7 Ways to Level-Up Your Mac and Cheese Game

With a few add-ins, your packaged mac and cheese can be better than ever.

We all love mac and cheese. But if you ever wish for just a bit more than the classic flavor, check this out!

 

It's so easy—just start with a box of Annie's™ mac and cheese, then add in the other ingredients listed for each different variety. The hardest part is choosing which one to try first!

 

1. Mexican Green Chile Mac and Cheese

You can never go wrong with a little Mexican spice. So just add some Old El Paso™ seasoning and chiles to your mac and notice the difference!

What you need:

• 1 (6 oz) box Annie’s™ Mac and Cheese, prepared as directed

Then stir in these ingredients and serve immediately:

• 2 teaspoons Old El Paso™ Taco Seasoning
• 1 (4 oz) can Old El Paso™ Diced Green Chiles

 

2. Broccoli, Cheddar and Bacon Mac and Cheese

I adore the classic combo of broccoli and cheddar, so this one is a favorite. Just add in some Green Giant broccoli... plus some bacon, of course!

What you need:

• 1 (6 oz) box Annie’s™ Mac and Cheese, prepared as directed on package

Then stir in these ingredients and serve immediately:

• 1 cup Green Giant™ Veggies Steamers Broccoli Florets, prepared as directed on package
• 2-3 sliced cooked bacon, crumbled

 

3. Creamy Fire Roasted Tomato Basil Mac and Cheese

When looking to add flavor, I can always count on fire-roasted tomatoes. And some basil and cream just seemed like the natural thing to do next. And oh, was it good!

What you need:

• 1 (6 oz) box Annie’s™ Mac and Cheese, prepared as directed on package

Then stir in these ingredients and serve immediately:

• 1 (14 oz) Muir Glen™ Fire Roasted Tomatoes, drained
• 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped

 

4. Greek Mac and Cheese

I love this one! It’s filled with olives, sun-dried tomatoes and a little Yoplait™ Greek Yogurt. Goddess perfection!

What you need:

• 1 (6 oz) box Annie’s™ Mac and Cheese, prepared as directed on package

Then stir in these ingredients and serve immediately:

• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, halved
• 1/4 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained of oil
• 1/4 cup Yoplait™ Plain Greek Yogurt

 

5. Baked Caprese Mac and Cheese

With summer practically here, I cannot get enough caprese in my life… caprese mac and cheese is like a whole new level of deliciousness! 

What you need:

• 1 (6 oz) box Annie’s™ Mac and Cheese, prepared as directed on package

Then stir in these ingredients and serve immediately:

• 1 roma tomato, sliced
• 1 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh mozzarella, diced

 

6. Green Pea and Crispy Prosciutto Mac and Cheese

Need a way to get kids (and adults) to eat their peas? Stir them into mac and cheese! Trust me, this combo is not only a good idea, it's delicious too.

What you need:

• 1 (6 oz) box Annie’s™ Mac and Cheese, prepared as directed on package

Then stir in these ingredients and serve immediately:

• 2 sliced cooked prosciutto, crumbled
• 1 cup Green Giant™ Steamers Sweet Peas, prepared as directed on package

 

7. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese

Talk about flavor bomb! This mac and cheese is spicy, cheesy and oh-so-perfect. If you're a Buffalo chicken fan, this mac and cheese is for you!

What you need:

• 1 (6 oz) box Annie’s™ Mac and Cheese, prepared as directed on package

Then stir in these ingredients and serve immediately:

• 1/2 cup shredded chicken
• 2-4 tablespoons buffalo sauce
• 2-4 tablespoons blue cheese

 

So, which are you going to try first?