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Boxed Mac and Cheese Hacks

Looking for easy boxed mac and cheese hacks? This post has got you covered! I have vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free options, with a mix-and-match approach that lets you customize your perfect bowl of mac!
Print Recipe

Ingredients
  

Start with:

  • 1 Box Mac and Cheese of Choice

The Sauce

  • 1 Cheese/Flavor Packet
  • 2 Tbs Oil of choice such as garlic oil
  • 2 Tbs Salad Dressing of choice such as chipotle ranch
  • Spices of choice such as taco seasoning
  • 1-2 Tsp Sauce of choice such as hot sauce
  • Water or Unsweetened Milk of choice such as unsweetened almond milk

Optional Toppings

  • 1-2 Cups Roasted or Steamed Vegetables of choice such as broccoli, green beans, etc.
  • 1 Cup Chopped Greens of choice such as kale, spinach
  • Nuts or Seeds of choice such as salted pumpkin seeds
  • Vegan Pesto
  • Spicy Chickpeas or Lentils

Instructions
 

  • Start by cooking the mac and cheese pasta. Or, use about 6-8 oz pasta of your choice. Be sure to cook it in SALTED water, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later. When done, drain and set aside.
  • As the pasta is cooking, prepare your sauce. Start with the cheese packet; or, use about 1/3 cup of another powdered cheese. Add in the oil, dressing, sauce, spices, and water/milk of your choice. Detailed options are provided in the full post! Whisk everything together until creamy. Taste, and adjust seasonings if necessary.
  • Mix the sauce into the pasta, adding a little of the pasta water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
  • Toss in your add-ins of choice, if desired, or serve in bowls with your favorite toppings.
  • Enjoy!

Notes

Please see the full post for more detailed instructions and flavor combinations!