Top 8 Ways to Jazz Up a Box of Mac and Cheese

On busy weeknights, let a box of macaroni and cheese come to the rescue! Gobble it up as is, or turn it into a casserole, skillet dinner or even fun little sliders.

Now Trending

1 / 8

Hamburger Mac and Cheese

Rich in protein, veggies and flavor, this hamburger mac and cheese is a recipe your family will love—and you won't mind making. This enhanced mac and cheese is a fast and filling meal that's always enjoyed.

Craving comfort food in a hurry? Grab a box! We snagged seven to find the best boxed mac and cheese.

2 / 8

Cajun Mac and Cheese

When I follow my favorite meat loaf recipe, I end up with an extra half-pound of ground beef. So I came up with this easy Cajun mac and cheese dish to use it up.—June Ellis, Erie, Illinois
3 / 8

Pizza Macaroni Bake

What do you get when you combine macaroni and cheese with pizza fixings? This hearty, family-pleasing casserole! It's so easy and so tasty. —Nancy Porterfield, Gap Mills, West Virginia
4 / 8

Buffalo Macaroni and Cheese Bites

In this vegetarian Buffalo-style appetizer, macaroni and cheese get heated up with Louisiana-style hot sauce, then breaded and baked. These tasty nibbles are served with blue cheese dressing. —Ann Donnay, Milton, Massachusetts
5 / 8

Mini Mac & Cheese Dogs

We wanted to get creative with hot dogs, so we made a mac-and-cheesy one. Pile on the extra cheese, relish and even bacon. —Julie Peterson, Crofton, Maryland
6 / 8

Mexi-Mac Casserole

I typically have most of the ingredients for this dish in my pantry. Green chiles give it a little bite, but it’s easy to swap in a can of spicier tomatoes to turn up the heat. —Jan Conklin, Stevensville, Montana
7 / 8

Mexican Mac and Cheese

Mexican mac and cheese is an entire meal in one dish—a meal even the pickiest eaters will pick for dinner many times a month. And the busy chef won't mind, as it's on the quicker and easier side.
8 / 8

Hearty Mac & Cheese

“Whether a cold winter night or rainy summer day, this is quick-and-easy comfort food at its very best!” And a great way to jazz up boxed macaroni mix. —Carol Wohlgemuth, Riding Mountain, Manitoba