9 Delicious Ways to Hack a Box of Mac n’ Cheese

The familiar boxes of Kraft Dinner Mac and Cheese boasting a packet of orange powder always bring back memories of my childhood when my parents relied on the 33-cent boxes as a regular menu item. While I suppose boxed mac and cheese isn’t the healthiest option, I am learning about creative ways to enhance it as a base to stretch leftovers and manage a family’s food budget.

 

Not long ago, I got caught up in a super fun Reddit discussion, where what seemed like hundreds of participants were sharing favorite ways to upscale a box of mac and cheese into something delicious—perhaps even healthy. Who knew? Not me, that’s for sure. As one who still finds Kraft Dinner prepared according to the printed instructions to be a guilty pleasure, the idea to ‘doctor it up’ hasn’t crossed my mind. But that convo has changed everything. Check out so many ways to take lowly boxed mac and cheese to a whole new level.

1. Mexican Twist

If you’ve got some leftover taco meat or chili, but it’s not quite enough for everyone, mix it into prepared mac and cheese and heat it until it’s hot and bubbly.Kinda sounds like Hamburger Helper, doesn’t it? But better!

2. Tuna n’ Peas

Adding a can of tuna plus a handful of frozen peas to the prepared mac and cheese might sound a bit off-putting, but only until you try it. Yes, this just might be my personal favorite hack of all I have tried.

3. Even Cheesier

Several Redditors were really excited to share the idea of adding in a fancy cheese—whatever you have lingering in the fridge. Even a small amount improves it with a new flavor. Just remember that a little goes a long way, so go easy but to taste.

4. Make it Primavera

Add a bag of frozen mixed vegetables while the pasta cooks. Watch it carefully, as you don’t want those veggies to turn to mush! Drain well, then proceed as directed on the box. Seriously, people—this is quite amazing. I tried it the first time with frozen baby peas. Oh, my. So good.

5. Buffalo Style

Transform your regular mac and cheese into a gourmet delight by adding buffalo wing sauce, diced chicken, and blue cheese. For a quick version, follow the instructions on the mac and cheese box, mix in Buffalo sauce, and finish with a sprinkle of refreshing blue cheese on top.

6. Grilled Mac n Cheese Sandwich

Amp up your grilled cheese with mac and cheese noodle filling. Make the mac and cheese according to package instructions. Now, think of it as the filling for a grilled cheese sandwich. Proceed accordingly. It’s awesome!

7. Grab the Condiments

Ketchup. Yes, on mac and cheese. Give it a try. Or pull out that bottle of barbecue sauce or even hot sauce to kick it up a notch. Quite yummy.

8. Shake it Up

Another participant in the fun online discussion insists the best way to consume Kraft Dinner mac and cheese is to stir in a lot of black pepper and a good shake of both onion and garlic powder. I get that and can report it to be quite delicious

9. Bake It

Blogger and self-proclaimed “frugalite” Daisy Luther offers this hack that takes a box of mac and cheese from lowly to magical: Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the instructions on the box. Butter a baking dish and spread the prepared mac and cheese into it. Stir in half a cup of cream cheese. Top it with a good quality shredded sharp cheddar and some bread crumbs, crushed potato chips, or cracker crumbs. Bake it at 350F, uncovered for 25 minutes. You’ll love the gooey goodness that tastes really close to homemade at a fraction of the price, says Daisy.

 

Question: Do you have favorite mac and cheese hacks you’d like to share? Please do that in the comments.

 

 

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