Boxed mac & cheese, but smarter. By swapping the milk or water in the cheese-mixing step with Reclamation's bone broth, you boost the protein and richness in one easy step—and get straight umami sneaking into every bite. Because our broth is unseasoned (no salt, veggies, or herbs), it blends seamlessly into the cheese sauce while adding a nourishing upgrade. From there, you can keep it classic or dress it up: broccoli for brightness, turkey bacon for smoky crunch, or chili crisp if you're craving heat. It's fast, filling, and just a little more nourishing than the mac you grew up with.
Makes 1-2 servings.
Ingredients
- 1 box mac & cheese
- ¼ cup Reclamation Korean-Style Pork Bone Broth (or Beef Bone Broth)
Optional Toppings
- ½ head broccoli, chopped and steamed
- 3 slices turkey bacon, cooked and chopped
- Chili crisp
Method
- Cook the boxed mac & cheese according to package instructions, stopping after the noodles are cooked. If the instructions say "do not drain" (e.g. Easy Mac), see Cooking Notes below.
- Instead of the milk or water called for when mixing in the cheese, add the same amount of broth.
- Stir in the cheese packet until creamy and smooth.
- Fold in steamed broccoli and turkey bacon, if using.
- Finish with a drizzle of chili crisp for heat.
Cooking Notes
- If using an instant mac like Easy Mac (where you don't drain the noodles): replace the water entirely with broth. Instead of leftover cooking water, you'll have richly condensed broth to blend the cheese packet into.
Serving Notes
- Sub in frozen peas or spinach if you don't have broccoli.
- Swap turkey bacon for crispy pancetta, regular bacon, or crispy chickpeas—whatever you have on hand.
- Add an over-easy or fried egg on top for extra richness.
- A sprinkle of toasted breadcrumbs or crushed chips adds crunch if you want to go full "adult comfort food."