Copycat Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese Recipe

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The Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese dish included Kraft’s signature cheesy macaroni, mixed with ingredients like cinnamon and baked apple pie filling, served with a flaky crust on top. While unconventional, it was meant to intrigue fans and showcase creative ways to enjoy mac and cheese.

How to make Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese

Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese is a limited-edition fusion dish created by Kraft that combines its classic macaroni and cheese with the sweet, spiced flavors of apple pie.

Ingredients

For the Mac & Cheese:

• 1 box of Kraft Macaroni & Cheese (or your preferred mac and cheese brand)
• 6 tablespoons of butter
• 1/4 cup whole milk

For the Apple Pie Filling:

• 2-3 medium-sized apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or your favorite baking apples)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese (optional, to enhance cheesiness)
• Crumbled graham crackers or pie crust for topping

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the box. Boil the pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain. Prepare the cheese sauce: Add butter, milk, and the included powdered cheese mix to the drained pasta. Stir until creamy and smooth. If you want extra cheese flavor, stir in shredded cheddar cheese at this point. Set aside.

Step 2: Peel, core, and dice the apples into small chunks. In a medium skillet over medium-high heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice. Cook the mixture for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples soften and caramelize into a sweet and slightly sticky filling. Be careful not to overcook, as the apples should retain some firmness.

Step 3: Add the apple pie filling into the prepared mac and cheese. Stir gently to evenly distribute the apple chunks and their syrupy mixture throughout the cheesy pasta. The contrasting flavors will begin to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: If you’d like an additional apple pie-inspired texture, crumble graham crackers or break apart pre-baked pie crust. Sprinkle the crumbs liberally over the top of your mac and cheese mixture.

Step 5: Transfer the Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls. If it’s a special occasion, you can garnish with an extra sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for fun! Serve warm and savor how unexpected flavor combinations can come together as pure comfort food magic.

Tips for the Best Results

• Choose the Right Apples: Opt for slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp to balance out the sweetness of the cheese sauce and added sugar.
• Don’t Skip the Cinnamon: This spice is the key to bridging the gap between savory and sweet, making the dish feel cohesive instead of jarring.
• Adjust Sweetness to Taste: If you prefer less sweetness in your dish, you can reduce the amount of brown sugar when making the apple filling.
• Try with a Crust Layer: For a true “apple pie” feel, bake the finished mac and cheese in a small casserole dish with a thin layer of pie crust on top. Cook until the crust is golden brown for extra visual appeal.
• Experiment with Cheese: While Kraft’s original powdered cheese works great, you can use other types of cheese to deepen the savory flavors—sharp cheddar or Gouda are great options.

What to serve with

Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese is bold and flavorful, combining sweet and savory elements into one dish. Pairing it with complementary sides or drinks can enhance the overall dining experience.

1. Warm Dinner Rolls or Biscuits: Soft, buttery dinner rolls or biscuits are perfect for soaking up the cheese sauce and complement the buttery notes of the apple pie filling. If you want to stay in the “sweet and savory” theme, try honey-glazed biscuits for added sweetness.

2. Roasted Vegetables: The richness of the mac and cheese pairs well with savory roasted vegetables like Brussels sprouts, carrots, or butternut squash. The caramelized flavors of the veggies will tie in beautifully with the sweetness of the apple filling.

3. Side Salad with Tangy Dressing: A crisp, refreshing salad adds balance to the creamy and sweet Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese. Use mixed greens with fruits like cranberries, sliced apples, or pears. Top with nuts and dress with a tangy balsamic vinaigrette or apple cider vinaigrette.

4. Sweet Potato Fries: Sweet potato fries capture the same sweet-savory vibe as this dish. The crispiness of the fries complements the creaminess of the mac and cheese, while the natural sweetness ties in perfectly with the apple filling.

5. Grilled or Roasted Chicken: A protein like chicken balances the carb-heavy and rich nature of the dish. Keep it simple with grilled chicken breast, seasoned lightly with herbs, or try a roasted chicken with subtle spices like rosemary or thyme.

6. Sauteed Spinach or Kale: If you’re looking for a healthier option, a side of sauteed spinach or kale is a great choice. The slight bitterness of these greens offsets the sweetness of the mac and cheese while enhancing the overall texture and flavor of the meal.

Ingredients Substitutes

Not everyone has the exact ingredients lying around for a quirky recipe like Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese, but don’t worry—this is a flexible dish.

Substitutes for the Main Ingredients

1. Kraft Macaroni & Cheese

Alternative: Any boxed mac and cheese

• If you can’t find Kraft, you can use any boxed mac and cheese brand that includes a powdered cheese packet. Annie’s Homegrown, Velveeta, or store-brand options work well.
• For a homemade twist, prepare macaroni pasta from scratch and combine it with your own cheese sauce using shredded cheddar or American cheese and milk. Start with a roux (flour and butter) and slowly whisk in milk and shredded cheese until creamy.

2. Apples

Alternative: Other fruits with similar textures

• Pears: Pears offer a similar sweetness and softness when cooked. Opt for firm varieties like Bosc pears or Anjou pears.
• Peaches or nectarines: These fruits provide a softer, sweeter twist, although they will become mushier when cooked.
• Dried fruits: Dried apples or dried apricots can be rehydrated in warm water if fresh fruit isn’t an option. This will add a chewy texture to the dish while maintaining sweetness.

Substitutes for the Apple Pie Filling Ingredients

1. Brown Sugar

Alternative: Other sweeteners

• White granulated sugar: Works fine but lacks the deeper molasses flavor of brown sugar.
• Honey: Adds unique floral notes that pair beautifully with cinnamon and apples.
• Maple syrup: A fantastic option for enhancing the fall-inspired flavors in the dish.

2. Butter

Alternative: Oils or dairy substitutes

• Margarine or plant-based butter: These work well for a vegan or dairy-free option.
• Coconut oil: Adds richness but will bring a light coconut flavor to the dish.
• Olive oil: A neutral alternative that retains the necessary moisture in both the cheese sauce and apple filling.

3. Cinnamon

Alternative: Other warming spices

• Pumpkin spice: Contains cinnamon and other spices like nutmeg and cloves, which would enhance the apple pie flavor.
• Allspice: Stronger than cinnamon, so use sparingly for a comparable warm, spicy note.

4. Nutmeg

Alternative: Similar spices for depth

• Cloves or ginger: Adds warmth with a slightly different but complementary flavor profile.
• Cardamom: A unique substitute that adds a floral, slightly citrusy aroma—great for an adventurous twist.

5. Lemon Juice

Alternative: Acidity alternatives

• Apple cider vinegar: Provides a similar tartness that enhances the apple pie filling.
• White vinegar: Use in very small amounts as it’s slightly sharper.
• Orange juice: Adds citrus acidity but also mild sweetness, which can be a pleasant variation.

Substitutes for Cheese-Related Ingredients

1. Powdered Cheese Packet

Alternative: Natural or processed cheese

• Shredded cheddar cheese: A blend of sharp and mild cheddar works wonders for a more “homemade” mac and cheese vibe.
• Velveeta or American cheese: Melts easily and provides a creamy consistency similar to Kraft’s cheese sauce.

2. Milk

Alternative: Dairy and non-dairy substitutions

• Half-and-half or heavy cream: This makes the cheese sauce even richer (but adjust other fat-heavy ingredients like butter).
• Almond, oat, or soy milk: Use unsweetened versions for a dairy-free alternative to milk. The creaminess of oat milk is especially good for cheese sauces.

Substitutes for Crunchy Topping (Optional)

1. Graham Crackers

Alternative: Other crunchy options

• Pie crust or puff pastry: Bake a thin layer and crumble it over the dish for true apple pie vibes.
• Crushed cookies, such as shortbread or vanilla wafers: Add sweetness and crunch but with a softer texture.
• Toasted breadcrumbs: A more neutral topping that provides satisfying crunch while highlighting the savory mac and cheese aspects.

Final Thoughts

Enjoy every bite of this Kraft Apple Pie Mac and Cheese dish—it’s a playful reminder that sometimes the most unusual combinations can turn out surprisingly delicious! 

More Pie Recipes:

• A Wisconsin Christmas Pie Recipe
• Buttermilk Sweet Potato Pie Recipe