Better Macaroni and Cheese from a Box
Take your store-bought boxed macaroni and cheese to the next level with this indulgent, easy recipe for "Better Macaroni and Cheese from a Box." By blending rich shredded cheddar, velvety cream cheese, and a dash of flavorful spices like garlic powder and paprika, this dish transforms the standard mac and cheese into a creamy, gourmet experience. The crunchy topping—made with golden-brown breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese toasted in olive oil—adds a satisfying texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this upgraded comfort food is proof that a little creativity can take a humble boxed meal to extraordinary heights.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 box Boxed macaroni and cheese
- 2 tablespoons Butter
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 tablespoons Cream cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
- 1 pinch Salt
- 1 pinch Black pepper
- 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
Instructions
Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil, then add a pinch of salt followed by the macaroni from the boxed macaroni and cheese. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the milk, the cheese powder from the box, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and mix well to coat the pasta evenly in the cheese sauce.
Season with garlic powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently until golden-brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb mixture generously over the top for added crunch.
Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
497 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 29.3 g | 38% | |
| Saturated Fat | 15.1 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 69 mg | 23% | |
| Sodium | 862 mg | 37% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 46.7 g | 17% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 2.1 g | 7% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.7 g | ||
| Protein | 18.6 g | 37% | |
| Vitamin D | 1.0 mcg | 5% | |
| Calcium | 425 mg | 33% | |
| Iron | 1.7 mg | 10% | |
| Potassium | 252 mg | 5% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
