A personal essay by Izzy Giacoppo  

Being a kid and discovering that the “secret ingredient” my mom would add to boxed mac ‘n cheese was cream cheese, was a pivotal moment in my life. It made so much sense: the mac ‘n’ cheese was thick and creamy with a tiny tang. Until that moment, I thought it was just the stuff from the box mixed with some butter and a splash of milk. Understanding how easy it was to elevate one of my favorite meals inspired me when I was old enough to start cooking for myself. I began experimenting–and continue to do so–with adding special ingredients to boxed mac ‘n’ cheese. 

I first started playing around with using half and half or heavy cream instead of milk to make the sauce. These added a smooth, rich creaminess. The creaminess was great, but it slightly overshadowed the cheesiness. The simple solution was adding shredded Mexican cheese, which gave it that gooey texture and made the “cheese” part more prominent.

Although the packaged powdered cheese typically has seasonings in it, it doesn’t hurt to add a little more if you’re looking for a non-dairy centric flavor. Sticking with go-tos such as salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder can make a noticeable difference and mask the “artificial” taste that may not appeal to everyone. For some warmth, you can add a little paprika, which is a classic ingredient in home made mac ‘n’ cheese recipes.  

If you’ve scrolled through social media at some point within the last year, you surely came across at least one post about how cottage cheese is all the rage because it’s packed with protein. Hopping on the trend, cottage cheese is another option to bring boxed mac to the next level. Cottage cheese is like a mix between mozzarella and ricotta. It has a light flavor, subtle tang, and adds moisture and texture. 

My favorite aspect of adding a mix of ingredients to this childhood classic is that it’s a measure-with-your-heart situation. Everyone has their preferences for mac ‘n’ cheese, boxed or not. Some like it very thick and dry, and others like it nearly soupy. Then, there are those in the middle who like a simple creaminess. I encourage you to have fun experimenting and transform a “lazy” dinner into a rich blend of ingredients.