Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be made more indulgent by adding extra cheese. While boxed macaroni and cheese is convenient, it may not always be the cheesiest or creamiest, so adding some extra cheese can make a big difference. You can use virtually any type of cheese, such as cheddar, gruyere, parmesan, or cream cheese, to enhance the flavour and texture. To make it even richer, you can use heavy cream or half-and-half instead of milk. Additionally, you can experiment with different ingredients like vegetables, meats, and spices to create a unique and flavourful dish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, Monterey jack, Colby jack, American, Provolone, Swiss, Gouda, Brie, Herbed goat cheese, Pimento cheese |
| Other ingredients | Butter, Milk, Cream, Breadcrumbs, Spices (Garlic powder, Onion powder, Smoked paprika, Salt, Pepper), Bacon, Ground beef, Crab, Hot dogs, Chicken sausages, Ham, Broccoli, Peas, Spinach, Green onions, Red pepper flakes, Hot sauce, Avocado |
| Preparation | Undercook the pasta, Add cheese sauce, Top with breadcrumbs, Bake |
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What You'll Learn
Add extra cheese
If you're a cheese lover, you can easily add more cheese to boxed macaroni and cheese to make it richer and more decadent. You can use virtually any type of cheese you like. Some popular options include sharp cheddar, cream cheese, gouda, gruyere, parmesan, Monterey jack, Colby jack, American, provolone, and Swiss. More decadent, flavour-rich cheeses, such as brie, herbed goat cheese, and pimento cheese, can also be used. You can even add a few spoonfuls of Alfredo or canned cheese sauce for an extra creamy texture.
To incorporate the extra cheese, you can make a homemade cheese sauce by melting the cheese with milk or cream. You can also add a tablespoon or two of cream cheese to the sauce to make it extra creamy and rich. If you're using a powdered cheese packet, make sure to mix in the powder before adding the extra grated or shredded cheese to avoid clumping.
You can also sprinkle extra cheese on top of the macaroni and cheese for a golden, crispy topping. Breadcrumbs are a popular addition to the topping, as they add crunch and enhance the texture and depth of the dish. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko for an extra crispy texture.
If you have leftover blocks of cheese in your fridge, grate them and stir them into the cooked macaroni and cheese. You can also sprinkle some extra cheese on top before serving. This is a great way to use up any leftover cheese and create a more indulgent dish.
By adding extra cheese, you can transform boxed macaroni and cheese into a richer, more flavourful, and indulgent dish that will satisfy any cheese lover's cravings.
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Make a homemade cheese sauce
To make boxed macaroni and cheese even better, you can make a homemade cheese sauce. This is a great way to elevate the dish and make it fancier.
First, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, ensuring it is al dente. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Now, you can start making the cheese sauce. A good cheese sauce starts with a roux, which is a mixture of fat (usually butter) and flour that thickens the sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat—be careful not to let it brown. Then, whisk in the dry ingredients: flour, salt, and garlic powder (optional). Cook this mixture for about 60 seconds until it bubbles.
Next, slowly add milk and whisk thoroughly. You can also add sour cream or Greek yogurt for extra creaminess. Keep whisking over medium heat every 10-15 seconds until the sauce starts to thicken. It is important not to let this mixture boil, as it may become too thick.
Finally, the most important step: add the cheese! Slowly stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully incorporated and melted. For the best flavour, use a high-quality, medium to sharp cheddar cheese, and grate it yourself to avoid additives and ensure a smooth sauce.
Once the cheese has melted, combine the sauce with the cooked macaroni. You can serve it as-is, or for an extra cheesy touch, sprinkle some extra cheese on top and broil it until the cheese is golden brown.
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Include meat and fish
Adding meat or fish to boxed macaroni and cheese is a great way to make the dish more filling and satisfying. It can also be an excellent way to use up leftovers. When adding meat or fish, it is important to consider the flavour profile of the dish and ensure that the addition of these ingredients enhances the overall taste.
One option is to add crispy bacon to boxed macaroni and cheese. This can add a breakfast flair to the dish and provide a contrast in texture to the gooey pasta. For an even more indulgent dish, try thick-cut applewood smoked bacon and use truffle butter instead of regular butter. Crispy prosciutto is another tasty pork option.
If you're looking for something with a bit of a kick, try adding some chopped jalapeños to your bacon macaroni and cheese. You could also experiment with other spicy ingredients like cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or dried parsley.
For a Mexican-inspired dish, try adding taco meat to your macaroni and cheese. The saltiness and warmth of the cumin and chilli pepper seasoning can transform plain boxed mac and cheese. Just remember to bring the taco meat to room temperature before adding it to the sauce and pasta. Don't forget to top with crushed tortilla chips!
If you're craving something a little more exotic, try adding some protein with an Asian twist. Fish sauce, made with fermented anchovies, can give your mac and cheese an umami boost. Just be careful not to add too much, as it can quickly become overpowering.
Meat lovers can also indulge in other options like ground beef or barbecue pork, which pairs well with a drizzle of barbecue sauce. For something a little more sophisticated, try adding spicy Italian sausage and marinara sauce to your macaroni and cheese.
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Add vegetables
Adding vegetables to boxed macaroni and cheese is a great way to increase the nutritional value of your meal and add flavour and texture.
You can steam or boil vegetables such as cauliflower, butternut squash, and carrots until they are tender, then puree them in a blender with a cup of milk. Pour this mixture into a saucepan and add shredded cheddar cheese and cubed cream cheese. Stir until the cheese melts and add your cooked macaroni.
You can also add vegetables directly to your macaroni and cheese. Broccoli is a popular choice, and you can simply toss a handful into the boiling water for the last minute or two before draining. Other green vegetables that pair well with macaroni and cheese include spinach, Brussels sprouts, and asparagus. Cauliflower, roasted peppers, and butternut squash are also great options.
If you're looking to add some spice to your dish, try adding peppers or hot sauce. You can also experiment with herbs such as parsley, basil, tarragon, or chervil, or blends like herbes de Provence.
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Use breadcrumbs
Adding breadcrumbs to boxed macaroni and cheese is a great way to add texture and make the dish more interesting. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but if you want an extra crunchy texture, panko—a type of flaky Japanese breadcrumb—is the way to go.
To make the breadcrumbs, melt butter in a non-stick pan. Then, stir in the breadcrumbs, parmesan, and spices. Cook this mixture until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy. Set it aside.
Now, prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the box directions. Drain the noodles and set them aside. In the same saucepan, add cream cheese, cheddar cheese, gruyere cheese, and milk. Stir until a sauce forms. You can also add the cheese packet that comes with the box. If the sauce is too thick, stir in milk, one tablespoon at a time.
Next, stir in the cooked macaroni. Scoop the mixture into bowls and top with the breadcrumb topping.
You can also try baking the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs. Double the boxed recipe and prepare it as directed. Pour the mixture into a buttered baking dish and top with extra cheese and breadcrumbs. Bake or broil until bubbly and golden on top.
For an extra special treat, try frying up macaroni and cheese balls with a crispy breadcrumb coating. Prepare the macaroni and cheese according to the box directions and let it cool slightly. Scoop the mixture into balls using an ice cream scooper. Roll the balls in breadcrumbs and fry them in hot oil until the outside is crispy and golden brown.
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Frequently asked questions
To make boxed macaroni and cheese taste homemade, you can add extra cheese, such as cheddar, gruyere, gouda, or parmesan. You can also add cream cheese, butter, milk, and breadcrumbs. If you want to add some spice, include garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
There are several simple ways to enhance the taste of boxed macaroni and cheese. You can add extra grated cheese, breadcrumbs, or cream cheese. You can also swap out the milk for heavy cream or half-and-half to make it richer and creamier.
If you want to get creative, you can make a homemade cheese sauce using sharp cheddar or any other cheese of your choice. You can also add a few spoonfuls of Alfredo or canned cheese sauce for an extra creamy texture. For a more indulgent option, you can add decadent cheeses like brie or herbed goat cheese.
There are numerous ingredients you can add to boxed macaroni and cheese to enhance the flavour. You can include proteins such as bacon, chicken, or ground beef. You can also add vegetables like broccoli, peas, or spinach. For a spicy kick, add red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or chilli flakes. Avocado is another unique addition that can improve the creaminess and add a subtle, buttery flavour.
