Bushra Griffith
Mac and cheese is a beloved dish for many, and while it's delicious on its own, there are several ways to elevate the boxed version. The boxed variety is a convenient and quick meal, but with a few simple tweaks, you can create a gourmet experience. From adding extra cheese to creating a creamy béchamel sauce, and even throwing in some vegetables, there are endless ways to transform boxed mac and cheese into a heartier, more flavourful meal.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of mac and cheese box | Kraft, Kroger |
| Ingredients | Pasta, cheese, milk, butter, salt, pepper |
| Additional ingredients | Cream, cream cheese, garlic, red pepper flakes, bread crumbs, crackers, bacon bits, vegetables, fruit, meat, BBQ sauce |
| Alternative ingredients | Non-dairy milk, flour, oil, sour cream, Velveeta cheese, parmesan cheese, cheddar cheese, gouda cheese |
| Cooking method | Boil pasta, add milk, butter, and cheese, stir until melted |
| Cooking time | 6-8 minutes |
| Serving suggestions | Serve warm, can be baked in the oven |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Adding extra cheese
You can also experiment with other types of cheese, such as gruyere, gouda, or parmesan. Using a combination of cheeses can add depth of flavour and make your mac and cheese taste more gourmet. For instance, one recipe suggests frying up some bacon and garlic, then mixing in pickled jalapeños and grated gruyere. Another recipe recommends adding sour cream, shredded cheddar, and parmesan to the cooked noodles, along with milk, butter, and cheese seasoning.
If you're looking for an even cheesier experience, try making a béchamel sauce by creating a roux with flour and butter, then adding milk. This sauce can be used as a base for your mac and cheese, and you can then add your desired amount of shredded cheese.
Remember, freshly shredding your cheese will result in a creamier mac and cheese compared to using pre-shredded cheese. Additionally, it is recommended to cook your noodles for 2 minutes less than the instructions to prevent overcooking and ensure a creamy texture.
Delicious Mozzarella Shreds: Easy, Cheesy Recipes
You may want to see also
Using non-dairy milk
While milk is a typical ingredient in mac and cheese, it can be substituted with non-dairy milk and other alternatives.
One option is to use cream cheese, which adds a tangy and rich flavour to the sauce. You can also add sour cream, butter, and cheddar cheese to enhance the creaminess and flavour of the dish. To make the sauce, melt the cream cheese and sour cream in a saucepan over medium-low heat, then add ground mustard and pasta water. You can also use chicken broth instead of pasta water for added flavour.
Another option is to use half and half, which gives the cheese sauce a creamy texture. You can combine it with chicken broth, flour, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and dijon mustard. Warm the half and half in a saucepan, then whisk in the flour and chicken broth mixture until it thickens. Finally, add the shredded cheese, salt, and dijon mustard, and stir until the sauce is creamy.
Additionally, you can use plant-based milk alternatives such as almond milk, soy milk, oat milk, cashew milk, or coconut milk. To make the sauce, melt vegan butter in a skillet over medium heat, then add garlic and flour. Slowly whisk in the plant-based milk of your choice, followed by dairy-free cheddar cheese and mozzarella shreds. Continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
When using non-dairy milk, it is important to use an unsweetened variety to avoid making the cheese sauce sweet. You can also add various seasonings, such as nutritional yeast, salt, pepper, and paprika, to taste.
Cheese Brats: Are Johnsonville Fully Cooked?
You may want to see also
Making a béchamel sauce
To make mac and cheese from a box, you generally boil water, cook and drain the noodles, stir together the sauce, and combine everything. However, there are a few hacks to elevate the dish. For instance, you can add more butter than the box recommends, or stir in heavy cream and extra cheese. You can also add a slice of cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper.
If you want to make a béchamel sauce to go with your mac and cheese, you will need butter, flour, and milk. Some recipes also call for nutmeg, salt, and Parmesan cheese for seasoning.
To make the sauce, start by melting butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle flour on top and stir with a wooden spoon to form a light roux paste. Cook for 30 seconds to a minute, stirring continuously, and be careful not to burn it. Remove the pan from the heat.
Next, add the milk. It's important to have the milk hot when you add it to the butter and flour to ensure a perfectly smooth sauce. Start by adding a small amount of milk and whisk thoroughly to break up any lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture looks creamy, then slowly add the rest of the milk, whisking continuously.
If you're not using the béchamel sauce right away, it will form a skin on top. To prevent this, press plastic wrap or parchment paper directly onto the surface as it cools, or float a splash of milk on top. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to a month.
The Perfect Cheesy Treat: Crispy Cheese Sticks
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Adding meat and BBQ sauce
Preparing boxed mac and cheese is simple: boil water, cook and drain the noodles, stir together the sauce, and combine everything. However, you can make it even better by adding meat and BBQ sauce.
First, prepare the boxed mac and cheese according to the package instructions. You can use any boxed variety, but if you're using the standard Kraft variety with powdered cheese, you may want to use two boxes, as this variety tends to dry out during baking.
Now it's time to add the meat. You can choose from a variety of BBQ meats, such as brisket or pulled pork, and mix them into your mac and cheese. This will add a savory, juicy, or tender element to your dish.
Next, add the BBQ sauce. Start with about 3 tablespoons of your chosen sauce and stir it into the mac and cheese until it's evenly distributed. This will give your dish a tangy, sweet, spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavor profile. You can use any store-bought BBQ sauce, or opt for a specific variety like Alabama, South Carolina, or Florida barbecue sauce, each with its own unique flavor and appearance.
Finally, you can add some toppings for extra flavor and texture. You could sprinkle crushed potato chips or butter crackers on top, or add some crunch with corn or crushed hot Cheetos.
And there you have it—a delicious, upgraded mac and cheese with meat and BBQ sauce!
Cheese Sauce Veggies: Easy, Quick, and Delicious!
You may want to see also
Baking in the oven
Baking Mac and Cheese in the Oven
Preparation
Before baking your mac and cheese, you'll need to prepare the dish. Start by preheating your oven to a temperature between 325°F and 375°F. Grease a baking dish with butter or olive oil and set it aside.
Cooking the Pasta
Next, cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. When the water is boiling, add the dried pasta and cook for 1-2 minutes less than the package directs for al dente. This will ensure that your pasta doesn't become overcooked and mushy when it's baked in the oven. Drain the pasta and drizzle with a little olive oil or toss it with a small amount of butter to prevent sticking.
Cheese Sauce
While the water is coming to a boil, prepare your cheese sauce. Shred your favourite cheeses—a combination of cheddar, gruyere, gouda, Swiss, mozzarella, smoked gouda, Monterey Jack, Colby Jack, or Colby will work well. Freshly shredded cheese will melt better and give your dish a creamier texture. Divide the shredded cheese into three piles: approximately 3 cups for the sauce, 1 1/2 cups for the inner layer, and 1 1/2 cups for the topping.
In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk to combine, creating a "blonde roux" with a slightly yellow tint. Slowly add in room temperature or slightly warm milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue heating and whisking until the mixture thickens to a very thick consistency, similar to semi-thinned condensed soup.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in spices, followed by the shredded cheese. Start with 1 1/2 cups of cheese, stirring until it melts and combines, then add another 1 1/2 cups, stirring until smooth.
Baking
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring to fully incorporate the sauce. Pour half of the pasta and cheese mixture into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese, then top with the remaining pasta mixture.
Top with the remaining shredded cheese and, if desired, a layer of breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs will provide a crispier texture and better colour than regular breadcrumbs. You can also mix the breadcrumbs with butter, salt, pepper, and paprika for added flavour.
Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven until the top is browned and bubbly, which should take around 30 to 40 minutes. If baking from frozen, allow the dish to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Remove from the oven and let it stand for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
Cheesy Dips: Warm, Breadless Appetizers for a Crowd
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The instructions will vary depending on the brand of mac and cheese, but generally, you will need to boil water in a pot, add the pasta, and cook until al dente. Drain the pasta and mix in butter, milk, and cheese.
To make boxed mac and cheese more creamy, you can add more butter and milk. For an even creamier texture, make a béchamel sauce by creating a ""blonde roux" with butter and flour, then slowly adding in milk.
To make boxed mac and cheese taste better, you can add more cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or cream cheese. You can also add toppings such as breadcrumbs, crushed potato chips, or crumbled crackers. Additionally, you can experiment with seasonings like garlic, red pepper flakes, or garlic salt.
