Kamil Perry
Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese is a convenient, tasty, and creamy pasta dish. It is a popular choice for those seeking a quick and easy meal, as it can be simply heated and served. The product is available in different packaging formats, including trays and pouches, with varying serving sizes. The yield size ranges from 304 oz to 392 oz per case, resulting in 40 to 48 servings. Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese is made with freshly prepared pasta, 100% real cheese, and sea salt, delivering a delicious and indulgent experience.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Cooked macaroni, water, semolina wheat flour, wheat gluten, skim milk, water, cheddar cheese, cheddar club cheese, bleached wheat flour, soybean oil, butter, potassium chloride, butter flavor, xanthan gum, yeast extract, lactic acid, calcium lactate |
| Allergens | Wheat, milk, egg |
| Weight | 4x76 oz, 4x96 oz, 4x64 oz, 4x80 oz, 4x98 oz |
| Servings | 40, 48, 31, 40 |
| Preparation | Can be heated in a convection oven, conventional oven, combi oven, microwave oven, boiling water, or low-pressure steamers |
| Shelf Life | 540-720 days when stored under 32°F |
| Add-ons | Breadcrumb-parmesan cheese mixture, chopped tomatoes, green bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, onions, ground cumin, chili powder, assorted veggies, meats, breadcrumbs, flavor concentrates |
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What You'll Learn
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese preparation
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese is a convenient and tasty meal option, perfect for a quick lunch or dinner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to prepare it:
Choosing the Right Stouffer's Mac & Cheese Product
Stouffer's offers different sizes of Mac & Cheese, such as the individual serving size or the family-size option. Choose the one that best suits your needs.
Preheating the Oven
If you're using an oven to prepare Stouffer's Mac & Cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F. Do not use a toaster oven or attempt to reheat the tray, as it is not recommended by the manufacturer.
Heating Instructions
The heating instructions may vary slightly depending on the specific Stouffer's Mac & Cheese product you have purchased. Always refer to the package instructions first. In general, trays can be heated in a convection oven, conventional oven, combi-oven, or microwave. If you're using the microwave, follow the instructions on the package for the appropriate heating time. For pouches, boil water or use a low-pressure steamer to heat the product.
Serving
Once heated, exercise caution as the product will be hot. Serve the Mac & Cheese and enjoy the classic taste of creamy cheese and al dente noodles.
Storage
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese has a long shelf life of between 540 and 720 days when stored at a temperature below 32°F. Even after opening, the product can maintain its creamy sauce and al dente noodle texture for up to 2 to 4 hours.
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Stouffer's Mac & Cheese ingredients
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese is a popular frozen meal option, known for its creamy, cheesy taste. It is made with 100% real cheese, providing a classic flavour that has made it a favourite among customers.
The main ingredients in Stouffer's Mac & Cheese include cooked macaroni, cheddar cheese, skim milk, and various seasonings. The macaroni is made from durum wheat semolina, which gives it a tender texture. It is then blended with sharp cheddar cheese to create a creamy sauce. This combination of freshly made pasta and real cheddar cheese sauce is what sets Stouffer's apart and delivers that signature taste.
A closer look at the ingredients list reveals the following:
- Cooked Macaroni (Water, Semolina Wheat Flour, Wheat Gluten)
- Skim Milk
- Water
- Cheddar Cheese (Cultured Milk, Salt, Enzymes, Annatto Color)
- Cheddar Club Cheese (a blend of Cheddar Cheese, Water, Salt, and Annatto Color)
- Bleached Wheat Flour
- Soybean Oil
- Salt
- Butter (Cream, Salt)
- Potassium Chloride
- Butter Flavor (Maltodextrin, Natural Flavor, Annatto & Turmeric Color)
- Xanthan Gum
- Yeast Extract
- Lactic Acid
- Calcium Lactate
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese provides a versatile base for customisation. Many customers choose to add their own twist, such as Mexican seasonings, assorted vegetables, meats, or breadcrumbs. It can be a great side dish or a hearty main course when customised with additional proteins and ingredients.
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Stouffer's Mac & Cheese taste
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese is a popular frozen meal option, known for its rich and creamy taste. The product features tender, freshly made elbow macaroni made from durum semolina wheat, blended with 100% real cheese and a hint of sea salt. The result is a creamy and cheesy dish that has become a favourite for many.
The brand has recently expanded beyond its frozen offerings with a new boxed, shelf-stable version of its mac and cheese. This new format, called Stouffer’s Supreme Shells & Cheese, offers two supremely creamy and cheesy flavours: Cheddar Cheese and Three Cheese. The Three Cheese variety blends Wisconsin white cheddar, gouda, and parmesan, creating an elevated taste experience for cheese enthusiasts. With 10% more cheese sauce than competing products, Stouffer's new offering provides a more cheese-forward flavour profile.
The frozen Stouffer's Mac & Cheese has a dedicated fan following, with some consumers attempting to recreate the dish at home with copycat recipes. These recipes aim to replicate the rich, creamy, and ultra-smooth taste of the original, which has been described as the ultimate in cheesy pasta-based joy. The product's simplicity and ease of preparation also make it a convenient option for restaurants and food service establishments.
In addition to the classic Mac & Cheese, Stouffer's offers several flavour variations, including the Grecian, Philly, Western, BLT, Southwest, Italian, Reuben, Mushroom and Swiss, and Turkey Club. These varieties incorporate different ingredients and toppings, such as spinach, olives, steak, breadcrumbs, and bacon, to create unique flavour profiles while still delivering the familiar comfort of mac and cheese.
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Stouffer's Mac & Cheese alternatives
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, but if you're looking for alternatives, there are several options to consider. Firstly, you can opt for different types of cheese to create a unique flavour profile. While Stouffer's typically uses a combination of American cheese and Colby, you can experiment with various cheeses like sharp cheddar, Pecorino Romano, Gruyere, or a mix of young and old cheddars. Playing with different types of cheese allows you to create your own signature blend that suits your taste preferences.
Another alternative is to explore different methods of preparation. Stouffer's Mac & Cheese is often baked, resulting in a crispy top layer. However, if you prefer a creamier texture, you can prepare it on a stovetop. This method yields a saucier consistency that some may find more appealing. Additionally, you can try adding sodium citrate to stabilize the mixture and prevent the sauce from separating, resulting in a creamier and gooier texture.
If you're looking for a more convenient option, Stouffer's has introduced a shelf-stable version called "Stouffer's Supreme Shells & Cheese." This product is available in two flavours: Cheddar Cheese and Three Cheese. It offers a quick stovetop cooking time of just ten minutes and provides a more cheese-forward flavour experience. This alternative is perfect for those seeking a faster and effortless meal without sacrificing taste.
For those who enjoy the familiarity of Stouffer's but want to try something new, there are copycat recipes available online. These recipes aim to replicate the iconic Stouffer's taste and texture while allowing you to make it from scratch. By making it yourself, you have greater control over the ingredients and can adjust the recipe to your liking. You can find these copycat recipes on websites like Go Go Go Gourmet, Dinner, Then Dessert, and Budget Savvy Diva, each offering their take on recreating the classic Stouffer's flavour.
Lastly, if you're seeking a more indulgent experience, consider elevating your Mac & Cheese with additional ingredients. You can add sour cream, as suggested by food blogger Sara, to give it a creamier texture and a tangy twist. Alternatively, you can experiment with add-ins like bacon bits, chopped tomatoes, or green onions to create a heartier dish. These additions can take your Mac & Cheese to the next level and make it a more substantial meal.
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Stouffer's Mac & Cheese nutrition
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese is a frozen meal made with freshly prepared pasta and 100% real cheese. It is available in a variety of packaging formats, including trays and pouches, with different yield sizes. The most common size seems to be 4 x 76 oz trays, which provide 40 servings per case.
The product contains cooked macaroni made from water, semolina wheat flour, and wheat gluten. It also includes skim milk, water, and two types of cheddar cheese: regular and club. The regular cheddar cheese is made with cultured milk, salt, and enzymes, while the club variety includes water and annatto color in addition to the other ingredients.
Other ingredients in Stouffer's Mac & Cheese include bleached wheat flour, soybean oil, butter (made from cream and salt), potassium chloride, butter flavoring (which includes maltodextrin, natural flavor, annatto, and turmeric color), xanthan gum, yeast extract, lactic acid, and calcium lactate.
The product is not gluten-free or vegan, as it contains wheat products and cheese. Stouffer's recommends adding assorted vegetables, meats, breadcrumbs, and flavor concentrates to customize the dish.
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Frequently asked questions
This depends on the packaging format. The 4x76 oz trays contain 40 servings, the 4x 96oz trays contain 48 servings, the 4x64 oz pouches contain 31 servings, and the 4x 80 oz pouches contain 40 servings.
Stouffer's Mac & Cheese can be stored for between 540 and 720 days when stored at a temperature of under 32°F.
The preparation method depends on the specific product. In general, trays can be heated in a convection oven, conventional oven, combi oven, or microwave oven. Pouches can be heated in boiling water or low-pressure steamers.
The yield varies by individual packaging format. The 4x76 oz trays yield 304 oz, the 4x 96oz trays yield 392 oz, the 4x64 oz pouches yield 256 oz, and the 4x 80 oz pouches yield 320 oz.
No, currently all Stouffer's Mac & Cheese varieties contain flour/wheat products and real cheese.
