Cheesy, creamy and ready in minutes, it’s no surprise this childhood staple still finds its way into our kitchens — and our hearts. Use these 10 drool-worthy hacks to turn a regular box of macaroni and cheese into a more mouthwatering, satisfying experience.
![Kale Mac and Cheese Cups](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/7c66e997-df80-44cb-b622-3bac652b5d30_Kale-Mac-and-Cheese-Cups.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Kale Mac and Cheese Cups
Sub in boxed mac and cheese and then add in kale to create these hearty, cheesy cups.
![Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese with Sausage and Hash Browns](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/10ec0ade-564e-41a8-ae7e-0a7e8f0169e5_breakfast-macaroni-cheese-sausage-hash-browns_webready.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Breakfast Macaroni and Cheese With Sausage and Hash Browns
This breakfast-inspired mac and cheese is topped with hash browns for a delicious crispy crunch, and can be simplified with boxed macaroni in lieu of elbow pasta and sharp cheddar cheese.
![Ree Drummond's Mac and Cheese Stuffed Peppers, as seen on The Pioneer Woman.](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/WU1912_Mac-and-Cheese-Stuffed-Peppers_feat-scaled-e1643216345168.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Mac and Cheese Stuffed Peppers
Using boxed mac and cheese can speed up the process with these savoury stuffed and roasted poblano peppers.
![Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/f18cea18-a7a4-4ab3-aba9-32cce8aec8c4_buffalo-chicken-mac-n-cheese_WebReady.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Buffalo Chicken Mac 'n' Cheese
A healthy dose of buffalo wing sauce, cubed chicken and blue cheese gives plain old mac and cheese a gourmet kick in this fully loaded dish. To use boxed mac and cheese, simply prepare according to package instructions, add in Buffalo sauce and top with cooling blue cheese.
![Braided Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Roll](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/444d3bd0-c291-4b67-9c75-0c0b98d9bf9d_braided-cheeseburger-mac-and-cheese-roll_WebReady.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Braided Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese Roll
Don’t be intimidated by the braided pastry in this buttery roll chock-full of macaroni, cheese and beef. The easy-to-prepare treat makes for a decadent meal the whole family will love.
![](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/f060389e-1a92-4be9-89b5-4967d6e844c9_ketchup-chip-mac-n-cheese-balls_WebReady-2.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Ketchup Chip Mac and Cheese Balls
The perfect appetizer or cocktail party treat, these mac and cheese balls are coated with tangy ketchup chips.
![Mac 'N Cheese with Bacon and Cheese](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/277dbe61-1adc-42c3-a148-e9faab770eae_mac-cheese-bacon-cheese_webready.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Mac 'N Cheese With Bacon and Cheese
Creamy mac and cheese gets a savoury update with bacon and herbs — a surefire way to wow kids and adults alike.
![Bacon Ramen-oni and Cheese](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/b33ef853-fc89-4c40-a197-b27a56aefb38_bacon-ramen-oni-and-cheese_WebReady.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Bacon Ramen-oni and Cheese
Fragrant bacon and upgrade a cheesy staple to a new delicious level.
![Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/9077d4b6-c77b-43f8-a023-3c832a53ffc7_creamy-baked-macaroni-cheese_webready.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese
Baking your mac and cheese is a surefire way to enhance the satisfying flavour — like with this yummy recipe featuring Gruyere cheese.
![Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole](https://api.vip.foodnetwork.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/7e4783b5-015f-4754-8738-9ab618fd3c2f_butter-chicken-mac-and-cheese-casserole_WebReady.jpg?w=3840&quality=75)
Butter Chicken Mac and Cheese Casserole
The flavours of butter chicken update a simple mac and cheese recipe with this comfort food casserole.