Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie, Yes, you read that right. It’s the iconic cheesy pasta dish we’ve all grown up with, now reimagined with warm apple pie flavors — a dessert-meets-dinner mashup you never knew you needed.
Table of Contents
How to make Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie
Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie is a limited-edition flavor of Kraft’s classic boxed macaroni and cheese that combines sweet and savory elements.
Ingredients
For the Mac and Cheese Base:
- 1 box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
- 1/4 cup milk (as per the box instructions)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (as per the box instructions)
For the Apple Pie Infusion:
- 2 medium apples, peeled and diced (Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great)
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (for sautéing the apples)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
- 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
For the Pie Crust (Optional):
- 1 sheet of store-bought pie crust (or homemade, if you’re feeling ambitious)
- 1 egg, beaten (for egg wash)
Toppings (Optional):
- 1/4 cup bread crumbs mixed with 1 tbsp melted butter (for a crunchy topping)
- A dash of cinnamon or nutmeg for garnish
Instructions
Prepare the Mac and Cheese: Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the Kraft Macaroni & Cheese box. Drain the pasta, then stir in the cheese sauce, milk, and butter. Set aside.
Cook the Apples: In a medium skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir to coat the apples in the buttery, sugary mixture.
Cook the apples for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and slightly caramelized. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
Combine the Flavors: Gently mix the caramelized apples into the prepared mac and cheese. Stir just enough to incorporate the apples and their sweet, spiced flavor into the creamy pasta. Taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning (you can add more cinnamon, sugar, or salt to suit your taste).
Optional: Turn it into a Pie:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Roll out your pie dough and fit it into a pie dish.
- Pour the Mac and Cheese-Apple mixture into the crust, spreading it out evenly with a spoon.
- Cover the pie with a second sheet of pie crust, or create a lattice pattern for a decorative touch. Crimp the edges to seal it and brush the top with beaten egg for a golden finish.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the crust is golden brown. If you’re using breadcrumbs for the topping instead of a crust, sprinkle those on top and broil for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve: Let the pie cool for 5-10 minutes before slicing. Serve as is, or add a scoop of vanilla ice cream (trust me, it works!) for the ultimate sweet-savory experience.
Tips for Success
- Balance is Key: Since this recipe mixes savory and sweet flavors, find the right amounts of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla to complement the cheesy mac without overwhelming it. Taste as you go!
- Choose Apples Wisely: Use firm, tart apples like Granny Smith for contrast or sweeter ones like Honeycrisp for a richer flavor. Softer apples may turn too mushy during cooking.
- Make It Crunchy: If you skip the pie crust, don’t forget a breadcrumb topping or crushed Ritz crackers to add texture and mimic that “pie crust” vibe.
- Experiment Freely: Want a bit of flair? Try adding shredded cheddar on top for a cheesy baked crust, or drizzle with honey for an added touch of sweetness.
- Presentation Counts: If turning this into a pie feels like too much work, you can skip the crust entirely and serve your Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie in a casserole dish — it’ll still be just as delicious, minus the effort.
What to serve with
Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie is an eclectic dish that combines sweet, savory, and cheesy flavors. Because of its unusual combination, pairing it with complementary dishes can help balance the flavors and create a well-rounded meal.
- Roasted Vegetables with Maple Glaze: Pair this Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie with maple- or honey-glazed roasted vegetables like carrots, Brussel sprouts, or butternut squash. The warm, caramelized sweetness of the glaze matches the apple pie theme while providing earthy contrasts.
- Sweet Cornbread or Honey Butter Rolls: Serve warm cornbread or soft rolls brushed with honey butter alongside the Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie. The subtle sweetness ties perfectly to the apple and cinnamon notes while the bread can soak up the cheesy sauce.
- Apple Slaw: A fresh apple slaw with shredded apples, cabbage, and a tangy vinaigrette or honey mustard dressing can bring a crisp texture to balance the creamy mac and cheese.
Ingredients Substitutes
While the classic Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie recipe is already a creative dish, there may be times when you want to substitute certain ingredients due to dietary preferences, allergies, or simply using what you already have in the kitchen.
1. Substituting Kraft Macaroni & Cheese
Original Ingredient: 1 box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese Dinner
Substitutes:
- Homemade Mac and Cheese: If you don’t have Kraft Mac and Cheese or prefer something more natural, prepare a simple homemade recipe with elbow macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, milk, and butter. You can also add a touch of cream for extra richness.
- Other Boxed Pasta Options: If you have a different brand of boxed mac and cheese, feel free to use it. Both classic cheddar-style and white cheddar varieties work well.
- Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: For dietary restrictions, use a gluten-free boxed mac and cheese or gluten-free pasta with a store-bought cheese sauce.
2. Substituting Milk for the Mac and Cheese
Original Ingredient: 1/4 cup milk
Substitutes:
- Heavy Cream: For creamier mac and cheese, swap the milk with heavy cream. This adds richness but may make the dish heavier.
- Plant-Based Milks: Use unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or cashew milk as alternatives for a dairy-free version. Soy milk can also work, but opt for an unflavored variety to avoid adding a noticeable taste.
- Broth: For a less creamy option, you can substitute milk with chicken or vegetable broth. This will lean more savory than rich.
3. Butter Substitutes
Original Ingredient: Unsalted butter (used in both mac and cheese and for sautéing apples)
Substitutes:
- Vegan Butter or Margarine: Perfect for those avoiding dairy. Look for unsalted varieties to keep flavors balanced.
- Coconut Oil: A plant-based alternative that works especially well when sautéing apples. Its mild sweetness complements the cinnamon.
- Olive Oil: Works when sautéing apples or making mac and cheese, but it will add a slightly savory taste to the dish.
4. Substituting Apples
Original Ingredient: Honeycrisp or Granny Smith Apples
Substitutes:
- Other Apple Varieties: If you don’t have Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, use Fuji, Pink Lady, Golden Delicious, or Gala apples. Choose firmer apples for better texture during cooking.
- Pears: Pears can be swapped for apples if you’re looking for a slightly lighter, juicier twist. Use ripe but firm varieties such as Bosc or Bartlett.
- Frozen Apples: In a pinch, you can use frozen apple slices. Thaw them and pat them dry before cooking.
- Dried Apples: For a unique texture, add rehydrated dried apple slices to the pie. Soak them in warm water or cider before cooking.
5. Brown Sugar Substitutes
Original Ingredient: Brown sugar (used to caramelize apples)
Substitutes:
- White Sugar: Regular white granulated sugar can be used, but will lack the deeper molasses flavor of brown sugar.
- Maple Syrup: Adds sweetness with a naturally rich, earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the apple pie spices.
- Honey: Another great option that works as a natural sweetener. Use 1-2 tbsp in place of sugar.
- Coconut Sugar: A healthier alternative that has a slightly caramel-like flavor.
6. Cinnamon Substitutes
Original Ingredient: Ground cinnamon
Substitutes:
- Pumpkin Spice Mix: Use this if you want additional warming spices like cloves, nutmeg, or ginger to enhance the apple pie flavors.
- Nutmeg: While more potent, nutmeg can partially replace cinnamon. Use sparingly to avoid overpowering.
- Cardamom: Adds a unique floral-spiced flavor that pairs well with apples. Combine it with a small amount of cinnamon or nutmeg for balance.
7. Cheese Sauce Substitutes
Original Ingredient: Cheese powder from a Kraft box or homemade cheese sauce
Substitutes:
- Homemade Cheese Sauce: Create your own by melting shredded cheddar, butter, and milk together. You can use sharp cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda for a different flavor twist.
- Vegan Cheese Sauce: Use dairy-free alternatives made from cashews, nutritional yeast, almond milk, and seasonings. Store-bought plant-based cheese sauces work as well.
- Cream Cheese: Blend cream cheese with milk and a dash of shredded cheddar for a quick, homemade cheesy alternative.
8. Pie Crust Substitutes
Original Ingredient: Store-bought pie crust
Substitutes:
- Homemade Pie Crust: You can make your own using flour, butter (or a vegan alternative), a pinch of salt, and cold water.
- Phyllo Dough: If you want something lighter and crispier, layer phyllo dough sheets instead of a traditional crust.
- Gluten-Free Pie Crust: Opt for store-bought or homemade gluten-free blends made from almond flour or rice flour.
- Crescent Roll Dough: For a quick hack, use crescent roll dough to line the pie dish or cover the top.
9. Vanilla Extract Substitutes
Original Ingredient: Vanilla Extract
Substitutes:
- Almond Extract: Adds a nutty flavor that pairs well with apples and spices. Use sparingly (about half the amount of vanilla).
- Maple Syrup: A great alternative if you want more depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon Syrup or Spice Mix: For a more pronounced spice flavor, a dash of cinnamon syrup or blended spice mix works well.
Final Thoughts
The beauty of Kraft Mac and Cheese Apple Pie lies in its uniqueness. Serve it as part of a meal that blends warmth, comfort, and creativity by pairing it with roasted vegetables, fresh salads, or savory meats.
More Pie Recipes:
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