Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, and Land O' Lakes offers a frozen version of this classic dish. The Land O' Lakes Macaroni and Cheese is made with cooked enriched whole grain pasta and reduced-fat American cheese, and it can be easily customised with additional ingredients to create different flavours. This product is sold frozen and needs to be kept that way unless it has been opened, in which case it should be refrigerated. This paragraph will discuss the best ways to cook and serve this frozen macaroni and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Preparation | Cook macaroni 3 minutes less than al dente according to package directions (about 4 minutes after water returns to a boil). Drain. Set aside. |
| Melt butter over medium heat in a large stockpot. | |
| Add flour, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. | |
| Slowly whisk in milk; cook until mixture is bubbling. | |
| Fold in cheese and continue cooking until cheese is melted. | |
| Stir in cooked macaroni. | |
| Pour macaroni mixture into a prepared baking dish. | |
| Top with remaining cheese and breadcrumbs. | |
| Baking | Bake for 20 minutes at 350°F or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. |
| Let stand for 10 minutes before serving. | |
| Storage | Keep frozen. Refrigerate after opening. Do not refreeze. |
| Nutrition | Refer to the label on the product for the most accurate nutrition information. |
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What You'll Learn
Oven temperature and preparation
To cook Land O'Lakes frozen macaroni and cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F. While the oven is heating up, generously butter a 13x9-inch (3-quart) casserole dish.
Cook the macaroni for 3 minutes less than al dente according to the package directions (about 4 minutes after the water returns to a boil). Drain the water and set the macaroni aside.
In a separate large stockpot, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Add flour, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to the melted butter, stirring constantly for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and continue cooking until the mixture begins to bubble around the edges.
Once the mixture is bubbling, fold in 2 cups of cheese, stirring until it is fully melted. Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with the remaining cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. For a crunchy topping, you can melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat, add breadcrumbs and parsley, and sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni and cheese before baking.
Let the dish stand for 10 minutes before serving.
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Cooking the pasta
To cook Land O'Lakes frozen macaroni and cheese, you'll first want to get a pot of water boiling on the stove. Be sure to salt your pasta water to add flavour and help the pasta cook better—use the old saying that your pasta water should be "as salty as the sea" as a guide. Aim for 1 to 2 tablespoons of kosher salt for about 1 gallon of water, and adjust to your taste. Once the water is boiling, add the frozen macaroni and follow the package directions, cooking the pasta for about 4 minutes after the water returns to a boil. You want the pasta to be slightly firmer than al dente, so cook it for about 3 minutes less than the package directs.
When the pasta is done, drain it in a colander and set it aside. Return the pot to the stove and melt some butter over medium heat—about 1/4 cup should do. Add flour, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to the melted butter, stirring constantly for 1 minute. You can adjust the measurements of these spices to your taste preferences. Slowly whisk in milk and continue cooking until the mixture is bubbling around the edges.
Now it's time to add the cheese! Fold in a blend of shredded cheeses, such as cheddar, American, or a combination of both. Keep cooking over medium heat, stirring frequently, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and bubbling. Finally, return the cooked macaroni to the pot and stir it into the cheese sauce until it's well combined. Serve hot and enjoy!
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Making the sauce
Melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat in a large stockpot. Add flour, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to the melted butter, stirring constantly for 1 minute. You can adjust the measurements of these ingredients to your taste. Slowly whisk in milk and continue to cook until the mixture starts to bubble.
For a smoother sauce, you can use a wire whisk to break up any lumps that may have formed. You can also add in a bit of the starchy pasta water to help bring the sauce together.
Next, fold in the cheese. You can use a combination of Cheesemakers' Blend and Deli American, or any other cheese of your choice. Continue cooking until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. You can also add in some fresh herbs like parsley at this stage for added flavor.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a little more milk or some of the pasta cooking water. For a thicker sauce, simply cook it a little longer over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it reaches your desired consistency.
Finally, combine the cooked macaroni with the sauce, stirring to ensure all the pasta is coated evenly.
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Baking the macaroni
To cook Land O'Lakes frozen macaroni and cheese, you'll first want to preheat your oven to 350°F. Generously butter a 13x9-inch (3-quart) casserole dish.
Cook the macaroni 3 minutes less than al dente according to the package directions (about 4 minutes after the water returns to a boil). Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Now it's time to prepare the cheese sauce. Melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat in a large stockpot. Add flour, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce to taste. Stir constantly for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the mixture is bubbling around the edges.
At this point, you can fold in the cheese. Add 2 cups of Land O' Lakes Cheesemakers' Blend and Deli American, and continue cooking until the cheese is melted.
Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. Top with the remaining Cheesemakers' Blend.
For an extra crispy and golden topping, melt 1/4 cup of butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and parsley, stirring well, and cook for 1 minute. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
Finally, bake the macaroni and cheese for 20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbling. Let it stand for 10 minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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Serving suggestions
Land O'Lakes Macaroni and Cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in multiple ways. Here are some serving suggestions to consider:
- As a side dish: This hearty and creamy macaroni and cheese can be an excellent side dish for your meals. It pairs well with various main courses, such as grilled chicken, steak, or fish. You can also serve it as a holiday side dish to add a comforting and indulgent element to your festive spread.
- With a salad: For a well-rounded meal, consider serving the macaroni and cheese with a fresh and crisp salad. The combination of the rich pasta and the refreshing vegetables will create a delicious contrast. You can choose a classic garden salad or experiment with different ingredients like spinach, tomatoes, or avocado to complement the cheese in the macaroni.
- Customise with stir-ins: Get creative and add your favourite stir-ins to the macaroni and cheese. You can try different vegetables, meats, or spices to give it a personalised touch. For example, add some chopped broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition, or mix in some diced tomatoes and basil for a Mediterranean twist. You could even add some cooked chicken or bacon bits for a heartier meal.
- As a main course: This macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can easily stand alone as a main dish. Serve it as a satisfying and indulgent option for lunch or dinner. You can also offer side options like garlic bread or a light soup to round out the meal.
- For a crowd: If you're serving a large group, this dish is an excellent choice. Its familiar flavour and crowd-pleasing appeal make it perfect for gatherings and potlucks. You can prepare it in advance and bake it just before serving, ensuring it's hot and bubbly when it reaches the table.
- With a crunchy topping: To add a contrasting texture, sprinkle some crackers or breadcrumbs on top of the macaroni and cheese before baking. This will give it a golden, crispy topping that complements the creamy pasta. You can also experiment with different herbs or spices in the topping to add extra flavour.
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Frequently asked questions
Preheat your oven to 350°F and butter a 13x9-inch (3-quart) casserole dish. Cook the macaroni 3 minutes less than al dente according to package directions (about 4 minutes after water returns to a boil) and drain. Set aside. Melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat in a large stockpot. Add flour, ground mustard, salt, pepper, and hot sauce; cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Slowly whisk in milk and cook until the mixture is bubbling. Fold in 2 cups of cheese and continue cooking until melted. Stir in cooked macaroni. Pour the macaroni mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Melt butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs and parsley, cook for 1 minute, and sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese. Bake for 20 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbling.
Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese mixture up to one day ahead. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then sprinkle with crackers right before baking.
Land O Lakes offers a 5-pound box of macaroni and cheese, with 6 boxes per case. A 6 oz serving provides 2 M/MA and 1 bread equivalent.
