Milk with Macaroni and Cheese?

@porwest (91089)
United States
July 24, 2024 6:44pm CST
Now, of course our friend Chicaa is going to immediately poopoo the idea that I use boxed macaroni and cheese in the first place. Hey, I like it, and I get it really cheap when I buy the Smart Way "brand" offered by Ruler Foods, which is a subsidiary of Kroger. It's only 49 cents a box, and that price is right up my alley. And again, I have NO issue whatsoever with boxed macaroni and cheese. The thing is, I hardly ever, if ever have milk in the house and so 99.9% of the time I make it without it. It's, most of the time, just cooked noodles with the cheese packet and some butter. Real butter if that makes Chicaa feel any better. At the same time it is not uncommon for me at all to incorporate things like sour cream or even French onion dip to it to "enhance it." Do you like boxed macaroni and cheese? And are there things you ever do with it to doctor it up? Do you always use milk?
17 people like this
18 responses
@RasmaSandra (79929)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
26 Jul
I usually use mac and cheese with packaged sauce in the deluxe packages,
4 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
14 Aug
Too expensive for me. That's why I use the box I can get for 49 cents.
@porwest (91089)
• United States
14 Aug
@LovesEverybody I think it might be a bit creamier. But to me it's not worth the extra cost.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Aug
@porwest I have seen the price and I think the smaller boxes that aren't deluxe are just as good. I seem to have a memory of being fed deluxe mac and cheese on Fridays during Lent. and that one year Daddy was mixed up and my family had to fast every Wednesday during that Lent even though we told him it was only Ash Wednesday we fasted for that day of the week. That was a good memory to relive!
2 people like this
@just4him (317089)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
25 Jul
I can't tell you the last time I had boxed mac and cheese. When I had it, I remembered why I don't buy it anymore. When I make scratch mac and cheese, I always use milk.
4 people like this
@just4him (317089)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
25 Jul
@porwest The only thing impractical about it are the carbs and calories it represents. I don't eat it often.
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
13 Aug
@just4him Well, what I mean is that I can cook up a box of macaroni and cheese from box to plate in about 10-15 minutes and between prep and cooking from scratch I am looking at an hour and a half.
2 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
25 Jul
From scratch is always better, hands down, and no doubt about it. But it is also impractical 90% of the time.
3 people like this
@kareng (59287)
• United States
25 Jul
I always use milk unless I'm out and don't realize it! My quick fix for boxed mac and cheese is stirring in a little shredded cheddar cheese. It mixes well and tastes more like homemade then. The cheese in the mix seems to sometimes be too salty.
4 people like this
@kareng (59287)
• United States
17 Aug
@porwest Oh my hubby can't live without milk. I have been a take it or leave it when it comes to milk.
1 person likes this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
19 Aug
@kareng When I was a kid I drank it like it was going out of style. Just can't do it anymore.
@porwest (91089)
• United States
13 Aug
It is rare that I have added cheese, but I have done it and have to agree it does add flair. I rarely have milk in the house.
1 person likes this
@marguicha (223129)
• Chile
25 Jul
I donĀ“t quite understand. What is the food OPPOSITE to boxed macaroni?
3 people like this
@marguicha (223129)
• Chile
25 Jul
@porwest I only cook from scratch. I like to cook and in my country it is less expensive to cook at home than to buy food even at a restaurant of fast food.
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
25 Jul
A lot of people make macaroni and cheese from scratch.
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
25 Jul
@marguicha Always. At the same time, I cannot make a homemade batch of macaroni and cheese for 49 cents. lol
3 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37355)
• Toccoa, Georgia
25 Jul
I like boxed macaroni and cheese and lately instead of using 2 percent milk, I have been using Almond Milk and it is just fine in taste. Almond Milk is a great cow's milk substitute.
4 people like this
@LeaPea2417 (37355)
• Toccoa, Georgia
14 Aug
@porwest the original flavor is neutral in flavor which is good to use in recipes.
1 person likes this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
13 Aug
I have tried using Almond milk and I just can't do it. A little on the sweet side for me and it does have a very different flavor than regular milk.
2 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
15 Aug
@LeaPea2417 I guess I could try it again, but my experience with it in the past was not good.
1 person likes this
@JudyEv (340256)
• Rockingham, Australia
25 Jul
I like it but Vince doesn't so I don't bother buying it. We eat separate things from time to time but I don't often buy stuff he doesn't like.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160708)
• United States
25 Jul
@JudyEv that is where I am.
4 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
25 Jul
That's understandable. Salmon is like that for us. I like it and my wife doesn't, so if I eat it, I have it when we go out.
3 people like this
@GardenGerty (160708)
• United States
25 Jul
Very seldom do pasta here. Hubby does not like it. I always have milk. I could go for some of your enhancements. I have seen people stir ranch dressing into it.
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
13 Aug
Ranch dressing is something I have done in mac and cheese as well and it is VERY good. As for pasta, I much prefer rice, but we do tend to eat pasta more often for whatever reason.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (139725)
• Roseburg, Oregon
25 Jul
When I make boxed macaroni and cheese I put a handful of grated cheese in it. Plus I use milk to.
2 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
25 Jul
Adding some extra cheese is a great idea.
2 people like this
@noni1959 (10095)
• United States
25 Jul
I like it but rarely buy. I like to add chicken to mine. Never thought about French onion dip.
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
25 Jul
I guess if I were going to have it as a main dish I would definitely add meat. But I only ever really have it as a side dish.
3 people like this
@NJChicaa (119651)
• United States
25 Jul
This will probably shock you but I usually keep Velveeta Shells and Cheese cups in my snack cabinet at work. All I have to do is add water, microwave, and them stir in the cheese packet. If I (or a student) doesn't have lunch then they are an easy way to make something. Would I ever buy the boxed stuff with the powder? Nope. I definitely wouldn't make that here. A quick mac and cheese cup is convenient sometimes though.
3 people like this
@NJChicaa (119651)
• United States
21 Nov
@porwest They aren't something that I eat regularly but like I said I like to keep them at work for days when I don't bring lunch. I keep all sorts of snacks at work both for me and for students--Zone bars, cheese sticks, yogurt, diced peach cups, popcorn, applesauce cups, and even Cup Noodles.
1 person likes this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
21 Nov
Those things are just way too expensive for me. But it does surprise me a bit you'd eat those.
1 person likes this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
22 Nov
@NJChicaa I would have thought things like this would have been culinary nightmares for you. Maybe there's hope.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178869)
• United States
25 Jul
I wouldn't have a problem with it; but my husband won't eat it. Have a good day.
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
14 Aug
@LovesEverybody I have never had the frozen variety. For me it's always the box.
1 person likes this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
25 Jul
Gosh. When it comes to macaroni and cheese, I have to literally stop myself eating it or I will eat all of it.
4 people like this
• United States
14 Aug
@porwest macaroni and cheese is one of the easiest things I know how to cook. I haven't made any in a while as I have been having problems so I have been buying Stouffer's frozen mac abd cheese which is my favorite brand!
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37575)
25 Jul
I steer clear of products that state they have palm oil in them, and boxed mac and cheese definitely does. My son likes it sometimes, but I just don't eat it. My other kids don't, either. We just do the homemade kind for the most part. You can keep some powdered milk on hand for when you need small amounts of milk to cook with. It keeps a long time, and when you cook with it you cannot tell it was powdered--it is real milk.
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
19h
@MarieCoyle Usually when it comes to most things I can't tell. But with powdered milk, it just has a very distinct taste, and it's not one I like the taste of.
@porwest (91089)
• United States
21 Nov
What me? Read labels? Never. lol. So long as something tastes good and probably won't kill me, I'll eat it. lol I have tried to use powdered milk in cooking in the past and it just has a taste to it I can't untaste.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (37575)
22 Nov
@porwest Even my son cannot tell the difference in me using powdered milk for cooking. Of course, when I use it it's just for smallish amounts, but hey...it's real milk and it works.
1 person likes this
• Cloverdale, Indiana
25 Jul
I love Mac & Cheese that's why I have to limit how much I eat cause that's what put most my weight on me that I can't afford to gain back I love the weight I'm at now 155lbs.
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
21 Nov
I could eat the whole damn box myself, so when it comes to mac and cheese I really have to stop myself.
1 person likes this
• Cloverdale, Indiana
22 Nov
@porwest I'm with you on that I'm not suppose to have it myself but I do every now & then & a small portion.
1 person likes this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
19h
@2ndchances24 Moderation is key with most things.
1 person likes this
• Cloverdale, Indiana
25 Jul
I make mine with milk & butter as well & it makes it so creamy YUM YUM
3 people like this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
25 Jul
I use evaporated milk more often and always have some in the house, and if I have some to use up I will often add it adding some creaminess.
3 people like this
@popciclecold (38818)
• United States
14 Aug
My son loves it. I use it to make Western Mac, and it is delicious.
1 person likes this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
14 Aug
Hmm. Western Mac. Now you have to tell me how you make it.
1 person likes this
@mom210 (9117)
• United States
25 Jul
it is a nice quick food and I do make it for my kids. They seem to like it. It is one of the few things that hasn't seem to have gone up tons
1 person likes this
@pitsipeahie (5015)
26 Jul
I like it more when I make it myself but those in box are okay. They're convenient and good for quick cooking. If I have cream, I add more to make it creamier, more cheese, chicken shreds or bacon (if I have) , some spices/herbs. Whatever I have at home.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Aug
I used not to keep milk in the house because no way am able to drink a bottle of milk in a short period before it gets old. My sister brought me a bottle of Fairlife milk once. most bottles of it are good for two to three MONTHS! It is also lactose-free which I need. I make macaroni and cheese with that. I use it for macaroni and cheese and my yummy Grape Nut flakes cereal Only ONE time did it get lumpy after a month before its expiration date. Since I had the box of macaroni and cheese open I made buttered noodles out of it. the cheese packet disappeared in my kitchen while I waited to ask my sister how I would use it to make macaroni and cheese if I used noodles that weren't part of a box of macaroni and cheese. To this day I blame my sister for throwing the cheese packet out as she says I save too many things, I just hate to waste it! She sometimes goes through my pantry and throws away years past the expiration date food
1 person likes this
@porwest (91089)
• United States
14 Aug
When I was a kid and in my younger days I drank and used milk often. These days I don't drink it and don't use it for much, and so I hardly ever have any milk in the house except on rare occasions.
1 person likes this
• United States
14 Aug
@porwest I can't justify the cost of any milk because I drink them sparingly as they make me sick any other brand that has lactose makes me sick. if I drink regular milk slowly it expires too soon I have no problem drinking the Fairlife and I do like my cereal for breakfast or a snack
1 person likes this