Baked Mac and Cheese from a box is the best of both worlds: a fast and convenient side dish that tastes homemade!
Why I love this recipe
- it's super fast and easy, preheat the oven while you boil your macaroni noodles
- all the taste of homemade without the hassle
- super kid-friendly
Ingredients
- box mac and cheese
- breadcrumbs
- shredded cheese
Step by step
- Prepare a box of mac & cheese (the kind with pasta and a pouch of cheese sauce) according to the box directions - I use Kraft made with 2% milk mac & cheese or even our local grocery store brand.
- Pour the mac & cheese into a baking dish (8x8 or similar size) prepared with non-stick spray. Sprinkle the top with a handful of bread crumbs - panko or Italian seasoned are our family's favorite - and then top with ¼ cup of your favorite shredded cheese!
- Bake until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the cheese is melted! I like the cheese toasty and crispy and brown 😉
Variations
This can easily be adapted to your family's tastes: add broccoli, crispy bacon, ham or even a can of rotel (drained) to the macaroni before you pour it in the baking dish!
FAQs
I prefer a cheddar cheese for this but you can easily use a Mexican blend, shredded colby jack, or experiment with your favorites.
Because we're just crisping the top you do not need to cover this mac with foil.
You can make the mac and cheese ahead of time but I would wait to add the breadcrumbs and extra cheese until you are ready to bake.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in the oven. (Time will vary depending on how much you are reheating.)
Almost Homemade Baked Mac & Cheese
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: side
- Method: baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Baked Mac and Cheese from a box is the best of both worlds: a fast and convenient side dish that tastes homemade!
Ingredients
- 1 box macaroni and cheese (with premade sauce)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Spray a 9 by 9 baking dish with nonstick spray.
- Prepare mac and cheese according to package instructions and place in a baking dish.
- Cover with breadcrumbs, then top with shredded cheese.
- Bake until cheese is melted, about 10-15 minutes.
Notes
- use mac and cheese with premade sauce, not powdered
- you can substitute your favorite cheese
- keep leftovers in the fridge up to 3 days
- reheat in microwave
Keywords: baked box mac and cheese
the cape on the corner says
if only you could taste a picture...is that weird? maybe a little weird, lol.
good luck on your kitten shopping, can't wait to see pictures of your new one when you get it!
Back for Seconds says
Wow! So easy but so yummy looking!
Elizabeth says
What temp should the oven be
Melissa Riker says
I use 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
twelve-O-eight says
Ooooh this looks so good, and this an awesome but busy time of year! Thank you for sharing 🙂
hugs, Tanya
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust says
What a great easy recipe. I'll be needing it this fall!
Trish says
This looks delicious AND easy! We sure have plenty of boxes in our pantry 🙂 I'd love for you to share with my readers if you get the chance - enjoy your weekend! http://www.momontimeout.com/2012/08/taking-timeout-thursday-no44.html
Tanya-Lemonsforlulu.com says
Oh my I love that crunchy topping, my favorite part about mac and cheese! Yes, this time of year, life gets suddenly crazy, love to have a great go-to recipe!
Jocelyn says
We use the blue box of mac and cheese all the time...next time it's getting this yummy topping added to it:-) Looks great!!!
Jacque n Matt Knowlton says
GAH this is GREAT! I will never make mac n cheese the way I used to!!!
-Jacque @theDIYvillage.com
Suzannes Pastimes says
This looks delicious and sounds so simple. I will have to give it a try. Thanks for sharing!
Carol, The Answer Is Chocolate says
Looks great! I love the baked kind but don't always have the time to make it the way I like it from scratch. Thanks for sharing at this week's party.
Jill says
Simple and super tasty! The added crunch of the breadcrumbs goes so well with mac n cheese!
Thanks for linking to a Round Tuit!
Hope you have a fabulous week!
Jill @ Creating my way to Success
http://www.jembellish.blogspot.com/
Jennifer says
Yum-o! Thanks for linking up to our Pretty Things party. Hope to see you back next week!
Jenny Melrose says
Oh my goodness, it's ooey gooey goodness! That looks absolutely amazing! I found you over at Uncommon's link party. So glad I did.
Mrs. Handyverger says
Looks delicious - and easy! Yum!
Stopping by from DIY by Design's Sizzle into Summer party. 🙂
Kim (TheMoney-Pit) says
That is my kind of recipe! I love the fact you start with the box mix, because let's admit the truth: If I needed to make it from scratch, it wasn't going to happen!
Thanks for sharing!
Maria says
Mmmmm your Mac&Cheese looks absolutely delicious! Is there anything better?!!! YUM!
Printabelle says
That is a really good idea! Thanks for linking!
Louisa says
Really wish I could see the recipe...
WILLIAM BRENNAN says
yummy an people like me are still looking at this 8 years later!
Rhonda Richardson says
I'm making this for Thanksgiving????
Keri says
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it! Thanks so much for stopping by, Rhonda!
Nancy says
What temp to bake and how long? I can't find that info!
Joy Wilkins says
I was wondering too. Bake for 15 minutes but what temp? Thank you.