Boxed mac and cheese, but smarter. By swapping the milk or water in the cheese-mixing step with bone broth, you add richness, depth, and a quiet savory boost in one easy move. Because our broth is unseasoned, it blends seamlessly into the cheese sauce without overpowering it—just creamy, comforting mac with a little more going on.
From there, keep it classic or dress it up. Broccoli adds brightness, turkey bacon brings smoky crunch, and chili crisp delivers heat. It’s fast, filling, and a touch 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 once the noodles are fully cooked. If the instructions say “do not drain” (such as Easy Mac), see Cooking Notes below.
- When it’s time to mix in the cheese, replace the milk or water called for with the same amount of bone 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-style mac where the noodles are not drained, replace the cooking water entirely with bone broth. Instead of leftover water, you’ll have concentrated broth that blends directly into the cheese packet for extra depth.
Serving Notes
- Sub in frozen peas or spinach if you don’t have broccoli.
- Swap turkey bacon for pancetta, regular bacon, or crispy chickpeas.
- Add an over-easy or fried egg on top for extra richness.
- Finish with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed chips if you want extra crunch.
