#CookinComfort #CollectiveBias
The ultimate comfort food in this house is Macaroni and Cheese. It is requested daily by my daughter Sarah and her #1 request? Kraft Shells and Cheese, also known as Polka Dot Macaroni. I honestly have no idea why she started calling it that but it has stuck for years. So much so that when I am at Walmart picking it up (I like the 3 packs for only $6), I literally think to myself, ‘Oh, I need Polka Dot Macaroni’. I suppose this creamy, delicious staple will be known as that for the rest of our lives.
Other than the super cute name she has given them, Kraft Shells and Cheese are popular here for a reason. They taste amazing! Creamy, rich and always perfect when we need a little food love, the short yellow box never fails to hit the spot.
Depending on the child, however – or the mom – everyone has a favorite way to have it. My Sarah likes it the way it comes. Shells that harbor the cheese in their crevices ready to burst with flavor on every spoonful. But my 7 year old and 4 year old like it their own way!
So, I now have a family favorite that I make 4 ways, depending on who wants it!
My 7 year old, Katie is on an “add veggies to everything’ kick. So when I served her mixed veggies and mac and cheese one night and they mixed together, thus was born her idea. So now, for her, I add mixed vegetables that I steam in the microwave to her portion of the mac and cheese. She loves it and the colors make the dish the perfect side for any meal!
My youngest, Megan, is a broccoli lover. She will sit and eat it like it is chips. So anything I can do to encourage that is a plus! One day, I added broccoli to it and she really liked it. Then I decided to add some Prosciutto as well and it was a hit! So now that is her top requested way to have Kraft Shells and Cheese!
I am more of a traditionalist. For years I would have hot dogs in my macaroni and cheese. So when I am cooking up my kids specialty dishes, I have to make mine too. It is only fair, right?
There are so many ways to make Kraft Shells and Cheese but the truth is, no matter how you do it, it can always be that comfort food that you need! I know that my girls and I always go to it as a side dish or just to have.
What do you add to your Kraft Shells and Cheese? I would love to have more options!
We add sausage to ours.
Yum yum!!!
I like the idea of having it with brocolli. Cheese and brocolli is my fav so why not add pasta too?! I loved the different varieties Lori. #client
Thank you! We have a lot of fun with this in our house :)
Love have you showed all different ways to create a delicious Mac N Cheese meal! Everyone can pick their favorite! #client
Yep! It’s good plain or dressed up :)