We all love a good mac and cheese. But let’s face it, sometimes settling with the boxed version can start to taste bland. Thankfully, Blake Lively shows us that you can elevate your store-bought mac and cheese without breaking a sweat. Yes, the actress who’s more known for her red carpet looks than her kitchen skills is actually a mac and cheese pro—at least when it comes to the box! Ready to take your mac and cheese game to the next level? You’ll want to hear Blake Lively’s mac and cheese hack.
More cheese, less work
Blake Lively’s hack for boxed mac and cheese is, as she puts it, “minimal effort, minimal ingredients and so much cheese.” That’s a combo we can definitely get behind. In a now-viral Instagram story from a few years ago, she shared that while she’s a “mac & cheese passionate,” she doesn’t follow the typical box instructions. Nope—Lively’s method swaps out the usual milk and butter for a deliciously cheesy concoction that turns a plain box into a gourmet side dish.
@rachlmansfield EXTRA CREAMY CHEDDY MAC AND CHEESE! plus a giveaway!!!! @GOODLES launched their first ever gluten-free macaroni and cheese at whole foods and when i tell you we have already went through a dozen boxes of it, i am not kidding. i put blake lively’s spin on it after seeing this trend all over and this has been my go-to method now when making it. plus a little extra veggies because i can’t help myself. *SAVE* this recipe to try + don’t forget to enter our giveaway below for a $200 whole foods gift card and 3 months of goodles!!!!! all you have to do is tag 2 friends in the comments below and say your favorite ingredient to add to goodles! INGREDIENTS: goodles cheddy mac cream cheese milk shredded cheddar cheese cheese powder packet (from the box) FULL RECIPE: https://rachlmansfield.com/blake-livelys-boxed-mac-and-cheese-hack/ #boxedmacandcheese #macandcheese #macaroniandcheese #goodles #glutenfreerecipes
So what’s her secret? A hefty splash of milk, a third of a block of cream cheese and—get ready for this—two handfuls of freshly grated cheese. But not just any cheese: she recommends sharp cheddar, hard goat cheese or Gouda. You can mix and match this trio, but the more flavorful, the better. And it works.
What you’ll need
For Lively’s version of this mac and cheese, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:
- A box of your favorite mac and cheese (Blake’s go-to is Gal Gadot’s Goodles, but Kraft works too)
- A block of sharp cheddar cheese
- A block of Gouda cheese (optional)
- A block of cream cheese
- Whole milk
A few tips for making Blake Lively’s mac and cheese
Lively’s mac and cheese hack isn’t complicated, but there are a few things to keep in mind for the best results:
- Use whole milk: It’s important to use whole milk for the creamiest texture. Trust us, the splash of milk is key to making this recipe extra decadent.
- Go fresh on the cheese: Grated cheese melts better and helps you get that smooth, velvety sauce. Skip the pre-shredded cheese bags, and do it yourself for that restaurant-quality finish.
- Experiment with cheeses: While Lively sticks with cheddar, Gouda and cream cheese, feel free to get creative with your own cheese combos. A little Gruyère? Yes, please.
How to make Blake Lively’s mac and cheese
While Lively didn’t share an official recipe for her mac and cheese hack, we put together an easy step-by-step guide. Overall, it should take just a few minutes longer than the original boxed recipe (and a lot of it is grating). And if you have leftovers, here’s how to reheat it so it stays creamy.
Directions:
- Total Time: About 20 minutes
- Yield: About 3 servings
1. Prep the ingredients
Start by slicing off a third of the cream cheese block. Let it sit on the counter while you cook the pasta and shred the cheeses. Meanwhile, put a pot of water on the stove to boil, and cook the noodles according to the package directions.
2. Shred the cheese
While the noodles cook, grab your sharp cheddar and Gouda (if using) and shred them into a large bowl. Lively recommends two big handfuls of cheese, so go generous here.
3. Combine
Once the noodles are cooked and drained, add them back to the pot. Now, add in the mac and cheese packet, the freshly grated cheeses, the cream cheese and a splash of milk (about a quarter cup). Stir everything together until the cheese melts, and the sauce coats the pasta.
4. Serve (and enjoy)
You’ll notice the mac and cheese turn a vibrant orange color. than the usual boxed version. And the flavor? Bold and creamy with a tang from the sharp cheddar and smoothness from the Gouda and cream cheese. Eat it immediately, because it’s just that good.
