How to Make Box Mac and Cheese Better
This upgraded box mac and cheese swaps the basic back-of-box directions for a few simple tricks that make every bite creamier, cheesier, and way more flavorful. Greek yogurt adds tang and protein, reserved pasta water builds a silkier sauce, and a dash of hot sauce wakes everything up. It works with Kraft, Annie's, Velveeta shells, or any boxed mac you've got in the pantry.
Servings: 3 servings
Ingredients
- 1 box Kraft macaroni and cheese or any box mac and cheese
- 2-3 tablespoons pasta water reserved from cooking
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup 2% Greek yogurt full-fat works too
- 1/2 teaspoon hot sauce such as Frank's or Cholula
- 1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente.
- Before draining, scoop out about ¼ cup of the starchy pasta water and set it aside. Drain the noodles in a colander.
- Place the empty pot back on the stove over low heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely.
- Whisk the Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons of the reserved pasta water, hot sauce, and black pepper into the melted butter until smooth and combined.
- Sprinkle the cheese powder packet into the sauce and stir until there are no clumps and the sauce is smooth. If needed, add the remaining tablespoon of pasta water to thin it out.
- Add the drained noodles back to the pot and stir until every noodle is coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Serve immediately and top with your favorite add-ins.
Video
[adthrive-in-post-video-player video-id="b8hkB1En" upload-date="2021-02-14T00:00:00.000Z" name="How to Make Box Mac and Cheese Better" description="We are obsessed with box mac and cheese (who isn't). Have you ever wondered how to make box mac and cheese better? This is our go-to way to make box mac and cheese. You'll never make it another way again!"]
Notes
For a richer sauce, stir in ½ cup of shredded sharp cheddar or 1-2 tablespoons of cream cheese along with the cheese powder.
Top with toasted panko breadcrumbs for crunch: toss panko with melted butter, garlic powder, and parmesan, then toast in a dry skillet for 2-3 minutes.
This method works with Kraft, Annie's, Velveeta Shells & Cheese, and store-brand boxes.
Nutrition
Calories: 332kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 11g | Fat: 11g | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 7g