedder macaroni and cheese is the BEST! I just can't eat that skinny noodled, orange KD anymore.

Cynthetiq · 06-25-2007, 06:05 AM

some ground beef... it was a boy scout staple when camping

ShaniFaye · 06-25-2007, 06:43 AM

I 2nd the ground beef and the hot dogs, I also do tuna sometimes

snowy · 06-25-2007, 06:47 AM

I just like mine dressed up with a little fresh ground black pepper and Johnny's seasoning salt. No meat products necessary. And it has to be original KD. I don't like generic brands, and I would prefer not to eat that Annie's Organic mac and cheese--it isn't salty enough.

Charlatan · 06-25-2007, 07:00 AM

trust me on the white chedder president's choice... try it once and you won't go back. It's not your average no name brand. This is premium stuff.

snowy · 06-25-2007, 08:37 AM

Unfortunately, the stores in the PacNW that did carry PC stopped carrying it in favor of their own store brands. Occasionally, some of the grocery stores near the border carry it, so I'll have to check next time I'm up there.

dirtyrascal7 · 06-25-2007, 12:02 PM

In college we would cook up 2 boxes of it, mix it with two cans of Cream of Chicken soup (straight from the can, don't add water) and throw in a few chicken breasts (already cooked)... then put it in a 9x13 glass dish and bake for around 15 minutes. It is awesome.

Willravel · 06-25-2007, 12:20 PM

- Salmon, onions, garlic, and paprika.
- Roast chicken, green beans, and chinese friend noodles
- Turkey, stuffing, and peas (thanksgiving!)
- Throw it on a burger

maleficent · 06-25-2007, 12:29 PM

broccoli add some cream of broccoli soup for more flavor
Chorizo sausage
whatever left over meat happened to be in the fridge

RickB · 06-25-2007, 02:20 PM

A can of tuna
An 8 oz can of tomato sauce
An 8 oz can of sliced mushrooms

I actually got it off the side of a KD box many years ago.

Bear Cub · 06-25-2007, 02:42 PM

Sandra Lee on the food network once took the powdered cheese, mixed it in with something creamy, can't remember what it was, but don't think it was cream cheese, then spread it over an ear of corn. Left the husks on, then grilled the corn. Looked pretty damn good.

Redlemon · 06-26-2007, 06:10 AM

Annie's Naturals has just duplicated the classic Kraft Dinner with their "blue box":

It tastes just about the same, except that you can actually get the noodles cooked so that they aren't mushy, which I can't accomplish with the Kraft original version. And you can buy a 15-pack of Annie's at Costco.

We usually have ours with kielbasa, which we call Moon Bites for our son (cut into half-circles).

Meditrina · 06-26-2007, 06:13 AM

We have added hot dogs and tuna (not at the same time

). I want to try it with ground beef some day. But I am usually making a Kraft dinner when I don't really feel like cooking. My kids don't like anything added to it (they will learn, in time).

indebut · 06-26-2007, 05:12 PM

my wife swears by Mac and Cheez with canned baked beans on top. ( usually Bush's Homestyle )

Bear Cub · 06-26-2007, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Redlemon

Annie's Naturals has just duplicated the classic Kraft Dinner with their "blue box":

It tastes just about the same, except that you can actually get the noodles cooked so that they aren't mushy, which I can't accomplish with the Kraft original version. And you can buy a 15-pack of Annie's at Costco.

We usually have ours with kielbasa, which we call Moon Bites for our son (cut into half-circles).

Annies White Cheddar mac and cheese is as good as it gets.

I will have to try the kielbasa one, that's right up my alley!

Ripsaw · 06-28-2007, 07:22 AM

Bacon. Everything is better with bacon.

Cynthetiq · 06-28-2007, 07:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ripsaw

Bacon. Everything is better with bacon.

mmmm...upscale it and make it high brow...

proscuitto

actinic · 06-30-2007, 03:07 PM

I'll have to try some of those. I usually toss in a can of Puratin Irish Stew, Chef Boy Ardee(sp?) Ravioli or chilli. It really fills the empty, growling hole.

Charlatan · 06-30-2007, 03:43 PM

All this talk about mac and cheese and now I have a massive craving. I am going to have to get some of this stuff imported.

Demeter · 07-01-2007, 01:48 PM

Add chopped tomatoes, green onion, real bacon bits, and fresh ground pepper.

World's King · 07-01-2007, 02:18 PM

Get a small already made pizza crust. Place the cooked mac and cheese on half of the crust. Place in whatever other items you would like... fold in half and seal it. Bake for whatever time you think would be good.

While working at a pizza place here (Old Chicago) we would do this all the time.

Mac and Cheese Calzone.

doodlebird · 07-15-2007, 12:57 AM

my 3 yr old and i are frequent eaters of

annies white cheddar shells with peas

directions call for cooking the pasta for 8 minutes.
i throw some frozen peas into the boiling water
with the pasta at the half way mark (4 minutes, math whiz!).
yes, the water temp will decrease drastically,
so be sure to test one or two when time is up
before you dump the water out.

the peas end up nestled perfectly inside the shells.
you've never seen a kid eat so many peas so fast.

monkeysugar · 07-24-2007, 12:47 AM

Every once in a while when I'm in full on bachelor cooking mode I'll make up a box of mac and cheese and mix in a can of chili.

snowy · 07-24-2007, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by World's King

Get a small already made pizza crust. Place the cooked mac and cheese on half of the crust. Place in whatever other items you would like... fold in half and seal it. Bake for whatever time you think would be good.

While working at a pizza place here (Old Chicago) we would do this all the time.

Mac and Cheese Calzone.

It sounds like the ultimate in PMS food. Throw in some hot dogs or soy pups and I'm sold.

canuckguy · 07-25-2007, 03:06 PM

I am surprised everyone here buys KD, or the no name brand stuff. By far the best value and taste is to make your own KD. Go to the bulk barn and get some powdered cheese your fav type, pick up your fav noodle at the store and enjoy.

Midnight · 08-14-2007, 03:15 PM

lay out one 1lb pound package of thick cut bacon on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven until crisp (crucial). drain on paper towels.
make 2 boxes kraft dinner as per the box instructions.
drain one can of italian style stewed tomatoes. cut into bite sized chunks if not already that size.
crumble bacon.
mix all ingred. together with 2/3 of a 16 oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese.
dump into pyrex baking dish, and top with remaining cheese, a drizzle of olive oil and a couple pinches of seasoned italian breadcrumbs.

bake in 350F oven until browned on top.

*note*
I personally hate this, but my entire family adores it, and my sister makes it for every family picnic we have, but stops after mixing in the shredded cheese and serves it like you would a pasta salad - cold - which is one of my brother in law's favorite things to take to work for lunch. (gag).

06-25-2007, 02:33 AM	#1 (permalink)
Blasphemy. Tilted	Thinking outside the box when cooking Kraft Dinner? Hey, we all know that you can get a box of this stuff for dirt cheap in the stores. Or even knock of 20 cents and get the cheap no-name brand. But when the money isn't flowing the finest, we all know this stuff does the charm. I enjoy adding a couple minced cloves of garlic and grated cheese to my macaroni. Does anybody know any great recipes with using this stuff and the powdered cheese as the base?

06-25-2007, 03:50 AM	#3 (permalink)
Baraka_Guru warrior bodhisattva Super Moderator Location: East-central Canada	Basil, oregano, and high-quality mustard. __________________ Knowing that death is certain and that the time of death is uncertain, what's the most important thing? —Bhikkhuni Pema Chödrön Humankind cannot bear very much reality. —From "Burnt Norton," Four Quartets (1936), T. S. Eliot

06-25-2007, 04:49 AM	#4 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	My Mom used to add creamed corn to spiral KD. It was actually pretty good. KD is really expensive here... about S$5 for a box. It's insane. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

06-25-2007, 05:35 AM	#5 (permalink)
SecretMethod70 Human Administrator Location: Chicago	This is really nothing special, and I'm sure pretty much everyone has done this... or at least it seems that way... but just in case someone hasn't done or heard of this, boiled hot dogs go quite well with macaroni & cheese. __________________ Le temps détruit tout "Musicians are the carriers and communicators of spirit in the most immediate sense." - Kurt Elling

06-25-2007, 05:42 AM	#6 (permalink)
Lady Sage Mistress of Mayhem Location: Canton, Ohio	I add sliced pepperoni. Mmmmm pepperoni mac. __________________ If only closed minds came with closed mouths. Minds are like parachutes, they function best when open. It`s Easier to Change a Condom Than a Diaper Yes, the rumors are true... I actually AM a Witch.

06-25-2007, 03:43 AM	#2 (permalink)
kate jack Tilted	A can of chunk chicken meat. mmmmmm...

06-25-2007, 06:05 AM	#8 (permalink)
Cynthetiq Tilted Cat Head Administrator Location: Manhattan, NY	some ground beef... it was a boy scout staple when camping __________________ I don't care if you are black, white, purple, green, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, hippie, cop, bum, admin, user, English, Irish, French, Catholic, Protestant, Jewish, Buddhist, Muslim, indian, cowboy, tall, short, fat, skinny, emo, punk, mod, rocker, straight, gay, lesbian, jock, nerd, geek, Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Independent, driver, pedestrian, or bicyclist, either you're an asshole or you're not. What's the best nation in the world? DO-NATION!

06-25-2007, 06:43 AM	#9 (permalink)
ShaniFaye Submit to me, you know you want to Location: Lilburn, Ga	I 2nd the ground beef and the hot dogs, I also do tuna sometimes __________________ *I want the diabetic plan that comes with rollover carbs. I dont like the unused one expiring at midnite!!*

06-25-2007, 06:47 AM	#10 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	I just like mine dressed up with a little fresh ground black pepper and Johnny's seasoning salt. No meat products necessary. And it has to be original KD. I don't like generic brands, and I would prefer not to eat that Annie's Organic mac and cheese--it isn't salty enough. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

06-25-2007, 07:00 AM	#11 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	trust me on the white chedder president's choice... try it once and you won't go back. It's not your average no name brand. This is premium stuff. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

06-25-2007, 08:37 AM	#12 (permalink)
snowy Kick Ass Kunoichi Location: Oregon	Unfortunately, the stores in the PacNW that did carry PC stopped carrying it in favor of their own store brands. Occasionally, some of the grocery stores near the border carry it, so I'll have to check next time I'm up there. __________________ If I am not better, at least I am different. --Jean-Jacques Rousseau

06-25-2007, 12:02 PM	#13 (permalink)
dirtyrascal7 That's what she said	In college we would cook up 2 boxes of it, mix it with two cans of Cream of Chicken soup (straight from the can, don't add water) and throw in a few chicken breasts (already cooked)... then put it in a 9x13 glass dish and bake for around 15 minutes. It is awesome. __________________ "Tie yourself to your limitless potential, rather than your limiting past." "Every man I meet is my superior in some way. In that, I learn of him."

06-25-2007, 12:20 PM	#14 (permalink)
Willravel ... a sort of licensed troubleshooter.	- Salmon, onions, garlic, and paprika. - Roast chicken, green beans, and chinese friend noodles - Turkey, stuffing, and peas (thanksgiving!) - Throw it on a burger

06-25-2007, 12:29 PM	#15 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	broccoli add some cream of broccoli soup for more flavor Chorizo sausage whatever left over meat happened to be in the fridge __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

06-25-2007, 02:20 PM	#16 (permalink)
RickB Tired Location: Beverly Hills	A can of tuna An 8 oz can of tomato sauce An 8 oz can of sliced mushrooms I actually got it off the side of a KD box many years ago.

06-28-2007, 07:22 AM	#22 (permalink)
Ripsaw Chef in Training	Bacon. Everything is better with bacon. __________________ "We are supposed to be masters of space, but we cant even line up our shoes?" One life, one chance, one opportunity.

06-25-2007, 02:42 PM	#17 (permalink)
Bear Cub The Reverend Side Boob Location: Nofe Curolina	Sandra Lee on the food network once took the powdered cheese, mixed it in with something creamy, can't remember what it was, but don't think it was cream cheese, then spread it over an ear of corn. Left the husks on, then grilled the corn. Looked pretty damn good.

06-26-2007, 06:10 AM	#18 (permalink)
Redlemon Devoted Donor Location: New England	Annie's Naturals has just duplicated the classic Kraft Dinner with their "blue box": It tastes just about the same, except that you can actually get the noodles cooked so that they aren't mushy, which I can't accomplish with the Kraft original version. And you can buy a 15-pack of Annie's at Costco. We usually have ours with kielbasa, which we call Moon Bites for our son (cut into half-circles). __________________ I can't read your signature. Sorry. Last edited by Redlemon; 06-26-2007 at 06:36 AM..

06-26-2007, 06:13 AM	#19 (permalink)
Meditrina Junkie Location: LI,NY	We have added hot dogs and tuna (not at the same time ). I want to try it with ground beef some day. But I am usually making a Kraft dinner when I don't really feel like cooking. My kids don't like anything added to it (they will learn, in time). __________________ "Toughness is in the soul and spirit, not in muscles." ~Alex Karras

06-26-2007, 05:12 PM	#20 (permalink)
indebut Crazy Location: Ohio	my wife swears by Mac and Cheez with canned baked beans on top. ( usually Bush's Homestyle ) __________________ Serving the world one drink at a time

06-30-2007, 03:07 PM	#24 (permalink)
actinic Crazy Location: Toronto, ON	I'll have to try some of those. I usually toss in a can of Puratin Irish Stew, Chef Boy Ardee(sp?) Ravioli or chilli. It really fills the empty, growling hole.

06-30-2007, 03:43 PM	#25 (permalink)
Charlatan Getting it. Super Moderator Location: Lion City	All this talk about mac and cheese and now I have a massive craving. I am going to have to get some of this stuff imported. __________________ "My hands are on fire. Hands are on fire. Ain't got no more time for all you charlatans and liars." - Old Man Luedecke

07-01-2007, 01:48 PM	#26 (permalink)
Demeter Psycho	Add chopped tomatoes, green onion, real bacon bits, and fresh ground pepper. __________________ I am not bound to please thee with my answers. William Shakespeare

07-01-2007, 02:18 PM	#27 (permalink)
World's King Here Location: Denver City Denver	Get a small already made pizza crust. Place the cooked mac and cheese on half of the crust. Place in whatever other items you would like... fold in half and seal it. Bake for whatever time you think would be good. While working at a pizza place here (Old Chicago) we would do this all the time. Mac and Cheese Calzone. __________________ heavy is the head that wears the crown

07-15-2007, 12:57 AM	#28 (permalink)
doodlebird pío pío Location: on a branch about to break	my 3 yr old and i are frequent eaters of annies white cheddar shells with peas directions call for cooking the pasta for 8 minutes. i throw some frozen peas into the boiling water with the pasta at the half way mark (4 minutes, math whiz!). yes, the water temp will decrease drastically, so be sure to test one or two when time is up before you dump the water out. the peas end up nestled perfectly inside the shells. you've never seen a kid eat so many peas so fast. __________________ xoxo doodle

07-24-2007, 12:47 AM	#29 (permalink)
monkeysugar I'll be on the veranda, since you're on the cross. Location: Rand McNally's friendliest small town in America. They must have strayed from the dodgy parts...	Every once in a while when I'm in full on bachelor cooking mode I'll make up a box of mac and cheese and mix in a can of chili. __________________ I've got the love of my life and a job that I enjoy most of the time. Life is good.

07-25-2007, 03:06 PM	#31 (permalink)
canuckguy I read your emails. Location: earth	I am surprised everyone here buys KD, or the no name brand stuff. By far the best value and taste is to make your own KD. Go to the bulk barn and get some powdered cheese your fav type, pick up your fav noodle at the store and enjoy.

08-14-2007, 03:15 PM	#32 (permalink)
Midnight Banned Location: Chicago's western burbs	lay out one 1lb pound package of thick cut bacon on a cookie sheet and bake in the oven until crisp (crucial). drain on paper towels. make 2 boxes kraft dinner as per the box instructions. drain one can of italian style stewed tomatoes. cut into bite sized chunks if not already that size. crumble bacon. mix all ingred. together with 2/3 of a 16 oz bag of shredded cheddar cheese. dump into pyrex baking dish, and top with remaining cheese, a drizzle of olive oil and a couple pinches of seasoned italian breadcrumbs. bake in 350F oven until browned on top. note I personally hate this, but my entire family adores it, and my sister makes it for every family picnic we have, but stops after mixing in the shredded cheese and serves it like you would a pasta salad - cold - which is one of my brother in law's favorite things to take to work for lunch. (gag).