Craftier Than Kraft Macaroni and Cheese

CookETC's Note:

This doctored up version of boxed mac and cheese is quick and easy, but good enough to pass off as home-made.

• Total Time: 25 mins
• Prep Time: 5 mins
• Cook Time: 20 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 4

• 1 (7 ¼ ounce) box Kraft macaroni and cheese (or any brand powdered cheese type mac and cheese)
• 2 ounces cream cheese , cubed
• 1 ¼ cups milk
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 ounces Velveeta cheese , cubed (or any brand processed cheese spread)
• ½ cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• seasoning salt
• parsley
• garlic powder (optional)
• shredded cheddar cheese , for topping (optional)
• paprika

Directions:

1. Boil salted water and cook the macaroni.
2. In a microwaveble bowl, add cream cheese and milk.
3. Microwave the cream cheese and milk for about 20 or 30 seconds then stir well so that the cream cheese is melted.
4. Drain macaroni and put it back in the pot.
5. Add the powder cheese from the box, melted cream cheese/milk combination, butter, Velveeta and cheddar cheese.
6. Add seasoning salt, parsley and garlic powder (if you choose to use it).
7. Cook over medium heat until all cheese is melted (add small amounts of milk as needed to keep the consitency you like).
8. Sprinkle with paprika and serve -- OR top with more shredded Cheddar and bake at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes, then sprinkle with paprika before serving.