Frederic Melton
Heinz Macaroni Cheese is a quick and easy meal that can be cooked in the microwave or on the hob. The dish is made with fresh pasta and contains no artificial colours, preservatives or flavours. It is cooked in a creamy cheese sauce and can be enjoyed on its own or on toast. To elevate the dish, some suggest adding extra cheese, mustard, and paprika.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Oven temperature | 190°C (fan assisted) |
| Cooking time | 8-10 minutes |
| Type of pasta | San Remo Macaroni Elbows |
| Additional ingredients | Onion, chicken, bacon, mushrooms, breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, Parmesan cheese |
| Container | Covered microwaveable container |
| Refrigeration | Keep unused contents refrigerated and consume within 2 days |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook Heinz macaroni cheese in the microwave
To cook Heinz macaroni cheese in the microwave, you will need a microwaveable container that is large enough to hold the pasta and has a lid. Take the following steps:
- Boil a pot of salted water on the stove.
- Cook the macaroni pasta in the boiling water until al dente, which should take 8 to 10 minutes.
- Drain the water and set the cooked macaroni aside.
- Place butter and onions in the microwaveable container.
- Cook the butter and onions in the microwave for 3 to 4 minutes on high heat.
- Add the cooked macaroni, cheese, and milk to the container.
- Stir the ingredients together.
- Microwave the container on high heat for 11 to 12 minutes, stirring well after 4, 8, and 11 minutes.
- Enjoy your Heinz macaroni cheese!
Alternatively, if you are using a pre-made can of Heinz Macaroni Cheese, the process is much simpler. Empty the contents into a microwave-safe container and heat for 1.5 minutes. Stir the contents and then heat for another minute.
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How to cook Heinz macaroni cheese in the oven
Ingredients
- Heinz tinned macaroni cheese
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Breadcrumbs
- Paprika
- Pepper
- Salt
- Milk
- Butter
- Flour
- Mustard
- Nutmeg
- Red onion
- Mini cheddars
Method
Preheat your oven to 200 degrees Celsius. Put a pan of water on to boil on the hob. Once boiling, add the macaroni and cook according to the packet instructions or until tender (usually 8-10 minutes). Drain the macaroni and return it to the saucepan.
While the pasta is cooking, heat a dash of oil in a frying pan and add some chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until softened, then add chicken and bacon. Cook for 5 minutes, then add mushrooms and continue cooking until the chicken is done and the mushrooms are soft. Add this mixture to the macaroni in the saucepan.
Now, melt some butter in the same saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in some flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute. Gradually stir in milk and cook for another 1-2 minutes, or until thickened, stirring frequently. Add the cheese sauce and macaroni, and mix well.
Spoon the mixture into an oven-proof dish and sprinkle a mixture of grated cheddar cheese and breadcrumbs, seasoned with a little paprika and pepper, over the top. Bake in the oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Optional Extras
For some extra flavour, you could try adding some frozen peas to the cheese sauce before mixing with the pasta, or using a mixture of cheddar and parmesan cheese. If you're feeling adventurous, you could also try adding in some sautéed onions, bacon lardons, peppers, chillies, and mozzarella or mature cheddar cheese.
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How to improve the taste of Heinz macaroni cheese
While some people believe that Heinz tinned macaroni and cheese is a lost cause, there are several ways to improve its taste. Here are some suggestions:
Add More Cheese
One way to enhance the flavour of the dish is to incorporate additional cheese. Grate some extra mature cheddar or another strong-flavoured cheese of your choice into the macaroni. This will amplify the cheesiness and richness of the dish.
Include Mustard
A dash of mustard, such as English mustard or Dijon mustard, can add a tangy kick to the macaroni and cheese. It will brighten the flavours and give the dish a slight sharpness.
Spice it Up
Introduce spices and seasonings like paprika, cayenne pepper, or nutmeg to elevate the flavour profile. A pinch of paprika or cayenne pepper will contribute a subtle heat, while a hint of nutmeg lends a warm, nutty aroma.
Meat and Vegetables
Consider adding cooked chicken, bacon, or meatballs to the macaroni for a heartier meal. You can also incorporate vegetables like onions, mushrooms, and peppers to provide extra texture and flavour.
Breadcrumbs
For a crispy texture and extra indulgence, mix together breadcrumbs, ground smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni and cheese before baking it in the oven. This will create a golden, crunchy topping.
Customise with Sauces
Customise your macaroni and cheese by adding your choice of sauces. Try using barbecue sauce, Sriracha, Worcestershire sauce, or even evaporated milk to give it a creamy texture.
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How to make your own macaroni cheese from scratch
First, cook the macaroni pasta. Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook for 8–10 minutes or until tender. Drain the water and return the macaroni to the saucepan.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. Heat a dash of oil in a frying pan and add some chopped onion. Cook over medium heat until the onion is softened. Next, add your choice of protein, such as chicken or bacon, and cook for another 5 minutes. You can also add vegetables like mushrooms or peppers. Continue cooking until all the ingredients are cooked through.
Now it's time to make the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt some butter and whisk in an equal amount of flour. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes, then slowly add milk, stirring continuously until you have a smooth sauce. Add salt, pepper, and any spices or herbs you like—mustard, nutmeg, paprika, and cayenne pepper are all great options. Finally, gradually mix in grated cheddar cheese until the sauce is thick and creamy.
Combine the cooked macaroni and the sauce in the saucepan. Stir well to ensure all the pasta is coated in the cheese sauce. For an extra cheesy kick, sprinkle some extra cheese on top, along with breadcrumbs for a crispy texture.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to an oven-proof dish. Bake in the oven at 190°C for 15–20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
And there you have it—your very own homemade macaroni cheese! Enjoy the comfort of this classic dish, made even better with your special touch.
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How to make a vegetarian version of Heinz macaroni cheese
This guide will take you through the steps to make a vegetarian version of Heinz macaroni cheese. The steps are based on the cooking instructions provided by Heinz and suggestions from Reddit users for making the dish tastier.
First, preheat your oven to 190°C. Then, cook the macaroni in lightly salted, boiling water for 8–10 minutes or until tender. Drain the water and return the macaroni to the saucepan.
While the pasta is cooking, heat some oil in a frying pan and add onions. Cook over medium heat until the onions are softened. You can also add some peppers and cook until soft. For extra flavour, add a tablespoon of flour and a pinch of nutmeg. You can also add a small amount of Dijon mustard and milk.
Next, pour the Heinz Macaroni Cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine. You can also add some grated cheese to the mix. Spoon the mixture into an ovenproof dish.
Finally, mix together breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and grated vegetarian cheese or parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni cheese.
Bake the dish in the oven for 15–20 minutes or until the macaroni cheese is hot and the top is golden.
Enjoy your vegetarian Heinz macaroni cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
You can cook Heinz Macaroni Cheese in the microwave or on the hob. To microwave, use a covered microwaveable container and heat for 1.5 minutes, stir, then heat for a further minute. To cook on the hob, heat gently in a pan.
Leftover Heinz Macaroni Cheese should be transferred to a suitable covered container and kept refrigerated. It will last in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Many people find that adding extra cheese improves the taste of Heinz Macaroni Cheese. Other suggestions include mustard, nutmeg, paprika, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco.
Yes, to cook Heinz Macaroni Cheese in the oven, first cook the pasta in lightly salted, boiling water for 8–10 minutes or until tender. Drain the pasta and return it to the saucepan. While the pasta is cooking, heat a dash of oil in a frying pan. Add onion and cook over medium heat until softened. Add chicken and bacon and cook for 5 minutes, then add mushrooms and continue cooking until the chicken is done. Add the contents of the saucepan to the pasta and stir to combine. Spoon the mixture into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle with a mixture of breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until hot and golden on top.
Heinz makes other pasta meals, including Beef Ravioli, Spaghetti Bolognese, and Spaghetti & Sausages.
