35+ Ways to Jazz Up Boxed Mac and Cheese
The humble box of macaroni and cheese is a staple in many kitchens, providing comfort with its creamy, carb-filled goodness.
But why settle for ordinary when with a sprinkle of creativity, you can elevate this classic dish to super yummy levels?
What can you add to box mac and cheese to enhance the flavor?
Whether you’re seeking a spicy kick, an international twist, or simply wish to incorporate everyday ingredients in new ways, our curated list offers a plethora of ideas to transform your boxed mac and cheese from simple to sensational.
Dive in and discover the myriad ways to reinvent this beloved dish.
1. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
Spice up your dish with shredded chicken tossed in buffalo hot sauce, finished with a sprinkle of blue cheese, and a hint of crunchy celery.
2. Veggie Deluxe Mac
Elevate your mac with a medley of steamed broccoli, sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, juicy cherry tomatoes, and wilted spinach.
3. Bacon and Pea Mac and Cheese
A savory twist featuring crispy bacon bits combined with bright green peas and a touch of cracked black pepper.
4. Seafood Mac
Dive into a rich blend of shrimp or crab meat, a zing of lemon zest, fresh parsley, and a splash of white wine.
5. BBQ Pulled Pork Mac
Savor the smoky flavors of BBQ pulled pork intertwined with your mac, drizzled with extra sauce, and garnished with red onion slices.
6. Mediterranean Mac
Transport your palate to the Mediterranean with the tang of kalamata olives, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and artichokes, all united by a garlic base.
7. Breakfast Mac and Cheese
Kickstart your day with a hearty mix of breakfast sausage, scrambled eggs, and vibrant bell peppers, crowned with fresh chives.
8. Hawaiian Mac
A tropical delight featuring chunks of ham, sweet pineapple, and bell peppers, tied together with a teriyaki glaze.
9. Pizza Mac and Cheese
Relish in the comfort of pepperoni or sausage, mushrooms, and olives, swirled with marinara and topped with bubbly mozzarella.
10. Pesto Veggie Mac
Indulge in a vibrant mix of cherry tomatoes and spinach stirred with aromatic pesto, toasted pine nuts, and a sprinkle of Parmesan.
11. Greek Fusion Mac
Experience the flair of Greece by blending your mac with diced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and a dash of tzatziki sauce.
12. Curry Mac
Infuse warmth with a hint of curry powder, diced tomatoes, peas, and chunks of grilled chicken, garnished with fresh cilantro.
13. Philly Cheesesteak Mac
Reimagine the classic sandwich by mixing in thin slices of steak, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and a touch of provolone or Swiss cheese.
14. Spicy Chorizo Mac
Ignite your taste buds with crumbled chorizo, roasted red peppers, and a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.
15. Caprese Mac
Celebrate Italy’s colors with fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella balls, drizzled with a balsamic reduction.
16. Vegan Veggie Mac
Whip up a dairy-free delight using vegan cheese, roasted zucchini, eggplant, and red bell peppers, with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for an extra cheesy kick.
17. French Onion Mac
Immerse yourself in caramelized onions, Mozzarella cheese, and a touch of thyme, reminiscent of the iconic French soup.
18. Southwest Chipotle Mac
Embark on a smoky adventure with roasted corn, black beans, diced avocado, and a chipotle pepper cream sauce, topped with fresh cilantro.
19. Garlic Parm Mac
Savor the simplicity of sautéed garlic, a sprinkle of Italian seasoning, and a generous portion of grated Parmesan cheese for an Italian-inspired delight.
20. Spinach and Feta Mac
Refresh your palate with sautéed fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, and a dash of nutmeg for a Mediterranean feel.
21. Fiesta Mac
Dive into a vibrant blend of corn kernels, diced bell peppers, and a sprinkle of chili powder for a slight kick, topped with crushed tortilla chips for crunch.
22. Sweet and Tangy BBQ Mac
Whisk in your favorite BBQ sauce for a sweet and tangy kick, complemented with diced red onions and shredded rotisserie chicken.
23. Garden Veggie Mac
Relish in a healthful mix of sautéed zucchini, carrots, broccoli, and cherry tomatoes, seasoned with a sprinkle of dried basil.
24. Smoked Sausage Mac
Relish the comforting taste of diced smoked sausage, sautéed with onions, and a touch of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
25. Tuna Melt Mac
Infuse a classic combo by stirring in canned tuna, diced celery, and topped with a layer of melted cheddar cheese.
26. Ranch Mac
Stir in a generous splash of ranch dressing mix or ranch seasoning, coupled with diced onions and tomatoes for a cool, creamy twist.
27. Spicy Jalapeño Mac
Turn up the heat with diced fresh jalapeños, cream cheese for smoothness, and a sprinkle of cayenne pepper if you dare.
28. Hearty Beefy Mac
Warm up with ground beef sautéed with onions and a hint of Worcestershire sauce, blending savory with the classic creamy base.
29. Sloppy Joe Mac
Meld the flavors of a classic sandwich into your mac with ground beef, tomato sauce, and a hint of brown sugar, creating a sweet and savory treat.
30. Ham and Pineapple Mac
Combine diced ham and pineapple chunks for a delightful sweet and savory twist reminiscent of a Hawaiian pizza.
31. Chili Mac
Stir in canned chili (or leftover homemade chili) and top with diced red onions for a comforting, hearty dish.
32. Sriracha Chicken Mac
Spice things up by adding diced grilled chicken and a drizzle of Sriracha, garnished with fresh cilantro for a fiery, flavorful twist.
33. Pesto and Pea Mac
Stir in a dollop of store-bought or homemade pesto and add some green peas for a fresh and herbaceous take.
34. Mozzarella and Tomato Mac
Echo the flavors of a Margherita pizza by adding chunks of fresh mozzarella and diced tomatoes, garnished with fresh basil.
35. Bean and Cheese Mac
Channel the essence of a burrito by incorporating black or pinto beans and topping with diced tomatoes and a sprinkle of cumin.
36. Lemon and Herb Mac
Freshen up your dish with a zest of lemon, and a mix of fresh herbs like parsley and dill, giving a zingy and fragrant finish.
37. Mushroom and Swiss Mac
Combine sautéed mushrooms with Swiss cheese for a creamy, earthy flavor that’s rich and satisfying.
What can I add to mac and cheese to make it better?
As we’ve journeyed through these delectable twists on a beloved staple, it’s clear that with a touch of imagination, even the most basic meals can become culinary masterpieces.
From the comfort of traditional flavors to the thrill of international inspirations, boxed mac and cheese serves as a versatile canvas for your culinary artistry.
So, the next time you reach for that familiar blue box, remember: you’re just a few ingredients away from creating a dish that’s not just filling, but truly unforgettable.
Happy cooking!
