It’s one thing to change the taste of packaged macaroni and cheese. Everyone has their favorite way to spice up your average Kraft Blue Box, whether it’s with a few drizzles of hot sauce or a little garlic powder. It’s another thing to change the texture: that smooth, pleasantly sticky emulsification we remember from countless bowls from our childhood. Whether it’s your favorite thing in the world or not, it just feels like it should feel a certain way in your mouth. If you want to change it, you should have a good reason.

Well, here’s one: Not only can you make the texture of boxed mac and cheese richer and creamier, but you can also add a little more cheese and flavor. All you have to do is add a few generous dollops of cream cheese and you can transform the quickest, easy weeknight dinner into a luxurious experience.

Cream cheese isn’t just something you spread on your bagel. When applied to boxed macaroni and cheese, for example, it gives the dish a creamy, béchamel-like texture without having to worry about a roux and keeping it from breaking. Plus, it gives the mac and cheese a light, pleasant flavor that makes the highly processed gooey stuff from the box taste like something fresh.

Here’s how to do it: Simply assemble your mac and cheese package according to the instructions (which are listed on the package, but let’s be honest, you’ve probably memorized them by now). In addition to the butter, milk and cheese powder, add a few tablespoons of cream cheese and stir until everything is melted and blended into a gooey, creamy deliciousness. Yes, it’s that simple – and so delicious!