Kraft cheese, known for its smooth texture and mild flavor, is a popular choice for many dishes, from sandwiches and burgers to pasta and casseroles. However, if you find yourself without Kraft cheese or are looking for a healthier or more flavorful alternative, there are plenty of options to explore. In this article, we’ll dive into the best substitutes for Kraft cheese and how to use them in your cooking.
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Why Would You Need a Substitute for Kraft Cheese?
There are a variety of reasons why you might need a substitute for Kraft cheese:
- Out of Kraft Cheese: It’s always a good idea to have a few alternatives on hand if you run out of your go-to cheese.
- Dietary Restrictions: Lactose intolerance, veganism, or other dietary preferences may lead you to seek a non-dairy option.
- Flavor Variety: Sometimes you might want a cheese with a different flavor profile, while still maintaining the mild, creamy consistency that Kraft cheese offers.
Best Substitutes for Kraft Cheese
American Cheese: Creamy and Mild
American cheese is a popular substitute for Kraft cheese, known for its smooth, creamy texture and mild flavor. It melts beautifully, making it perfect for sandwiches, burgers, and more.
How to Use:
- Use in grilled cheese sandwiches, burgers, or as a topping for hot dogs.
- Also, melt it into creamy sauces or pasta dishes.
Cheddar Cheese: Sharp and Flavorful
Cheddar cheese provides a sharper, more distinct flavor than Kraft cheese, but its creamy texture makes it a great alternative.
How to Use:
- Use in macaroni and cheese, sandwiches, or melted over baked potatoes.
- It’s also perfect for nachos or as a topping for soups.
Gouda Cheese: Smooth and Buttery
Gouda has a smooth, buttery flavor that makes it a fantastic substitute for Kraft cheese. It’s mild but with a bit more complexity, adding richness to dishes.
How to Use:
- Melt over vegetables, pasta dishes, or in sandwiches.
- Also works well in cheese sauces and on pizzas.
Swiss Cheese: Nutty and Mild
Swiss cheese is slightly nuttier than Kraft cheese but still offers a smooth and mild taste. It’s a great alternative when you need a cheese that’s creamy yet flavorful.
How to Use:
- Use in sandwiches, burgers, and fondue.
- It’s also great in salads or as a topping for roasted vegetables.
Cream Cheese: Soft and Smooth
Cream cheese, with its smooth, spreadable consistency, is a suitable substitute for Kraft cheese, particularly in dips and spreads.
How to Use:
- Use in dips, as a spread on bagels, or in cream-based pasta sauces.
- It’s also perfect for desserts like cheesecake.
Monterey Jack Cheese: Mild and Melty
Monterey Jack has a mild flavor and a smooth texture, making it an excellent alternative to Kraft cheese, particularly for melted applications.
How to Use:
- Use in quesadillas, grilled cheese sandwiches, or melted over nachos.
- It also works well in creamy sauces or on tacos.
Vegan Cheese: Dairy-Free Alternative
For those following a dairy-free or vegan diet, vegan cheese is an excellent substitute for Kraft cheese. Many varieties mimic the creamy texture and mild flavor of traditional cheeses.
How to Use:
- Use in sandwiches, pasta dishes, or as a topping for pizza.
- Vegan cheese can also be melted over vegetables or used in casseroles.
Ricotta Cheese: Light and Fluffy
Ricotta cheese is a soft, creamy cheese that offers a lighter texture compared to Kraft cheese. It has a slightly sweet flavor, making it a great alternative for dishes requiring a creamy texture.
How to Use:
- Use in lasagna, stuffed shells, or in desserts like cannoli.
- It’s also a great addition to pasta dishes or spread on toast.
Parmesan Cheese: Nutty and Sharp
Parmesan cheese is a bit more intense in flavor than Kraft cheese but still adds a creamy texture to dishes.
How to Use:
- Use grated Parmesan in pasta dishes, risottos, or as a topping for vegetables.
- It’s also perfect in soups or sprinkled over pizza.
Colby Jack Cheese: Mild and Melty
Colby Jack cheese is another great alternative, with a creamy, mild flavor and good melting properties.
How to Use:
- Use in sandwiches, melted over burgers, or in quesadillas.
- It’s also a great addition to salads or tacos.
How to Choose the Best Substitute for Kraft Cheese
Choosing the right substitute depends on the flavor and texture you’re aiming for in your dish. Here are some tips for selecting the best alternative:
- For Creamy, Mild Dishes: American cheese, ricotta, or cream cheese are excellent choices for creamy applications like spreads, dips, and pasta.
- For Sharp Flavors: Cheddar, Swiss, or Parmesan will add more depth and sharpness to your dishes, perfect for bold flavors.
- For Dairy-Free Alternatives: Vegan cheese can replace Kraft cheese in a variety of recipes while keeping the dish dairy-free.
How to Store Substitutes for Kraft Cheese
To keep your cheese substitutes fresh:
- Fresh Cheese: Store fresh cheeses like ricotta, cream cheese, and mozzarella in airtight containers in the refrigerator to preserve their freshness.
- Aged Cheese: Aged cheeses such as Parmesan and Swiss should be wrapped in wax paper or parchment and stored in an airtight container.
- Vegan Cheese: Store vegan cheese in the refrigerator, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I use American cheese instead of Kraft cheese?
Yes, American cheese is an excellent substitute for Kraft cheese and works especially well in melted dishes like grilled cheese sandwiches and burgers.
What’s the best substitute for Kraft cheese in pasta dishes?
Mozzarella, cheddar, or cream cheese are great substitutes for Kraft cheese in pasta dishes due to their smooth texture and mild flavor.
Can I use vegan cheese in place of Kraft cheese?
Yes, vegan cheese can replace Kraft cheese in many recipes, offering a similar creamy texture and mild flavor without dairy.
What’s the best cheese for sandwiches instead of Kraft cheese?
Monterey Jack, Swiss, or American cheese are great substitutes for Kraft cheese in sandwiches, providing a creamy and mild flavor.
Is there a dairy-free substitute for Kraft cheese?
Yes, vegan cheese is a great dairy-free alternative that mimics the creamy texture and mild flavor of Kraft cheese.
