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Creamy Boxed Mac & Cheese Recipe Easy Ultimate Comfort Upgrade

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A quick and easy recipe that transforms classic boxed mac & cheese into a creamy, rich, and indulgent comfort food with simple pantry staples and fresh cheese additions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 standard 7.25-ounce (206g) box of boxed macaroni & cheese (preferably Kraft)
  • 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or half-and-half
  • 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup (50g) sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 tablespoons (10g) Parmesan cheese, freshly grated (optional but recommended)
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (optional)
  • Pinch of salt, if needed

Instructions

  1. Bring 6 cups (1.4 liters) of water to a rolling boil in a medium saucepan. Add a pinch of salt and the macaroni from the boxed mac & cheese. Cook according to package instructions, usually 7-8 minutes, until just tender but still firm (al dente). Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the macaroni in a colander, shaking off excess water. Return the pasta to the saucepan off the heat to keep warm. Do not rinse.
  3. In the same saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons (30g) of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Once melted, whisk in the cheese powder from the box along with 1/2 cup (120ml) whole milk or half-and-half. Stir constantly until smooth and creamy, about 2-3 minutes.
  4. Lower the heat to very low. Stir in the 1/2 cup (50g) shredded sharp cheddar and 2 tablespoons (10g) freshly grated Parmesan until melted and well combined. Add 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon mustard powder (if using), and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Stir gently. If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash more milk.
  5. Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the drained macaroni in the saucepan. Stir gently but thoroughly to coat every noodle.
  6. Taste and add a pinch of salt if needed.
  7. Serve immediately, optionally garnished with extra shredded cheddar or fresh parsley.

Notes

Do not rinse pasta after draining to help sauce stick better. Add milk gradually if sauce is too thick. Reheat gently with a splash of milk if sauce stiffens. Freshly shredded cheddar and Parmesan add depth and umami. Optional add-ins include hot sauce, smoked paprika, or crispy bacon bits.

Nutrition

Keywords: boxed mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, comfort food, quick dinner, easy recipe, cheddar cheese, Parmesan, pantry staple

Find it online: https://lyrafeast.com/creamy-boxed-mac-and-cheese-recipe-easy-ultimate-comfort-upgrade/