This Completely Changed the Way We Thought About Boxed Mac and Cheese!

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Three Bridges. All opinions are my own.

If you have kids, chances are that macaroni and cheese is a dish that you are intimately familiar with. Mac and cheese is to parenting as Christmas lights are to the month of December. Technically you can do without it, but kids always ask for it, so why would you? The problem for us has always been finding the time to make really good mac and cheese that doesn't come out of a box. Thankfully Three Bridges Creamy Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese Kit has literally changed the way we think about boxed mac and cheese. They've made it amazingly simple to make this family mealtime staple in mere minutes, with no cheese-like dust, hormones, preservatives, or antibiotics. It was so easy my daughter even helped out making it for us for dinner!

As a parent, I love that Three Bridges leaves out those three ingredients. However, if I were to be honest, I love the taste and the convenience even more. Let's talk first about the flavor. We were skeptical that it would taste any better than other brand's mac and cheese, but I can honestly say we were blown away. Not only did my kids suck down the Three Bridges Creamy Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Kit, but my wife and I are convinced that it's perfect to serve to grownups as well. That's okay to admit right? You can't get your adult card taken away by admitting you love mac and cheese?


But why is it is so convenient? If you think powdered mac and cheese is easy to prepare, then you haven't seen anything. To make this this macaroni and cheese kit you only need to bring milk to a simmer, melt in the included shredded cheese, and then heat up the already cooked pasta for about 30 seconds. In 3-5 minutes you go from refrigerator to table. You know in "parent-time" minutes can feel like hours so every spare minute you have is like a surprise bonus in your paycheck.

Because Mac and Cheese is such a delicious choice of picky eaters everywhere, I thought I would share three ideas to mix your kids' meals up a little. Every once in awhile you just need to make a different sort of dinner. It's as much for your sanity as it is for your kids' tastebuds. These recipes are for those times when you just need a change..

1. Mac and Cheese Sliders: Prepare Three Bridges Creamy Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Kit as directed on box. Form hamburger meat into a little bowl and fill with mac and cheese. Cover with more meat to enclose mac and cheese into a ball. Flatten slightly to make a patty. Cook on the stove top over medium heat until done. Place in a slider pretzel bun and serve with toppings that your kids love!

2. Fried Mac and Cheese Bites: Prepare Three Bridges Creamy Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Kit as directed. Place in refrigerator until cold. Form mac and cheese balls and place on wax paper lined cookie sheet in the freezer for one hour. Beat eggs and milk together in bowl. Dip mac and cheese balls in egg mixture and then roll in bread crumbs. Fry in oil in skillet for 3-4 minutes. Your whole family will love it!

3. Grilled Mac and Cheese Sandwich Triangles in Shots of Tomato Soup: Make Three Bridges Creamy Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Kit according to directions on box. Prepare grilled cheese sandwich in a skillet, but instead of using plain cheese, spoon mac and cheese in between bread slices instead. Prepare tomato soup. Pour warm soup into small cups. Cut sandwiches into triangles small enough to dip into glasses. Kids love to dip their food and this might be their new favorite recipe!

As you can see, Three Bridges Creamy Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese Kits are great for a quick side dish, or as an ingredient in a different sort of entree. Either way, you can't go wrong! Check the Three Bridges website to see where you can find the Mac & Cheese kit in your area, and don't forget to get your kids involved in the cooking process as well.