A warm, creamy, cheesy dish is the ultimate comfort food. And while there are plenty of ways to make mac and cheese from scratch, sometimes you just need a quick and easy option. That’s where frozen mac and cheese comes in!
Frozen macaroni and cheese can be a great option when you’re short on time or just don’t feel like cooking. And while there are plenty of brands to choose from, not all frozen macaroni and cheese are created equal. So to help you find the best of the best, I’ve rounded up my top 10 picks for the best frozen mac and cheese.
10 Best Frozen Mac And Cheese Options
I will cover the best-frozen mac and cheese brands depending on taste, nutrition, and ease of preparation.
Marie Callender’s Vermont White Cheddar Mac & Cheese
I love white cheddar cheese, so I was excited to try this frozen macaroni and cheese. And I was not disappointed! The sauce is thick and creamy, and the pasta is cooked perfectly. It’s also a generous portion size, making it great for two people or a snack for three to four kids.
The pasta has a consistent texture throughout, and the cheese is nicely distributed. Nutritional-wise, each serving has 11 grams of protein and only 2 grams of sugar.
The only downside of this product is that it is a little high in sodium, with 1020 mg per serving.
Stouffer’s Macaroni & Cheese
I love this frozen mac and cheese because it tastes the closest to homemade out of all the brands I’ve tried. It contains real, 100% cheese with no preservatives, so you’re guaranteed a nice, rich flavor. Plus, it only takes six minutes to cook in the microwave! This makes it an excellent choice when you need something fast.
It’s loaded with 14 grams of protein per serving, so it’s a great option if you’re looking for a hearty dish. And the sauce is very thick and creamy, making it one of the more saucy options on this list.
I really enjoy eating this mac and cheese, although I wish there was a better pasta-to-cheese ratio. It can be a little too cheesy for my taste at times.
Banquet Mac & Cheese
The Banquet Mac & Cheese has a watery cheese sauce that is on the runnier side. But I actually really enjoy the consistency because it makes it easier to mix in additional ingredients like vegetables or meat.
It’s a very simple dish and serves great as a side or as a main meal. It has 240 calories per serving and 5 grams of sugar.
The Banquet Mac and Cheese is a great dish to have if you’re making other food items, or even as a side. If you want mac and cheese as your entrée though, there are some tastier options out there.
Trader Joe’s Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese
You might already have something from Trader Joe’s stored in your fridge or freezer, so why not try their frozen mac and cheese? The sauce is creamy and cheesy, and the pasta is cooked well.
I really enjoy the hatch chiles in this dish because they add a nice kick of flavor. The green chile is also a classic, undeniably tasty combination.
However, I feel that they could have added more green chile to the dish, as you’ll only find bits and pieces of it here and there. Even so, you can taste the green chile in every bite, and the cheddar is sharp which enhances the pepper flavor.
Blake’s Old Fashioned Mac & Cheese
To be honest, I was not expecting much from Blake’s Old Fashioned Mac & Cheese. But I was pleasantly surprised by how much I enjoyed it!
The pasta is a nice al dente, and the cheese sauce is thick and creamy. It’s also one of the more saucy options on this list, which I personally enjoy.
Above all, it contains rBGH-free cheddar cheese and organic pasta with a breadcrumb topping which pleases my mother who’s very overprotective when it comes to food.
Nutritionally, it is high in protein, 15 g per serving, and low in sugar, with only 1 g per serving. Plus, the sodium is only 620 mg per serving, making it a healthier option.
The only downside of this product is that it is a bit more expensive than other frozen mac and cheese options. But in my opinion, it’s worth the extra cost.
Amy’s Macaroni & Cheese
Amy’s Kitchen has a pretty good reputation for their organic and vegetarian dishes. So, I had high hopes for their frozen macaroni and cheese.
And I was not disappointed! The pasta is made with organic wheat flour and the cheese is low-fat, making it a healthier option.
I also like that it has zero preservatives, so you know you’re getting a quality product.
Also, it comes with a wide range of gluten-free options, as well as a light version and a low-sodium option.
It is also priced reasonably, making it a great option for those on a budget.
365 Foods White Cheddar Shells & Cheese
We all have tasted something from 365 whole food kitchen cause they are easily available in most stores.
When I tried their frozen macaroni and cheese, I was not expecting much. But I was pleasantly surprised by the flavor and creaminess of the cheese sauce.
365’s mac and cheese uses organic ingredients, just like Amy’s. But it has a lower calorie and sodium levels than many of its competitors.
The only downside is that the taste, richness, and creaminess do not quite measure up to other brands. Though, you can rectify this by adding your own herbs and spices to enhance the flavor.
Smart One’s Mac & Cheese (Weight Watchers)
I loved the chewier pasta Smart Ones used in their mac and cheese. And while the sauce wasn’t as creamy as I would have liked, the flavor was pretty good.
Smart Ones is owned by Weight Watchers. So, it’s not surprising that their mac and cheese is a healthier option.
It has fewer calories and fat than most of its competitors. Plus, it is a good source of protein, with 13 g per serving.
The only downside is that the sauce can be a bit watery. But overall, it’s a decent frozen mac and cheese option.
The only reason to include these on my list is that they are really a diet alternative for those looking to lose weight.
If you want a healthier option, I suggest Smart Ones. But if you’re looking for a more indulgent mac and cheese experience, I would recommend one of the other brands on this list.
Hormel Macaroni And Cheese
From the packaging, it says it has American and cheddar cheeses. I was curious to see how much of a difference this would make.
This cheese blend has a more powerful taste than the alternative options on this list. Although it is quite salty, this spaghetti still tastes delicious.
Hormel macaroni and cheese perfectly satisfies our comfort food cravings. It has the perfect texture, delicately cooked noodles, and a cheesy flavor that hits all the right notes. Plus, it’s hearty enough to serve as a side dish for three people.
Also, it comes with a microwavable tray which is definitely a plus.
The only downside is the high sodium content. But overall, it’s a delicious frozen mac and cheese option.
Evol Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese
Who doesn’t like parmesan and truffle?
Evol’s take on mac and cheese includes these two gourmet ingredients. And the result is a delicious, rich, and creamy dish.
The truffle flavor is great and not too overwhelming. And the Parmesan cheese gives it a lovely salty taste.
This cheesy macaroni does taste like homemade food. Which is a big win in my opinion. And the complimentary truffle flavor takes it to the next level.
But recently they have changed their recipe. And, the new version is not as good as the old one. But overall, it’s still a great frozen macaroni and cheese option.
Bonus Pick: Chili’s Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese
This is a restaurant-type dish that I try once in a while.
The thing I loved most about this dish is the chunks of savory bacon. They add a great flavor and texture to the dish.
And the cheese sauce is rich, creamy, and bold. It’s everything you want in a mac and cheese sauce.
Furthermore, the dish has poblano peppers to make it a little spicier and tastier.
I wish it has low sodium content. But other than that, it is a delicious frozen mac and cheese option.
FAQs – About Best Frozen Mac And Cheese
Can you cook mac and cheese from frozen?
Yes, you can cook mac and cheese from frozen. Just follow the cooking instructions on the packaging. It usually takes 5-12 minutes of microwaving or baking it in the oven for 25-35 minutes.
Is frozen mac and cheese as good as homemade?
It depends. Some frozen mac and cheeses are just as good as homemade. But some are not. It really depends on the brand and recipe. Stouffer’s, for example, makes a really good frozen macaroni and cheese.
What is the healthiest frozen macaroni and cheese?
There are a few brands that make healthier versions of frozen macaroni and cheese. Smart Ones, for example, is owned by Weight Watchers. So, their mac and cheese is a healthier option. Not only does it has fewer calories and fat than most of its competitors, but Plus, it is also a good source of protein, with 13 g per serving.
What is the best frozen mac and cheese?
It really depends on your personal preference. But I would recommend you to try Stouffers, Annie’s, or Chili’s frozen mac and cheese. They are all delicious and will satisfy your comfort food cravings.
Macaroni & Cheese For All
Whether you like your mac and cheese with a twist or you prefer the classic version, there is definitely a frozen option for you. In this article, we have reviewed 10 of the best frozen mac and cheese.
If you are looking for a healthier option, we would recommend Smart Ones. And if you are looking for a gourmet option, we would recommend Evol’s Truffle Parmesan Mac & Cheese.
But overall, all the options on this list are delicious and will satisfy your comfort food cravings. So, go ahead and try them all!
I’m Rachel, and I love food. I especially love writing about food – reviewing different brands and items, and sharing my thoughts on new frozen foods that hit the market.
Food is a huge part of my life, and I love trying new things. That’s why I’m so excited to be working on my blog Pickfrozenfood.com. I will be always innovating and coming out with new review, and I know that I’ll be able to try lots of great food with them.
