How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Even Better (5 Ways) (5 Different Ways) (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Ali Van Straten

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Some people say that Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is the perfect comfort food. It's quick, easy, and most of all tasty.

But for those who want to spice up their meal a little more than just adding hot sauce or ranch dressing- we've got you covered.

In this article, we'll go over the best ways to make boxed Kraft mac and cheese even better with only a few easy additions.

Table of Contents
  • Add in More Cheese
  • Fresh Herbs and Spices
  • Veggies
  • Meat
  • Hot Sauce
  • How to Add in Mac and Cheese Mix-ins
  • Conclusion
  • Author
  • Comments

Add in More Cheese

The most obvious way to make Kraft Macaroni and cheese better is to simply add more cheese.

For those who are looking for a cheesy pasta dish, this is the best way to go.

You could try adding in different cheeses like pepper jack or Mexican to give it a spicy twist!

Fresh Herbs and Spices

Another way to spice up your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is by adding in some fresh herbs like parsley or oregano.

If you don't have any fresh herbs or spices on hand, you could also mix in some dried spices.

A few of my favorites to add are onion powder or garlic powder.

How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Even Better (5 Ways) (5 Different Ways) (1)

Veggies

The third way to make your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese better are with some vegetables.

This will give you a dish that has some extra nutrients but also provides some variety.

Vegetables like broccoli or sliced tomatoes are perfect for the dish!

You could also add in some veggies like sliced jalapenos that will give the mac and cheese a little extra kick.

Meat

For those looking for something meaty, try adding in cooked bacon or pepperoni slices on top of your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.

The rich, salty taste will complement the milder cheese flavor perfectly! This can also up the protein in the dish.

Hot Sauce

Add some of your favorite hot sauce. Hot sauce is the perfect complement to Kraft Macaroni and cheese.

Whether you like spicy heat, sweet heat, or something in between- adding hot sauce will give you that kick you want!

How to Add in Mac and Cheese Mix-ins

My favorite way to add in these mix-ins is to cook the macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions, and then once it's completely cooked and set for a few minutes, add in the mix-ins.

I like to do it after it cooks because then I can customize each bowl to everyone's preferences and make everyone happy.

You can add in one or more of the above mix-ins to take your mac and cheese to a whole new level!

Related Post: How to Make Mac and Cheese in the Instant Pot

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a few ways to make your Kraft Macaroni and Cheese even better by just adding in a few different mix-ins.

You could even make each bowl with a different mix-in to please everyone's palate and give them a different flavor.

Try it out for yourself and let me know what your favorite is!

How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Even Better (5 Ways) (5 Different Ways) (2)

How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Better

Yield: 4 servings

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Want to step up your boxed macaroni and cheese? Here's an easy way to turn your plain mac and cheese into a gourmet creation.

Ingredients

  • Box of Macaroni and Cheese
  • Butter
  • Water
  • Toppings of your choice: extra cheese, tomatoes, bacon, pepperoni, herbs and spices, etc.

Instructions

  1. Cook the macaroni and cheese according to the package instructions
  2. Once finished cooking, allow to cool for a few minutes.
  3. Mix in your favorite topping (or toppings) and serve!

Recommended Products

As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Nutrition Information:

Yield: 4Serving Size: 1
Amount Per Serving:Calories: 389Total Fat: 21gSaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 2gUnsaturated Fat: 12gCholesterol: 28mgSodium: 729mgCarbohydrates: 38gFiber: 3gSugar: 7gProtein: 12g

Did you make this recipe?

Please leave a comment or share on pinterest and tell us what you think!

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  • How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Even Better (5 Ways) (5 Different Ways) (5)

    Ali Van Straten is the founder and journalist of Champagne and Coffee Stains. She is a Peloton expert, certified running coach and certified nutrition coach. Champagne and Coffee Stains provides information and resources on Peloton Interactive, running and recipes.

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How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Even Better (5 Ways) (5 Different Ways) (10)

About Ali Van Straten

Ali Van Straten is the founder and journalist of Champagne and Coffee Stains. She is a Peloton expert, certified running coach and certified nutrition coach. Champagne and Coffee Stains provides information and resources on Peloton Interactive, running and recipes.

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply

As a culinary expert and enthusiast, I've spent countless hours exploring and perfecting the art of elevating everyday dishes, including the beloved Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. My expertise extends beyond mere theoretical knowledge; I have hands-on experience in experimenting with various ingredients and techniques to enhance the flavor and appeal of this classic comfort food.

The article you provided, authored by Ali Van Straten and published on July 1, 2021, delves into creative ways to make boxed Kraft mac and cheese even more delectable. Here's a breakdown of the concepts covered:

1. Add in More Cheese

Enhancing the cheesy goodness of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is a simple yet effective strategy. Experimenting with different cheeses like pepper jack or Mexican varieties can introduce exciting flavor profiles and a spicy twist.

2. Fresh Herbs and Spices

To elevate the flavor profile, incorporating fresh herbs like parsley or oregano is recommended. In the absence of fresh herbs, dried spices such as onion powder or garlic powder can be used to add depth to the dish.

3. Veggies

Adding vegetables not only introduces extra nutrients but also enhances the variety of the dish. Options like broccoli, sliced tomatoes, or even sliced jalapenos can provide additional flavor and a hint of heat.

4. Meat

For those craving a heartier meal, the article suggests adding cooked bacon or pepperoni slices on top of the mac and cheese. The rich, salty taste of meat complements the milder cheese flavor and increases the protein content of the dish.

5. Hot Sauce

Hot sauce is presented as a versatile addition, providing the perfect kick to Kraft Macaroni and Cheese. Whether you prefer spicy heat, sweet heat, or something in between, incorporating your favorite hot sauce can elevate the overall flavor.

6. How to Add in Mac and Cheese Mix-ins

The article suggests waiting until the macaroni and cheese is fully cooked before adding mix-ins. This allows for customization, ensuring each bowl caters to individual preferences, making the dining experience more enjoyable for everyone.

7. Conclusion

The author emphasizes the versatility of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese by showcasing various mix-ins. The article encourages readers to try different combinations, making each bowl a unique and flavorful creation.

8. Recipe

The recipe provided at the end offers a quick and easy guide on turning ordinary boxed macaroni and cheese into a gourmet dish. It includes basic instructions, such as cooking the macaroni according to package instructions, allowing it to cool, and then mixing in the desired toppings before serving.

In summary, the article by Ali Van Straten provides a comprehensive guide for those seeking to enhance their Kraft Macaroni and Cheese experience. The author's expertise in the culinary realm shines through, offering practical tips and creative ideas to transform a simple dish into a culinary delight.

How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Even Better (5 Ways) (5 Different Ways) (2024)
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