How to Make Kraft Mac and Cheese Better: a few simple ways to make your boxed macaroni tastes like it’s made from scratch. Rich, creamy, and insanely easy!

General
How to make box mac better
Ingredients
How to make
Get the recipe
Frequently Asked Questions
Variations
Add Ins
Pairing suggestions
How to store
Nutrition information

Don’t get me wrong. I love the blue box of mac and cheese. Heck, I love the generic 99 cent box of mac and cheese from the dollar store. I also love homemade mac and cheese. I believe there’s a time and a place for both. But what about if I combined the best of both worlds? The ease of boxed macaroni with the taste of homemade? Too good to be true? Not today!

How do you make box mac and cheese better?

These 3 easy tricks are sure to make that box of kraft mac and cheese taste like made-from-scratch macaroni.

Add more cheese. In addition to the included cheese packet, stirring in a touch of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, and gruyere cheese makes it creamier and cheesier.
Use spices. Boxed mac can be a little one note, so using spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and a little smoked paprika is a simple way to elevate the flavor!
Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. If you’re a texture person, sprinkling on some toasted breadcrumbs is a great way to add a little bit of crunch to keep things interesting.

Ingredients

Boxed Macaroni and Cheese – any kind you have on hand is fine! I used 1 (7.25 oz) box, so if your box is slightly bigger or smaller, keep that in mind when stirring in the milk and additional cheeses.
Milk – or cream or half-and-half. Anything will work. Cream will give the richest flavor and creamiest texture, but I’ve even used almond milk with success, because that’s what I had on hand.
Cream Cheese – replaces the butter to create a slightly tangy flavor that breaks up the richness from the other cheeses. I used plain cream cheese from a tub, but if you only have block of cream cheese, you’ll need 2 oz. If you have the time, let it soften to room temperature so it melts quicker. Boursin Garlic & Herb would be a delicious substitution.
Cheese: Cheddar Cheese and Gruyere Cheese – normally I’m a “shred your own cheese” kinda person, but I used pre-shredded bagged cheese and it was fine! It took some extra time to melt (bagged cheese has stuff on it to keep it from clumping) and I had to thin the sauce out with a bit more milk, but it was worth it to keep this recipe extra easy!
Butter – or oil of choice. Either is fine to toast the breadcrumbs.
Breadcrumbs – use panko for the crunchiest texture, but regular breadcrumbs will be fine in a pinch.
Parmesan – the finely grated parmesan in the green tub found in the pasta aisle is great! An asiago, parmesan, and romano blend would also be delicious.
Spices: Garlic Powder, Onion Powder, Smoked Paprika, Salt, and Pepper – this simple combination of spices is such an easy way to really elevate boxed mac and cheese! These are stirred into the breadcrumb topping, but if you choose to not use the breadcrumbs for whatever reason, I’d suggest stirring these spices into the mac and cheese.

How to make

Make the breadcrumbs: melt butter in a non-stick pan, then stir in panko, parmesan, and spices and cook until the panko is golden brown and crispy. Set aside.
Boil the pasta according to box directions in a medium sized saucepan, then drain noodles and set aside.
To the saucepan, add in cream cheese, cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and milk and stir until a sauce has formed.
Stir in cooked macaroni, scoop into bowls, then top with breadcrumb topping and enjoy!

Variations

Play around with pasta. Try shells, white cheddar, spirals, shapes, etc.
Use other cheeses. Swap the cheddar for American, gruyere for gouda, and cream cheese for Boursin or use your favorite combination of cheeses!

What can i add to kraft mac and cheese?

Protein. Cooked bacon, crab, hot dogs, chicken sausages, ham, ground beef… the possibilities are endless!
Vegetables. Peas, broccoli, and spinach are all classic mac and cheese additions.
Herbs and Spices. Green onions and a dash of red pepper flakes or hot sauce would be yummy!

What to serve with kraft mac and cheese

This upgraded boxed mac and cheese can be served as a main dish for lunch next to an easy protein like chicken sausages or as a side next to a few other dishes at your family dinner!

Pro tip

This would be a GREAT dish to bring to your next holiday gathering. Scoop the cooked mac into a nice serving dish, then garnish with the breadcrumbs right before serving… it’ll be our little secret!

How to store

Although this is best served and enjoyed immediately, leftovers actually hold up pretty well in the fridge for about 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months in an airtight container. Store the breadcrumbs separately to keep them crispy.

To enjoy again, thaw if frozen, then heat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of milk until warm, then top with crispy breadcrumbs, if desired.

– Jennifer