Let's face it: we don't always have time to make ourselves an elaborate meal. Schedules get busy, budgets get tight, and the motivation to do dishes all night isn't always there. So on days where we just can't, we turn to convenient alternatives that do the hard work for us.
Pre-packaged meals are a great low-effort choice, but they can get a little sad—especially boxed mac and cheese. There's a reason boxed mac and cheese is associated with college dorm dining and feeding picky children. It's cheap, it's easy to make, and the flavor is broadly appealing, if a bit boring.
But why not think outside the box? Our team of food experts loves to transform prepackaged ingredients into show-stopping meals. (Case in point: Pillsbury Crescent Rolls.) Boxed mac and cheese is no exception; with just a few thoughtful additions, you can make a satisfying and exciting dinner in a matter of minutes.
We've rounded up six different mac and cheese upgrades that will make even the cheapest box feel fancy.
Cajun-Style
If you're mindful about getting enough protein in your diet, adding meat to mac and cheese is an easy way to hit your macronutrient goals. Andouille sausage is smoky, savory, and already cooked. In the words of Ina Garten: "How easy is that?"
But why stop there? Adding a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning to your mac and cheese doubles down on the Louisiana flavor.
Sour Cream & Onion
One guaranteed way to make boxed mac and cheese more decadent is by adding even more dairy. This upgrade borrows from our favorite potato chip flavor by topping your bowl with a dollop of sour cream and a generous dusting of chives.
Jalapeño Popper
If we made a Dance Moms-style pyramid of the best appetizers, jalapeño poppers would be at the top. So why not integrate the same spicy, smoky flavor to a box of mac and cheese? All you need to do is stir in cooked bacon, diced jalapeños, and a little extra cheddar.
Italian-Style
Sometimes, it just takes a little extra to transform a box of mac and cheese into a Nonna-approved dinner. Crumbled Italian sausage, store-bought marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan all work together to add a cozy, savory spin on a classic.
Bee Sting
The Bee Sting pizza originated at the beloved pizza spot Roberta's in Brooklyn. Now we'll take any opportunity to add pepperoni and hot honey to our food. And, dare we say, this combo works especially well with mac and cheese. To add an extra layer of texture, we love sprinkling some toasted breadcrumbs on top.
Dirty Martini
The dirty martini has been a classic cocktail for generations and has since inspired several olive-infused meals. It may seem unconventional, but Castelvetrano olives and blue cheese lend a savory, briny bite that pairs perfectly with mac and cheese.
