Yes, It’s Possible to Make KD Even Better
Love it or hate it, we’ve all indulged in Kraft Dinner before. It’s hard to ignore! Its timeless simplicity made late-night meals and dorm room dinners a breeze, but it also served as the perfect base for other ingredients. That’s right; forget all about plain water and noodles ‘cause we have 20 ways to elevate everyday KD into something really special.
1. Cut Up Hot Dogs
We’re starting strong with a classic decision that everyone loves—well, almost everyone. A lot of people turn up their noses at both KD and hot dogs, but those who indulge in both know their power! It’s the ultimate comfort meal, and it’s one of the more affordable options that takes us right back to our dorm rooms.
2. Ham
Okay, so maybe mystery meat isn’t your thing. That’s okay because you still have plenty of options, like ham! It doesn’t really matter how you get it in the pot; sliced ham can be tossed in a pan and cubed, whereas additional ingredients like frozen peas can kick it up another notch.
3. Canned Tuna
Kraft Dinner won’t provide much protein on its own, but canned tuna is a healthy, low-calorie option that brings flavor and keeps you full. Make sure to drain it first, but the leftover flakes can be added to the pot for a seafood-style dish.
4. Broccoli
We know you don’t like it, but you need to get your veggies in somehow! Don’t worry, you won’t even taste it when it’s swimming in neon orange cheese powder and noodles. That said, that’s all the more reason to add even more of it; it’ll provide a nice crunch, too.
5. Melt Your Own Cheese
Who said you had to sprinkle in that so-called cheese? Trust us, you’re better off without, and melting your favorite cheese is a simple way to elevate an everyday KD dish! If you’re looking for a place to start, gruyere and cream cheese work wonders.
6. Hamburger Meat
It doesn’t matter if you have hamburger meat or a box of Hamburger Helper—both belong in your pot. Ground beef makes a tasty addition that doesn’t require much work on your end; even leftover hamburger meat has enough flavor to step up your game. It’s also easily crumbled into your dish. 
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7. Tomatoes and Beans
Tomato sauce and beans already work well together, so imagine how yummy they are with KD noodles. You’ll want to skip the cheese for this one, but you’ll score an even better flavor that’s loaded with fiber and protein.
8. Hot Sauce
A lot of us think we have to follow the box instructions and call it a day. But that’s an archaic thought process! Throw caution to the wind and add your favorite hot sauce. You’ll not only get the flavor you love, but you’ll get a nice kick of heat that turns everyday KD into something else entirely.
9. Pesto
At the end of the day, KD is really what you make it. Sure, you can add the cheese packet…or you can keep the noodles and make your own plate of pasta. Pesto and sun-dried tomatoes make your humble Kraft into a restaurant-worthy meal bursting with mild flavors.
10. Sauteed Spinach
It’s okay if you’re still haunted by broccoli; you have plenty of other superfoods to throw in the pot. Sauteed spinach doesn’t have an overpowering taste, making it a great addition that provides vitamins, iron, and antioxidants.
11. Panko Bread Crumbs
We’ve talked a lot about the stove top, but don’t limit yourself in the kitchen. KD is the perfect candidate for a casserole, especially when you add a generous heap of panko bread crumbs to your dish! You won’t deal with any crazy flavors; you’ll just have a nice crunch akin to baked mac and cheese.
12. Italian Seasoning
Sometimes the simplest way to up your game is with a little seasoning. Now, you have dozens of possibilities, but our personal favorite is Italian seasoning! It’s a mix of all our favorites: oregano, parsley, sage, rosemary, and basil usually act as the base, though you might also find salt or onion powder.
13. Spicy Sausage
Sausage slips into many pasta dishes, so there’s no reason to leave KD on the sidelines. That pot of pasta is just begging for a pinch of heat, and there’s no better way to get it than with spicy sausage. It also adds a healthy amount of protein, which will help make it a heartier meal.
14. Browned Butter
Part of KD’s charm is how easy it is to make. However, that doesn’t mean you need to follow instructions exactly! Instead of throwing a hunk of butter into the noodles, brown it first. It only adds a few minutes to the process, but the result is a rich texture that elevates KD to a gourmet meal.
15. Pepperoni
You have pepperoni. You have cheese. That sounds like a pizza dish to us! We’re back to the oven for this one, baking KD with a few pepperoni slices on top. It might sound unorthodox, but you’ll create something straight out of your go-to pizza place.
16. Swap Milk for Heavy Cream
Remember what we said about not following directions? Well, we have another little tweak you can make: heavy cream instead of milk! We know it’s not the healthiest, but this was never a heart-smart option, so heavy cream makes it even richer.
17. Red Pepper Flakes
If you don’t have hot sauce at home, you can always opt for red pepper flakes. Paired with garlic powder, this iconic duo is as tasty as it is simple. You’ll get a nice dash of heat that you can control, too, allowing everyone to enjoy without scorching their mouths.
18. Bacon
We’ve covered hamburger meat, pepperoni, and ham—but what about bacon? Oh, don’t you worry. You can easily add bacon to the mix. Crumbled or cut-up strips work best, letting you add an appropriate amount without throwing off the dish.
19. Add It to a Grilled Cheese Sandwich
We won’t lie: mac and cheese in a grilled cheese sandwich is a bit messy. But isn’t that part of the fun? If you’ve had a sloppy joe, you know that a dripping sandwich is only a sign of how delicious it is, so don’t be afraid to stick KD between sourdough.
20. Rotisserie Chicken
We love chicken as much as the next guy, but there’s something about rotisserie chicken that hits a little differently—and we mean that in the best way. Rotisserie chickens are often seasoned to perfection, letting you shred the breasts into your pasta for a delectable dish people will wolf down!
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