Jacked up Macaroni and Cheese

The easiest way to make boxed macaroni and cheese taste like homemade. Check out the list below to see the variations and add-ins that can take this macaroni to a whole new level. This came from What's For Dinner Family Meal Plans. I have not tried this; posting for future use.

• Ready In: 46 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• 7 1⁄4 ounces  kraft cheddar cheese macaroni and cheese
• 7 1⁄4 ounces  kraft white cheddar cheese macaroni and cheese
• 4  cups boiling water
• 1⁄2 cup butter or 1⁄2 cup margarine, melted plus 2 tablespoons
• 1  cup milk
• 2  cups  shredded cheddar cheese
• 10  Ritz crackers, crushed
• 6  slices bacon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Add both boxes of macaroni (pasta only) into a casserole dish and add water.
3. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 8 minutes.
4. After 8 minutes lift foil, stir gently, replace foil and bake for another 8 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, add 2 tablespoons melted butter to the crushed Ritz crushed crackers and mix.
6. Lay strips of bacon on a plate and cover with a paper towel.
7. Microwave at 30 second intervals until bacon is crispy.
8. Once bacon is cool, crumble into pieces.
9. When pasta is ready, remove from oven and stir in 1/2 cup butter, milk and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
10. Top with remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon and crushed crackers.
11. Return to oven, uncovered, until topping is golden brown and bubbling (about 15 minutes). Serve.
12. Additional add-ins: grilled chicken, broccoli, peas, tuna, salsa or ground beef.
13. Healthy Alternatives: Use whole grain or veggie pasta. Add whole grain crushed crackers for topping.