The Creamy Ingredient That Will Make Boxed Mac And Cheese Even Tastier

Mac and cheese is no less than a classic American comfort food. And we're not even talking about the fancy, made-from-scratch kind. We're talking about the sort of mac and cheese that comes from a box and can be prepared with ease by an 11-year-old. Maybe it's nostalgia, but there's just something about those dry noodles and powdered cheese that turns into magic once it's all been cooked and combined. But just because we like our boxed mac and cheese the way it comes doesn't mean we can't make it better.

Americans have been loving the convenience of boxed mac and cheese since it was first introduced by Kraft in 1937 for just $0.19 per box. While Kraft mac and cheese, along with its iconic blue and yellow box, might be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of boxed mac and cheese, today we have lots of choices. Any boxed brand you choose will benefit from the addition of one simple ingredient: cream cheese. With a dollop or two of cream cheese, you can easily take your average box of macaroni and cheese from tasty to divine.

Cream cheese is a soft, smooth dairy product that's as versatile as it is tasty, and it's commonly used as a sub for other ingredients (it can replace sour cream, butter, and even mayo,). With its velvety texture and a flavor that balances between sweet and mildly sour, cream cheese easily adds a new level of deliciousness. Start by making your mac and cheese as you normally would. Boxed mac and cheese typically involves boiling and draining the pasta, then making the sauce with cheese powder, milk, and butter. This is when you'll want to add your cream cheese. Grab a generous tablespoon (or two) of cream cheese and stir it into your sauce until fully melted. To make the process quicker, start with softened cream cheese. Stir until all of the macaroni is covered in sauce, and then sit back and enjoy.

You might find that a little cream cheese mixed into your macaroni and cheese is all you need for an elevated (and easy) meal. But other additions can also have a big impact. For starters, try adding extra cheeselike grated cheddar (or the cheese of your choice) into the sauce, or stirred into the final product. Sprinkle leftover cheese on top for extra cheesy goodness. You can also try adding canned ingredients to your mac and cheese. Canned soup can substitute for a sauce, or be used in smaller amounts to add extra richness or flavor. Or cook crispy strips of bacon and crumble them on top for savory flavor with satisfying crunch.