Make Easy Mac Way Better With A One-Ingredient Upgrade

Few dishes are more nostalgic than homemade macaroni and cheese. Good things take time, but sometimes we want food that's as comforting as it is easy to cook. That's why instant mac and cheese, sold in perfectly portioned microwavable cups and individual packets, is such a nifty pantry staple. When the craving hits, dump the cheese powder over a bowl of uncooked noodles, pour in some water, press a few buttons, and voila — perfectly satisfying mac and cheese, every time.

However, swapping the water for milk is something most people don't do to make mac and cheese pop. For this trick, you can use whatever milk you have in your fridge, but the higher the fat content, the better. Whole milk works especially well, since the extra fat adds a decadent creaminess, but even a splash of 2% can elevate the texture. Just like boxed cake mixes, salad dressings, or instant drink powders, any recipe that calls for water makes us wonder what could be swapped in for more flavor. Easy Mac is no different. Milk is an effortless substitute for water in this three-minute dinner, and it'll satisfy any of your sharp, cheesy cravings.

If you've ever made Kraft's boxed mac and cheese, you know the instructions usually call for butter and milk, not just water. Adding these dairy components back in is the simplest way to improve your meal while still keeping everything microwave-friendly. The cheese powder blends more smoothly, and the sauce turns out thicker and silkier due to the milk's fat content. The whole dish feels far closer to homemade than something that came from a cup. 

If you're nervous about milk curdling or burning, try microwaving in increments or at a lower power, so that the milk doesn't get too hot, too fast. A pinch of flour or cornstarch can help stabilize the mixture as well, similar to how a roux is used in made-from-scratch mac and cheese. Heavy cream is less likely to curdle or separate, so using half-and-half or half water, half heavy cream should be a safe bet as well.

There are several ways to give boxed macaroni a flavor boost. Tossing a pat of butter on top can give the sauce a glossy, velvety finish, while a small spoonful of Dijon mustard adds a tangy savoriness. However you like to dress it up, remember that milk is the key — it brings all these wonderful flavors together into one cohesive and microwavable meal.