Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but sometimes it needs a little something extra. There are many ways to elevate boxed macaroni and cheese, such as cooking the pasta in a mixture of water and milk, adding an extra cup of shredded cheese, and swapping out the milk for heavy cream. You can also add vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or peas, or meats like shredded chicken, pulled pork, or hot dogs. For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs or bacon bits. If you're feeling creative, try adding a dollop of canned pumpkin or pureed winter squash. And if you're a fan of spice, add some peppers, garlic, or paprika to your dish. With a few simple tweaks, you can take your deli macaroni and cheese to the next level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Macaroni | Elbow, Shells, Penne |
| Baking | Bake at 350 degrees F (175-177 degrees C) for 15 minutes |
| Toppings | Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, Crushed Crackers, Bacon Bits, Broccoli |
| Additional Ingredients | Tuna, Peas, Ham, Tomato, BBQ Sauce, Pulled Pork, Chicken, Beef, Broccoli, Carrots, Hot Dogs, Bacon, Corn, Chilli, Cherry Tomatoes, Basil, Bell Pepper, Beef, Sausage |
| Spices | Garlic Powder, Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder, Black Pepper |
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gouda, Swiss, Gruyère, Fontina, Monterey Jack, Mozzarella |
| Milk | Whole Milk, Heavy Cream, Half-and-Half |
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What You'll Learn
Add vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, or tomatoes
If you're looking to add some extra vitamins and antioxidants to your deli macaroni and cheese, consider throwing in some vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, or tomatoes.
A great way to bulk up your mac and cheese is to add an extra cup of vegetables. Broccoli, for example, works well in mac and cheese. You can either use fresh broccoli or broccoli puree. If you want to keep the colour of your cheese sauce a creamy colour, opt for a puree. You can also add peas to your mac and cheese. For a pop of colour, you could add some cherry tomatoes, or for a more subtle tomato flavour, you could use tomato puree.
If you're looking for a kid-friendly option, there are plenty of ways to sneak vegetables into your mac and cheese. You can try adding cauliflower, which completely disappears into the cheese sauce. For a slightly sweet flavour, add some butternut squash, pumpkin, or sweet potato puree. For a colourful twist, add red bell peppers. If you want to keep the colour of your sauce similar to cheese, stick to yellow summer squash or sweet potatoes.
For a one-pot meal, try using frozen vegetables. This will save you time and reduce the number of dishes you need to wash up. You can steam the veggies and simmer the pasta in a combo of blended vegetables and milk.
So, go ahead and add some extra veggies to your deli macaroni and cheese. Not only will it taste great, but it will also give you a boost of nutrients!
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Include meat, like ham, chicken, or pulled pork
Adding meat to macaroni and cheese can be a great way to add protein, flavour, and texture to the dish. You can include meat in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences and the type of meat you choose. Here are some ideas for incorporating ham, chicken, or pulled pork into your macaroni and cheese:
Ham
If you're using leftover ham, you can add chunks of ham to your macaroni and cheese. Visit your local deli and ask them to slice the ham into thicker pieces or look for ham steaks, which need to be pre-cooked. Sauté the ham steaks in a skillet, cube them, and then mix them into your macaroni and cheese. You can also reserve a few slices of ham to use as a topping. Before putting your macaroni and cheese in the oven to bake, scatter the ham slices over the top.
Chicken
Chicken deli meat can be a tasty addition to your macaroni and cheese. You can mix it with Alfredo sauce and fettuccine noodles to create a creamy and delicious chicken Alfredo dish. If you're feeling creative, you can also use chicken slices to top a pizza. Replace the marinara sauce with barbecue sauce, add black beans, tomatoes, and cheddar cheese for a unique barbecue chicken pizza.
Pulled Pork
Pulled pork can be a delicious and hearty addition to your macaroni and cheese. You can either mix it directly into the macaroni and cheese or use it as a topping. If you're looking for a smoky flavour, you can try using smoked pulled pork. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of pulled pork, such as barbecue pulled pork or plain pulled pork, to find the flavour that best suits your taste.
General Tips for Adding Meat
When adding meat to your macaroni and cheese, consider breaking it into smaller pieces to ensure even distribution throughout the dish. Additionally, if you're using boxed macaroni and cheese, stir in the meat while the macaroni is still hot, after mixing in the cheese. This will help the meat blend well with the other ingredients. You can also experiment with different types of meat, such as roast beef or turkey, to find your favourite combination.
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Experiment with different cheeses, such as gouda, cheddar, or parmesan
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be easily elevated by experimenting with different types of cheese. Here are some ideas to doctor up your deli macaroni and cheese using gouda, cheddar, or parmesan:
Gouda Mac and Cheese:
Gouda is a great cheese to use in mac and cheese as it melts smoothly and adds a creamy, velvety texture. To make a gouda mac and cheese, follow these steps:
- Cook your macaroni until al dente in well-salted water. Drain and set it aside.
- In a large skillet, heat butter over medium-high heat until melted.
- Sprinkle in all-purpose flour and cook, stirring frequently, until a paste forms and the flour is lightly browned.
- Slowly whisk in milk, stirring constantly.
- Add salt, pepper, and any desired seasonings, such as Old Bay.
- Stir in shredded gouda until it is completely melted and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the gouda sauce and enjoy!
Cheddar Mac and Cheese:
Cheddar is a classic cheese choice for mac and cheese, known for its sharp and tangy flavor. Here's how you can make a delicious cheddar mac and cheese:
- Prepare a roux by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat and whisking in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Slowly pour in milk, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling.
- Add shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, stirring until it is completely melted and combined.
- Cook your macaroni until al dente and drain it.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheddar sauce, adding more milk if needed to adjust the consistency.
Parmesan Mac and Cheese:
Parmesan adds a unique, nutty flavor to mac and cheese. To create a delicious parmesan mac and cheese:
- Shred your own parmesan cheese or use freshly grated parmesan to ensure a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Prepare a béchamel sauce by melting butter, adding flour to create a roux, and then slowly whisking in milk until thickened.
- Stir in grated parmesan cheese, shredded cheddar, and seasonings such as garlic powder and fresh basil.
- Cook your macaroni until al dente, drain it, and combine it with the creamy parmesan sauce.
Combination Ideas:
You can also experiment with combining these cheeses or adding other ingredients to create unique flavor profiles:
- Try a combination of gouda and cheddar for an ultra-creamy and rich mac and cheese.
- Use parmesan and cheddar with garlic and basil for an Italian-inspired twist.
- Add in diced ham, peas, or tuna for a heartier meal.
- Experiment with different shapes of pasta, such as shells or penne, to change up the texture and appearance of your dish.
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Add extra milk and cheese for a creamier texture
To make a basic macaroni and cheese, you'll need to make a roux with butter and flour, then pour in warm milk and stir until the sauce thickens. Next, add your cheese. To make your mac and cheese creamier, you can add extra milk and cheese.
When making macaroni and cheese, it's important to use whole milk. Skim milk or 2% milk won't give you the same rich, creamy consistency. You can also add an egg to the sauce to make it smooth and velvety.
To make your mac and cheese even creamier, you can add extra cheese. It's best to grate the cheese yourself, as pre-shredded cheese doesn't melt as well and can change the texture of the sauce. You can use a variety of cheeses in macaroni and cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, parmesan, or American cheese.
If you want to get creative, you can add cream cheese to your mac and cheese to make it extra creamy. You can also experiment with different types of pasta, such as shells or penne, to see which holds the sauce best.
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Top with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or bacon bits
There are several ways to doctor up deli macaroni and cheese. One popular method is to top it with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or bacon bits. This adds a crunchy texture and can enhance the flavour. Here are some ways to do this:
Breadcrumbs
Breadcrumbs can be used to top macaroni and cheese, creating a crispy, golden layer. To make the topping, melt butter in a skillet and add breadcrumbs. Toast them lightly until the butter is absorbed, and then add your desired seasonings. You can also use pre-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
Crushed Crackers
Crushed crackers are another popular topping for macaroni and cheese. Ritz crackers are a common choice, and they can be crushed using a rolling pin to create a mix of larger shards and smaller bits for varied texture. The crushed crackers are then mixed with melted butter and scattered over the macaroni before baking.
Bacon Bits
Bacon bits add a savoury, smoky flavour to macaroni and cheese. To make bacon bits, cook bacon in a skillet until browned. Drain the bacon on a paper towel, and then chop it into small pieces. You can then add the bacon bits directly to your macaroni and cheese or mix them into your breadcrumb or cracker topping.
Combination Toppings
You can also combine toppings for an even more indulgent dish. For example, you could make a topping that combines crushed crackers, breadcrumbs, and bacon bits, all toasted together in butter and seasoned to taste. This creates a complex flavour profile and adds texture to your macaroni and cheese.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese
If you want to incorporate these toppings into your deli macaroni and cheese, consider baking it. Simply prepare your macaroni according to the package instructions, and then mix in any additional ingredients you desire. Top with your chosen toppings and bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbling.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to make deli macaroni and cheese taste better. You can add an extra cup of shredded cheese for a more homemade taste. You can also add vegetables, such as broccoli, peas, or halved cherry tomatoes, to increase the nutritional value and add flavor and texture.
You can add leftover ham, chicken, or pulled pork to your macaroni and cheese. Tuna also works great with white cheddar macaroni and cheese.
You can add breadcrumbs, Parmesan, crushed crackers, or bacon bits for a crunchy topping.
