10 Best Box Mac and Cheeses of 2023 (Chef-Reviewed)

Pros:

• Only extra ingredient needed is water
• Comes packaged with a cheese sauce 
• Shells perfectly capture and hold cheese sauce 

Cons:

• Some reviewers state the mac and cheese is too salty 

What sets Velveeta shells and cheese apart from other boxed mac and cheeses is the added convenience of coming with creamy liquid cheese sauce; you don't need to have milk or butter on hand. Just add water to the sauce to create a smooth and creamy mac and cheese.

A few reviewers say the mac and cheese tastes a bit salty. However, many buyers love how the dish is creamy and filling. They appreciate the mac and cheese comes with a liquid sauce; it is easier to prepare than those that come with a cheese powder mix. 

Pros:

• Easy to prepare on stovetop or in the microwave
• One box creates three servings for a quick meal

Cons:

• A few reviewers say the formula changed, and the taste isn't as good as it used to be
  

Kraft's original flavor macaroni and cheese dinner is a classic favorite with a rich and cheesy taste and no artificial flavors, dyes, or preservatives. Add milk, and butter or margarine to the powdered cheese packet and you'll have a tasty meal in under 10 minutes. 

Some reviewers say it doesn't taste as good in the last few years as it used to. However, many reviewers compliment the cheesy taste and the creamy texture. Buyers also point out how this mac and cheese is a great comfort food because it so familiar and has a rich taste.

Pros:

• Organic pasta
• Aged cheddar for sharp cheese flavor
  
• Orange color that kids love comes from natural annatto
  

Cons:

• A few customers report the cheese mix can become a bit clumpy 

This macaroni and cheese from Annie's sets itself apart because it features real aged cheddar cheese. The aging process gives the cheddar a sharper flavor and also a hint of tang. This boxed mac and cheese boasts organic shells, and it is free from artificial flavors. 

Some buyers state the cheese mix tends to clump together; it needs to be mixed well. However, most reviewers love the taste of the cheddar cheese. They also appreciate the use of organic and natural ingredients. 

Pros: 

• Rotini pasta is great for collecting cheese sauce
• Cheese blend and jalapeño for a rich flavorful dish 
• Easy to make on the stovetop or in the microwave

Cons:

• Some buyers note the mac and cheese has a bit of an artificial taste

This mac and cheese from Cheetos boasts a blend of five different cheeses for a rich flavor. It also contains garlic, onion, and jalapeño pepper to give it a spicy kick. If it's not cheesy enough for you, you can even crumble some Cheetos puffs over your bowl for a crunchy topping!

Some reviewers point out an artificial taste present in the mac and cheese. However, many positive reviews love the velvety texture of this mac and cheese. They say it has a rich cheesy flavor, and they love the hint of heat. 

Pros:

• Comes with a prepared cheese sauce 
• Sharp white cheddar gives a nutty flavor
• Seasoned breadcrumb topping is included
  

Cons:

• A couple of buyers feel the mac and cheese is too salty

This Cracker Barrel mac and cheese features the brand's award-winning cheese. The sharp white cheddar is made using a special aging technique and gives a distinct bold flavor. This product is also created without artificial flavors or dyes. 

A few reviewers mention that this mac and cheese has too much salt and it overpowers the other flavors. But other reviewers say the mac and cheese is tasty and creamy. They love how quick and easy it is to prepare. 

Pros:

• Sauce made from pumpkin, sweet potato, paprika, onion and garlic
  
• Certified organic
• Shells work great for collecting creamy sauce 

Cons:

• Some reviewers find the flavor to be too subtle or sweet
  

This vegan mac and "cheese" will satisfy your comfort food craving while cutting out the dairy. The sauce is a combination of sweet potato and pumpkin, so it will add a sweet taste with a hint of spice. The directions on the box recommend adding non-dairy milk and give the option to add non-dairy butter for a creamy texture. 

A few buyers say the taste can be quite subtle; they recommend adding the non-dairy butter for more flavor. On the other hand, many reviewers appreciate a vegan option for this familiar comfort food. Buyers enjoy sharing their favorite non-dairy milk to add to the recipe to make it their own. 

Pros:

• Gluten-free pasta made from corn and rice
• Same cheese sauce as in their regular mac and cheese
• One box makes two servings
  

Cons:

• A few buyers say the pasta has a bit of an aftertaste 

This gluten-free version of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese is perfect for those with dietary restrictions. It keeps the popular cheese mix packet but ditches the gluten in favor of brown rice and corn flour pasta. Like the original, the gluten-free mac and cheese is made without artificial dyes, flavors, and preservatives. 

Some reviewers state the pasta has a strange aftertaste. However, many buyers love the taste of the familiar cheese mix. They are excited to be able to enjoy a favorite comfort food that meets their dietary needs. 

Pros:

• Porous pasta great for drinking up cheese 
• Certified organic 
• Fun pasta shapes appeal to kids
  
• Vegan options available
  

Cons:

• A few say the cheese packet is too dry or flavorless
  

This dinosaur-shaped pasta is made a classic way; slow dying that creates a rough surface, which is perfect for collecting and holding creamy cheese sauce. With the various shapes, family-size box made of recycled paper, and the organic and non-GMO labels, this is a mac and cheese that's healthy and fun for your kids as well as eco-friendly.

Buyers appreciate that the product is organic. They say that their kids love the fun shapes and the mac and cheese tastes great. 

Pros:

• Comes with an already made cheese sauce 
• Includes spice packet with tomatoes, onions and garlic
  
• Rich velvety texture

Cons:

• A couple reviewers say the seasoning can overwhelm the taste 

With macaroni, cheese sauce, and seasonings, Velveeta Skillets are easy to prepare. While ground beef is recommended to make cheeseburger mac, you can add any protein or vegetables you like. Simply cook the beef, drain, add water, the seasonings, and the pasta, and cook. Finally, stir in the cheese sauce.

A few buyers state the seasoning is overwhelming, especially the garlic. On the other hand, many reviewers love how quick and easy this dish is to prepare. They say it is very filling, and many have special ingredients they like to add to make the mac and cheese their own. 

Pros: 

• Cheddar, Havarti and swiss cheese make for a more mature flavor profile
  
• Directions are specific to oven-baked mac and cheese; no need to change boiling times or ingredient amounts
  
• Comes with seasoned breadcrumb topping
  

Cons:

• Some felt the taste was too bland
  

This mix is perfect if you want something that tastes like homemade baked mac and cheese. The steps include boiling the pasta, making a roux, and then baking, so it's not the simplest on our list. But the included spices and three-cheese sauce, plus breadcrumbs, make it a handy and savory meal.

Some reviewers didn't prefer the flavors imparted by the swiss and Havarti cheeses, but it also comes in simple cheddar if you prefer. Others say it tastes better than even some restaurants' dishes! They say although it has several steps, they're not hard, and well worth it for the comforting taste.