Gourmet Mac & Cheese: Beyond the Box

Upgrade Your Boxed Mac and Cheese: Easy Recipe for Creamy Perfection

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this incredibly simple yet satisfying recipe for upgraded boxed macaroni and cheese. Tired of the same old bland mac and cheese? This recipe takes your favorite pantry staple and transforms it into a creamy, cheesy, and flavorful dish that the whole family will love. We’re talking gourmet mac and cheese in under 20 minutes! Forget complicated recipes and hours in the kitchen; this is all about maximizing flavor with minimal effort.

Upgraded Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
Creamy, cheesy, and delicious upgraded mac and cheese.
Close-up of Upgraded Macaroni and Cheese
A close-up look at the cheesy goodness.
Upgraded Mac and Cheese Recipe

4.55 from 11 votes

Upgraded Boxed Macaroni and Cheese

By:
Julia Pacheco
Upgraded boxed macaroni and cheese takes your favorite pantry staple to the next level with added flavor, mix-ins, and creamy goodness.
Prep:

5 minutes
Cook:

10 minutes
Total:

15 minutes
Servings:

5 servings
Pin Recipe
Comment
Print Recipe

Ingredients


  • 7 cups water


  • 2 – 7.25 oz boxes macaroni and cheese


  • ¾ cup heavy cream


  • ¼ cup sour cream


  • ½ cup cheddar cheese


  • ½ cup Mozzarella cheese


  • cup parmesan cheese


  • 1 tbs ranch seasoning


  • ½ tsp pepper

Instructions

  • First, bring 7 cups of water to a rolling boil in a large pot on the stovetop. Once boiling, add the macaroni from the 2 boxes of macaroni and cheese. Cook according to the package directions, usually around 8-10 minutes, or until the pasta is tender. Remember to stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

    Once the macaroni is cooked to al dente, carefully drain the water from the pot. It’s important to drain thoroughly to avoid a watery mac and cheese.

    Now for the magic! Add one of the cheese packets that came with the boxed mac and cheese to the pot along with the remaining ingredients: ¾ cup heavy cream, ¼ cup sour cream, ½ cup cheddar cheese, ½ cup Mozzarella cheese, ⅓ cup parmesan cheese, 1 tbs ranch seasoning, and ½ tsp pepper.

    Turn the heat to low and stir continuously until all the ingredients are well incorporated and the cheese is melted and smooth. This usually takes just a few minutes. Be patient and keep stirring to prevent burning.

    Once the mac and cheese is creamy and combined, it’s ready to serve! Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Video

Nutrition


Calories:
533
kcal

|

Carbohydrates:
42
g

|

Protein:
19
g

|

Fat:
32
g

|

Saturated Fat:
14
g

|

Polyunsaturated Fat:
1
g

|

Monounsaturated Fat:
6
g

|

Cholesterol:
72
mg

|

Sodium:
1134
mg

|

Potassium:
236
mg

|

Fiber:
0.1
g

|

Sugar:
2
g

|

Vitamin A:
839
IU

|

Vitamin C:
0.3
mg

|

Calcium:
380
mg

|

Iron:
2