I LOVE mac & cheese. It has always been one of my favorite meals. It’s cheesy, creamy, carb heavy and comforting.
If you’re tight on money a box of off brand Mac & cheese is a cheap meal especially if it’s served with a bag of frozen veggies. If you need more tips on how to save money on food check out this post.
But sometimes the same old flavor can get boring. I like trying new ways to spice up classic meals. Here I have compiled a huge list of all the ways you can enjoy this childhood classic.
I’m so excited to share all of these amazing ideas with you. Of course this isn’t exclusive to boxed mac & cheese, all of these ideas will also work for homemade Mac & cheese. If you want a recipe for a fancy mac & cheese, check out this one.
Related: Low Carb Cauliflower Mac & Cheese
There are so many ideas that I have split them up into categories including, veggies, spices, sauces, meats, and other.
Related: Cheap Meal Plan Under $50
Without further adieu, here is my list of all the amazing ways you can upgrade your Mac & cheese.
Seasonings
For all of the following seasonings start small, maybe with 1/2 of a teaspoon and gradually increase it to taste
- Mustard powder
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Nutmeg
- Old bay seasoning
- Curry powder
- Ranch powder packet
- Basil
- Paprika
- Chives
- Chili powder
- Cajun seasoning
- Cinnamon
- Taco seasoning
- Chipotle powder
Sauces
For the following sauces, start with a small amount and add more to taste.
- Ketchup- it’s a kids favorite way to add more sweetness. I add about a tablespoon per serving.
- Mustard- a few teaspoons to a couple of tablespoons.
- Mayo- this will add a more creamy texture.
- Sour cream- for a creamy texture and a tangy taste.
- Pesto- only a teaspoon of so is needed to add a lot of flavor and a new dynamic to your bowl.
- Basil tomato- this is one sauce that can have a lot added, even up to half a cup per box of Mac & cheese.
- Hot sauce- a little bit is all I can take.
- Sriracha – a good drizzle of this will give you all the flavor change you could want.
- Ranch- I was skeptical to try this, but it truly makes for a tasty add in.
- Soy sauce- for a salty taste add in a teaspoon at a time or less.
- Hoisin sauce- for a sweet and salty taste.
- BBQ- this tastes amazing with some added meat, or even added without meat it will give you a tangy taste.
- Liquid smoke- for more depth.
- Horseradish- a tiny bit will clear out your nose.
Meat
Add meat to make Mac & cheese into a complete dinner.
- Ham- ham and cheese always goes together, even with noodles.
- Hot dogs- this is something I did as a child.
- Shrimp- cook your shrimp in butter then add to your Mac & cheese to pretend like it’s fettuccini alfredo!
- Sardines- if you’re brave
- Tuna- you can add as much or as little. I’ve added one can of tuna to one box of Mac & cheese.
- Lil smokies- for a smoky twist
- Kielbasa- make sure to thinly slice it before heating and adding it.
- Chicken- shredded, chunks, however you like your chicken, it will taste great in your mac and cheese.
Produce
- Mushrooms- chop and sauté add 3/4 a cup or add one can of cream of mushroom
- Green chille (canned)- add as much as you can handle.
- Corn- Cook and add 3/4 a cup.
- Peas- Cook and add 3/4 a cup.
- Jalapeño- Chop one or two and add as much as you can handle.
- Pineapple- Add a 4 oz can or 1/4 cup of fresh pineapple for a tropical twist.
- Avocado- Mash it in, or slice it and add to the top for aesthetic appeal.
- Butternut squash- chop and steam. Add 1/2 a cup.
- Cauliflower- Chop and steam. Mix 3/4 cup in. You can also add cauliflower rice.
- Broccoli- Chop and steam. Mix 3/4 a cup in.
- Green onions- slice them and sprinkle on top.
- Onions- chop and sauté. Add 1/4 a cup or more.
- Bell pepper- chop and sauté. Add 1/2 a cup, they’re great with onions.
- Chili peppers- add as much as you can handle.
- Garlic- peel it and mince it. Add as much as you want.
Other
- Scrambled egg- scramble an egg or two and add to the cooked Mac & cheese.
- Real cheese- add as much as you want and experiment with different types, Gouda, pepper-jack, mozzarella, etc.
- Cream cheese- add 4 oz while you’re stirring the butter and milk in.
- Bullion- add a cube or a tsp depending on what kind you use.
- Evaporated milk- add one can after you add the cheese packet.
Specific combinations
- Spam, chicken bullion, and curry powder
- Sage and butternut squash
- Bell pepper, garlic, and onion
- Ketchup and hotdogs
- Lil smokies, liquid smoke, and bbq
- Ham and extra cheese
- Hot dog and ketchup
Try any combination you want! The possibilities are endless!
