Better Macaroni and Cheese from a Box

Take your store-bought boxed macaroni and cheese to the next level with this indulgent, easy recipe for "Better Macaroni and Cheese from a Box." By blending rich shredded cheddar, velvety cream cheese, and a dash of flavorful spices like garlic powder and paprika, this dish transforms the standard mac and cheese into a creamy, gourmet experience. The crunchy topping—made with golden-brown breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese toasted in olive oil—adds a satisfying texture that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Ready in just 30 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, this upgraded comfort food is proof that a little creativity can take a humble boxed meal to extraordinary heights.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 1 box Boxed macaroni and cheese
• 2 tablespoons Butter
• 1 cup Milk
• 1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 2 tablespoons Cream cheese
• 0.5 teaspoons Garlic powder
• 0.25 teaspoons Paprika
• 1 pinch Salt
• 1 pinch Black pepper
• 0.5 cup Breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Bring a medium-sized pot of water to a boil, then add a pinch of salt followed by the macaroni from the boxed macaroni and cheese. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In the same pot, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the milk, the cheese powder from the box, shredded cheddar cheese, and cream cheese. Stir until smooth and creamy.

Step 3

Add the cooked macaroni back into the pot and mix well to coat the pasta evenly in the cheese sauce.

Step 4

Season with garlic powder, paprika, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.

Step 5

In a small skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently until golden-brown and crispy, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.

Step 6

Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls. Sprinkle the toasted breadcrumb mixture generously over the top for added crunch.

Step 7

Serve warm and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(396.5g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	821.7

Total Fat 67.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 41.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.9g
Cholesterol 217.8mg	0%
Sodium 1272.9mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 17.2g	0%
Dietary Fiber 0.3g	0%
Total Sugars 12.2g
Protein 40.7g	0%

Vitamin D 135.8IU	0%
Calcium 1224.8mg	0%
Iron 1.0mg	0%
Potassium 533.0mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 72.3%

Protein: 19.4%

Carbs: 8.2%