If you've ever been to Hawaii, you've probably noticed two things almost immediately…
First, it's absolutely beautiful.
Second…why does a gallon of milk cost the same as a small car payment?!
Okay, maybe that's a slight exaggeration…but after seeing grocery prices on the islands, I suddenly understood why people treasure every last drop of milk.
So imagine my surprise when I found myself eating one of the most comforting bowls of Hawaii Mac and Cheese…only to discover it was basically Kraft Mac & Cheese with Spam.
That's it.
That's the recipe.
And honestly?
I wasn't even mad about it.
Some recipes are fancy.
Some recipes take all afternoon.
And then there's Hawaii Mac and Cheese—proof that sometimes the simplest food is exactly what hits the spot.
Ingredients for Hawaii Mac and Cheese
How to make Hawaii Mac and Cheese: ingredients you need!
The Secret Ingredient? Spam!
Before visiting Hawaii, I thought Spam was one of those foods people joked about.
Then I went to Hawaii…
Apparently Spam is practically its own food group over there.
You'll find it in breakfast, lunch, dinner, sushi, fried rice, musubi…and yes, even Hawaii Mac and Cheese.
At first I was skeptical.
Then I took one bite.
Now I get it.
The salty, crispy Spam mixed into creamy Kraft macaroni somehow just works.
It's simple.
It's nostalgic.
And honestly…it's delicious.
Who knew?
So all you need for this recipe is Spam and Kraft Mac N Cheese
Ingredients
1 box Kraft Mac & Cheese
1 can Spam
Milk (amount called for on the Kraft box)
Butter (amount called for on the Kraft box)
Hawaii Mac and Cheese Video Tutorial
For those of you who would love a visual step-by-step tutorial here is one for you!
How to Make Hawaii Mac and Cheese
How to Make Hawaii Mac and Cheese: A Step-by-Step Guide
Cook the macaroni
according to the directions on the Kraft Mac & Cheese box. Drain well.
Dice the Spam
into small bite-sized cubes.
Crisp the Spam
in a skillet over medium heat for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges are golden brown.
Prepare the cheese sauce
by adding the butter, milk, and cheese packet to the cooked macaroni. Stir until smooth and creamy.
Fold in the crispy Spam
and mix until evenly combined.
Serve immediately
while warm and creamy.
Hawaii Mac and Cheese: SIDE IDEA
The Best Part About Hawaii Mac and Cheese
Screenshot
One thing I absolutely love about Hawaii Mac and Cheese is that it doesn't pretend to be something it's not.
No fancy cheese blend.
No homemade roux.
No twelve-step cheese sauce.
Just good old Kraft Mac & Cheese, crispy Spam, and comfort in a bowl.
Sometimes the best recipes are the ones that remind us food doesn't have to be complicated to be memorable.
Crazy Busy Mama Tip
If you're cooking the Spam, dice it up and crisp it in a skillet before stirring it into your Hawaii Mac and Cheese. Those crispy edges add so much flavor and texture that you'll wonder why you've never added Spam to mac and cheese before. (Trust me—even the skeptics usually go back for seconds!)
Fun Fact!!
Why Is Spam So Popular in Hawaii?
Spam has been a staple in Hawaii for decades because it became widely available during World War II and remained a pantry favorite across the islands.
Today, Hawaii eats more Spam per person than any other U.S. state—and once you start trying local dishes, it's easy to understand why.
It shows up everywhere.
Seriously…everywhere.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Mama, If you give this recipe a try and love it, I’d be thrilled if you could leave a comment and a 5-star rating below! Your feedback not only makes my day but also helps me understand what kinds of recipes you'd like to see more of.
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