Introduction
For generations, Kraft products have held a cherished place in kitchens across the nation. The recognizable blue box of macaroni and cheese, the creamy richness of Philadelphia Cream Cheese, the familiar tang of Kraft Mayo – these are not just ingredients; they are building blocks of countless family meals and comforting snacks. But beyond their individual qualities, Kraft products unlock a world of culinary possibilities, transforming everyday ingredients into extraordinary dishes.
This article serves as your guide to a treasure trove of easy, delicious, and accessible recipes using your favorite Kraft products. Whether you’re a busy parent seeking quick weeknight dinner solutions, a budding chef looking for beginner-friendly options, or simply someone craving a taste of classic comfort food, you’ll find inspiration and practical guidance here. We’ll explore a diverse range of recipes, from mouthwatering appetizers and satisfying main courses to delectable desserts that are sure to please. Get ready to unlock your inner chef and discover the magic you can create with Kraft in your kitchen!
Understanding Kraft Products and Their Versatility
Kraft Foods boasts a diverse portfolio of iconic products, each offering unique flavor profiles and culinary applications. To truly harness the power of Kraft in your cooking, it’s essential to understand the versatility of these pantry staples. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most popular Kraft products and explore their potential beyond the obvious:
- Kraft Macaroni and Cheese: This classic comfort food is more than just a quick and easy meal. The cheese sauce mix can be used to add a creamy, cheesy flavor to soups, casseroles, and even dips. Sprinkle it over roasted vegetables for a kid-friendly twist. Transform it into mac and cheese bites for a delightful appetizer, or use the cheese powder to create a creamy tomato pasta sauce that will have your family begging for more.
- Kraft Singles: Individually wrapped slices of processed cheese, Kraft Singles are a staple for grilled cheese sandwiches, but their uses extend far beyond that. Melt them into omelets for a creamy, cheesy filling. Use them to create a quick and easy cheese sauce for nachos or vegetables. Layer them in casseroles for a gooey, cheesy topping. They’re also perfect for adding cheesy goodness to breakfast sandwiches or quesadillas.
- Kraft Mayo/Miracle Whip: These creamy condiments are essential for sandwiches and salads, but they can also be used as a base for dips, dressings, and sauces. Use Kraft Mayo to create a flavorful aioli for dipping fries or vegetables. Incorporate Miracle Whip into potato salad or coleslaw for a tangy twist. They are also excellent additions to burger patties to maintain moisture.
- Kraft Salad Dressings: Kraft offers a wide variety of salad dressings, from classic Ranch and Italian to tangy Thousand Island and creamy Caesar. These dressings can be used to add flavor to salads, marinades, and sauces. Marinate chicken or pork in Kraft Italian Dressing for a flavorful and tender meal. Use Kraft Ranch Dressing as a dipping sauce for vegetables or chicken wings. They’re also fantastic for adding a zesty kick to pasta salads.
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese: This creamy, tangy cheese is essential for cheesecakes and dips, but it can also be used to add richness and flavor to a variety of other dishes. Swirl it into brownie batter for a marbled effect. Add it to mashed potatoes for a creamy and decadent side dish. Use it as a spread for bagels or crackers. The versatility of Philadelphia Cream Cheese is truly remarkable.
- Kraft BBQ Sauce: Kraft BBQ Sauce brings sweet and savory together to create delicious grilled or baked dishes. Use it as a marinade on your ribs and chicken. Drizzle over meatloaf or serve as a dipping sauce for fries. Add some sriracha for a spicy kick!
Stocking your pantry with these Kraft essentials is the first step towards unlocking a world of culinary possibilities. With a little creativity and imagination, you can transform these everyday products into extraordinary meals and snacks.
Quick and Easy Weeknight Dinners
Weeknights are often hectic, leaving little time for elaborate meal preparations. That’s where Kraft comes to the rescue. These recipes are designed to be quick, easy, and family-friendly, utilizing Kraft products to create delicious and satisfying meals in minutes.
Creamy Tomato Pasta with Kraft Mac and Cheese Powder
Ingredients:
- Pasta of your choice
- Canned crushed tomatoes
- Kraft Mac and Cheese cheese powder
- Garlic, minced
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: Cooked ground beef or Italian sausage
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions.
- While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes and bring to a simmer.
- Gradually whisk in Kraft Mac and Cheese cheese powder until smooth.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- If desired, add cooked ground beef or Italian sausage.
- Drain pasta and add it to the sauce. Toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights because it’s quick, easy, and uses pantry staples. The addition of Kraft Mac and Cheese cheese powder adds a unique and creamy flavor that kids and adults will love.
Cheesy Chicken and Rice Bake with Kraft Singles
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Cooked rice
- Kraft Singles
- Cream of mushroom soup
- Milk
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a large bowl, combine cooked chicken, cooked rice, cream of mushroom soup, milk, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish.
- Top with Kraft Singles.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Let cool slightly before serving.
This recipe is a comforting and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. The Kraft Singles add a gooey, cheesy topping that everyone will enjoy. It’s also a great way to use up leftover chicken and rice.
Easy Tuna Melts with Kraft Mayo
Ingredients:
- Canned tuna, drained
- Kraft Mayo
- Celery, finely chopped
- Onion, finely chopped
- Bread slices
- Kraft Singles
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine tuna, Kraft Mayo, celery, and onion.
- Spread tuna mixture on bread slices.
- Top with Kraft Singles.
- Grill or bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Serve immediately.
Tuna melts are a classic comfort food, and this recipe makes them even easier with the addition of Kraft Mayo. It’s a quick and satisfying lunch or dinner option that’s perfect for busy days.
Appetizers and Snacks
Kraft products are also ideal for creating delicious and crowd-pleasing appetizers and snacks. Whether you’re hosting a party or simply looking for a quick bite, these recipes are sure to impress.
Cream Cheese and Olive Pinwheels with Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
- Pitted black olives, chopped
- Green olives, chopped
- Garlic powder
- Refrigerated crescent roll dough
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
- In a bowl, combine Philadelphia Cream Cheese, black olives, green olives, and garlic powder.
- Unroll crescent roll dough and spread cream cheese mixture evenly over the surface.
- Roll up dough tightly and slice into pinwheels.
- Place pinwheels on a baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Serve warm.
These pinwheels are a perfect appetizer for parties or gatherings. The creamy Philadelphia Cream Cheese and savory olives create a delicious and satisfying combination.
Buffalo Chicken Dip with Kraft Ranch Dressing
Ingredients:
- Cooked chicken, shredded
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
- Buffalo wing sauce
- Kraft Ranch Dressing
- Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- In a bowl, combine cooked chicken, Philadelphia Cream Cheese, buffalo wing sauce, Kraft Ranch Dressing, and cheddar cheese.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through and bubbly.
- Serve with crackers, vegetables, or tortilla chips.
This dip is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for game day or any occasion. The combination of buffalo wing sauce, Kraft Ranch Dressing, and cream cheese creates a creamy, spicy, and irresistible flavor.
Mac and Cheese Bites with Kraft Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients:
- Kraft Macaroni and Cheese, prepared according to package directions
- Eggs, beaten
- Bread crumbs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
- Prepare Kraft Macaroni and Cheese according to package directions.
- Let cool slightly.
- Roll macaroni and cheese into small balls.
- Dip each ball in beaten egg, then coat with bread crumbs.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large skillet to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Fry mac and cheese bites until golden brown.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.
These mac and cheese bites are a fun and delicious appetizer or snack. They’re easy to make and are sure to be a hit with kids and adults alike.
Desserts and Sweet Treats
Kraft products can also be used to create decadent and satisfying desserts. These recipes are simple, delicious, and perfect for satisfying your sweet tooth.
No-Bake Cheesecake Bars with Philadelphia Cream Cheese
Ingredients:
- Graham crackers
- Butter, melted
- Philadelphia Cream Cheese, softened
- Sweetened condensed milk
- Lemon juice
- Vanilla extract
Instructions:
- Crush graham crackers and mix with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a baking dish.
- In a bowl, beat Philadelphia Cream Cheese until smooth.
- Gradually add sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. Mix until well combined.
- Pour cream cheese mixture over graham cracker crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or until firm.
- Cut into bars and serve.
These no-bake cheesecake bars are a perfect dessert for warm weather. They’re easy to make and require no baking. The creamy Philadelphia Cream Cheese filling is light and refreshing.
Chocolate Pudding Pie with Oreo Crust (Kraft Pudding)
Ingredients:
- Oreo cookies
- Butter, melted
- Kraft Chocolate Pudding mix
- Milk
- Whipped cream, for topping
Instructions:
- Crush Oreo cookies and mix with melted butter. Press into the bottom of a pie plate.
- Prepare Kraft Chocolate Pudding according to package directions, using milk.
- Pour pudding into Oreo crust.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Top with whipped cream and serve.
This pie is a chocolate lover’s dream. The combination of the Oreo crust and the rich chocolate pudding is simply irresistible.
Easy Peanut Butter Fudge with Kraft Peanut Butter
Ingredients:
- Kraft Peanut Butter
- Powdered sugar
- Butter, melted
- Vanilla extract
- Milk
Instructions:
- In a bowl, combine Kraft Peanut Butter, powdered sugar, melted butter, vanilla extract, and milk.
- Mix until smooth and creamy.
- Pour mixture into a baking dish lined with parchment paper.
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or until firm.
- Cut into squares and serve.
This fudge is easy to make and requires only a few ingredients. The creamy peanut butter flavor is perfect for satisfying your sweet cravings.
Tips and Tricks for Cooking with Kraft Foods
Cooking with Kraft products is all about creativity and experimentation. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of your Kraft pantry staples:
- Substitutions: Don’t be afraid to substitute one Kraft product for another in recipes. For example, you can use Kraft Miracle Whip instead of Kraft Mayo in some recipes, or vice versa. Kraft Singles can be replaced with shredded cheddar cheese, and so on.
- Storage: Store Kraft products according to package directions to maintain freshness. Kraft Cheese Whiz and BBQ Sauce should be refrigerated after opening. Keep Kraft Singles in a cool dry place.
- Ingredient Hacks: Get creative with how you use Kraft products. Sprinkle Kraft Mac and Cheese powder over popcorn for a cheesy snack. Add Philadelphia Cream Cheese to your scrambled eggs for a creamy and delicious breakfast.
- Safety Tips: Always follow proper food safety practices when cooking. Cook meat thoroughly, wash your hands before preparing food, and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Conclusion
Kraft products are more than just ingredients; they are the foundation of countless delicious and easy recipes. From quick weeknight dinners to crowd-pleasing appetizers and decadent desserts, Kraft offers something for everyone. With a little creativity and imagination, you can transform these everyday products into extraordinary meals that your family and friends will love.
Now it’s your turn! Share your own favorite Kraft recipes in the comments below. Visit the Kraft website for even more recipe ideas and inspiration. Subscribe to our newsletter to receive exclusive recipes and cooking tips delivered straight to your inbox. Get cooking with Kraft and discover the magic you can create in your kitchen!
