Boxed Macaroni and Cheese Success 3
Turn your weeknight dinner into a restaurant-worthy comfort food experience with this "Boxed Macaroni and Cheese Success 3" recipe. By upgrading the classic boxed mix with rich additions like shredded cheddar, creamy cream cheese, and just the right touch of garlic powder, this dish boasts a silky, flavor-packed cheese sauce that clings to every noodle. Topped with golden, olive oil-toasted panko breadcrumbs for a crisp contrast and garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, it’s the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy. Ready in just 20 minutes, this quick and easy recipe is the ultimate way to elevate your macaroni and cheese game. Ideal for busy weeknights or satisfying cravings, it’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for both kids and adults!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 box boxed macaroni and cheese
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese
- 0.5 teaspoons garlic powder
- 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
- 0.5 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Bring a medium pot of water to a rolling boil. Add a pinch of salt to the water, then cook the macaroni from the boxed mix according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In the same pot, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, stir in the milk and the cheese powder packet from the box until smooth.
Add the shredded cheddar cheese and cream cheese, stirring continuously until the mixture is creamy and well combined.
Season the cheese sauce with garlic powder and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
Return the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir until the noodles are fully coated with the cheese sauce.
In a small nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring frequently, until golden brown and crispy. Remove from heat.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls. Sprinkle the toasted panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top for added crunch.
Garnish with chopped parsley if desired, then serve immediately while hot and gooey. Enjoy your elevated macaroni and cheese!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1948 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 125.3 g | 161% | |
| Saturated Fat | 65.1 g | 326% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 302 mg | 101% | |
| Sodium | 2748 mg | 119% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 166.4 g | 61% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.8 g | 24% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.8 g | ||
| Protein | 67.9 g | 136% | |
| Vitamin D | 2.7 mcg | 13% | |
| Calcium | 1588 mg | 122% | |
| Iron | 5.6 mg | 31% | |
| Potassium | 858 mg | 18% | |
*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.
