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10 Brilliant Ways To Upgrade Boxed Mac and Cheese

upgrade boxed mac and cheese
Weary Chef, Rachel Mansfield, BS in the Kitchen
Boxed mac and cheese is comfort food royalty, and we’re not about to give it up. Instead, we’re giving it a serious upgrade with 10 cheesy recipe hacks. Before you write off the childhood favorite, check out these souped-up, homemade versions that leave the plain ol’ box in the dust.

Here are 10 easy ways to upgrade boxed mac and cheese.

Blake Lively's Boxed Mac and Cheese Hack

creamy mac and cheese

RachL Mansfield

Take your favorite comfort food to the next level with a few simple mix-ins, courtesy of Blake Lively and Rachel Mansfield. By stirring in rich cream cheese, a heavy splash of whole milk, and freshly shredded cheddar cheese straight from the block, you'll transform an ordinary weeknight staple into an irresistibly creamy, decadent treat. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Taco Macaroni

taco macaroni recipe

Weary Chef

Just about everything you need for this tasty taco macaroni can be stashed away in the pantry. In other words, it’s a great solution for busy nights and snow days alike. (via Weary Chef)

Mucho Mac and Cheese Nachos (Vegan)

mac and cheese nachos

Vegan Yack Attack

We couldn’t leave our vegan friends out of the fun, so these homemade mac-and-cheese nachos are especially for them. Dairy not a concern? Feel free to swap in the boxed stuff for a quick and easy alternative. (via Vegan Yack Attack)

French Dip Mac and Cheese Smothered Fries

mac and cheese loaded fries

Dixie Chik Cooks

Go big or go home — we’re pretty sure that’s the motto of these outrageous loaded fries. Leftover shredded beef, bacon and a whole lotta cheese are all invited to the fiesta. (via Dixie Chik Cooks)

Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese Cupcakes

mac and cheese cupcakes

Tablespoon

These savory cupcakes couldn’t be easier to throw together for your next tailgate. Just bake up a batch of crispy wonton cups, stuff ’em with a mix of spicy chicken and creamy, cheesy mac and get to munching. (via Tablespoon)

Fried Macaroni and Cheese Balls

mac and cheese balls

No Recipes

If you want to get all fancy, combine bechamel with leftover mac and upgrade the sauce by melting in a handful of cheddar cheese. Extra flavor FTW! (via No Recipes)

Mac and Cheese Grilled Cheese

mac and grilled cheese sandwich

BS in the Kitchen

Panko crust adds a wonderful layer of texture to these outrageous grilled cheese sandos. The contrast of crunchy, chewy and all-around CHEESY elements is positively swoon worthy. (via BS' In The Kitchen)

Healthified Boxed Mac and Cheese

healthy mac and cheese

A Duck's Oven

The new “healthy” mac gets even healthier with the addition of cottage cheese and broccoli for a filling protein and fiber boost. (via A Duck’s Oven)

Macaroni and Cheese Pizza

mac and cheese pizza

The Gunny Sack

Sometimes you just need to indulge carb cravings, and this pasta-on-pizza creation is sure to do the trick. (via The Gunny Sack)

Bacon Mac and Cheese Egg Rolls

bacon mac and cheese eggrolls

Miss in the Kitchen

You only need four ingredients to make these fun, fried eats. For added indulgence, tuck a slice of avocado into each roll before wrapping. (via Miss in the Kitchen)

Do you have a favorite boxed mac and cheese recipe update? Follow us on Pinterest for more recipes!

This post has been updated.

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