Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish for many, with its comforting combination of carbohydrates and cheese. While it's delicious as it is, there are several ways to elevate boxed mac and cheese and make it even more indulgent and tasty. From simple additions like butter, milk, and cream to more creative mix-ins like truffle butter, barbecue pork, or kimchi, there are endless possibilities to transform this classic dish into something extraordinary. Whether you're a traditionalist or an adventurous foodie, there are numerous ways to improve macaroni and cheese and take it to the next level.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyère, Gouda, Parmesan, Cream Cheese, Mozzarella |
| Meat | Bacon, Pulled Pork, Ground Beef, Barbecue Pork, Ham, Chicken, Turkey |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Spinach, Peas, Mushrooms, Jalapeños, Sun-dried Tomatoes |
| Seasoning | Black Pepper, Basil, Thyme, Mustard, Salt |
| Sauces | Sour Cream, Greek Yogurt, Beef Stock, Cream, Butter, Milk |
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What You'll Learn
Add meat, e.g. bacon, ground beef, or pulled pork
Adding meat to macaroni and cheese is a great way to elevate the dish and make it more filling. Here are some ideas for meats to include:
Bacon
Bacon is a popular choice for adding a punch of flavour to macaroni and cheese. You can use batch-cooked bacon or crispy bacon bits, and combine it with peas to create a proto-carbonara. For a Korean-inspired twist, try adding bacon bits and chopped scallions to kimchi macaroni and cheese.
Pulled pork
Leftover pulled pork can be a delicious addition to macaroni and cheese, combining sweet and savoury flavours.
Ground beef
Meat lovers can transform their macaroni and cheese into a Sloppy Joe by stirring in leftover meat.
Sausage
Sautéed sausage and onions can be added to boxed macaroni and cheese, and topped with shredded cheese.
Prosciutto
For a sophisticated touch, try adding crispy prosciutto to your macaroni and cheese.
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Use different cheeses, e.g. gouda, gruyere, or parmesan
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and while it's delicious as it is, there's always room for improvement! One way to elevate this dish is by experimenting with different types of cheese. Gouda, Gruyere, and Parmesan are three cheeses that can take your macaroni and cheese to the next level.
Let's start with Gouda. This cheese has a unique, mild flavour and a creamy texture that makes it perfect for stovetop macaroni and cheese. To make a Gouda mac and cheese, start by cooking your pasta al dente. In a separate skillet, melt some butter and sprinkle in flour to create a paste. Cook this mixture for a couple of minutes until it's lightly browned. Slowly whisk in milk, then add your seasonings. Finally, stir in shredded Gouda and cheddar cheeses until you have a smooth, creamy sauce. Toss your cooked pasta with this sauce, and you've got a rich and indulgent meal.
Gruyere is another excellent cheese to use in macaroni and cheese. It adds a level of creaminess to the dish and pairs well with cheddar. When making a Gruyere mac and cheese, you can follow a similar process as the one mentioned above for the Gouda sauce. Simply swap out the Gouda for Gruyere, and you're good to go! Remember to shred your own cheese for the best melting results.
Lastly, Parmesan. This cheese adds a sharp, nutty flavour to the dish and is a great way to elevate your standard macaroni and cheese. To make a stovetop Parmesan mac and cheese, start by cooking your pasta. In a separate pan, melt butter and add flour to create a roux. Add milk and stir until thickened, creating a béchamel sauce. Then, stir in grated Parmesan and shredded cheddar until you have a smooth sauce. Combine this sauce with your cooked pasta, and enjoy!
So, there you have it! Three simple ways to elevate your macaroni and cheese by using different cheeses. Whether it's the mild, creamy flavour of Gouda, the rich creaminess of Gruyere, or the sharp, nutty notes of Parmesan, these cheeses are sure to take your comfort food to new heights.
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Add vegetables, e.g. broccoli, spinach, or peppers
Macaroni and cheese is a great dish to experiment with, and adding vegetables is a fantastic way to increase the nutritional value of your meal while also adding flavour and texture.
Broccoli is a popular choice for adding to macaroni and cheese. It is a superfood that is easier to convince both kids and adults to eat when cheese is involved. You can roast broccoli to add a nice caramelized flavour to the dish. Alternatively, you can cook it separately and add it to the macaroni and cheese at the end.
Spinach is another great option for bulking up your macaroni and cheese. It is full of iron and cheap to buy. You can add a bag of frozen spinach, microwaved first, or fresh spinach to your macaroni and cheese.
Peppers are also a tasty addition to macaroni and cheese. You can sauté red, green, or yellow peppers and add them to your dish. Jarred roasted red peppers are another option. Peppers add a nice kick of flavour and colour to the dish.
You can also add a variety of other vegetables to your macaroni and cheese, such as cauliflower, carrots, celery, courgette, onion, mushrooms, and peas. Roasting or sautéing your vegetables before adding them to the dish is a great way to enhance their flavour.
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Make a homemade cheese sauce
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish for many, with its nostalgic appeal and convenience. While the boxed version is a quick and easy option, making a homemade cheese sauce can take your macaroni and cheese to the next level. Here's how you can make a delicious homemade cheese sauce to elevate this classic comfort food.
Ingredients:
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk or Cream
- Cheese (Cheddar, Gruyère, Gouda, Parmesan, or any other sharp, salty, or creamy cheese of your choice)
- Salt and Pepper (optional)
- Other seasonings or spices (garlic, herbs, etc.)
Instructions:
Start by melting a few tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of flour and whisk together to create a roux. Cook the roux for a few minutes, stirring frequently, until it turns a light golden colour. This step is important as it cooks out the raw flour taste and adds a nutty flavour.
Next, slowly add your milk or cream, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Keep adding liquid until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce should be thick and creamy. At this point, you can also add a pinch of salt and pepper, and any other seasonings you wish to include. A small amount of beef stock can also be added for an extra savoury boost.
Now it's time to add the cheese. Grate your chosen cheese and gradually add it to the sauce, stirring continuously. Ensure the cheese melts completely and combines with the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. If your sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a small amount of cooking water or milk.
Finally, combine your sauce with the cooked macaroni. You can either mix it directly into the saucepan or pour the sauce over the macaroni in a separate dish. If you're feeling indulgent, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and broil until golden and crispy.
There you have it! A homemade cheese sauce that will make your macaroni and cheese richer, creamier, and more decadent. Enjoy!
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Use stock and cream instead of milk
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, but sometimes it needs a little something extra. A simple way to elevate boxed mac and cheese is to use stock and cream instead of milk.
Using stock and cream in place of milk will result in an extra thick and creamy cheese sauce that takes this classic dish to the next level. The stock adds depth of flavor and savouriness, while the cream adds richness and makes the sauce decadently velvety.
To do this, simply substitute beef stock for milk in your mac and cheese recipe. You can use either homemade or store-bought beef stock. If you want to make your own, it's easy to do so by simmering beef bones, water, and vegetables for a few hours. For store-bought, look for a good quality brand with a deep flavour. In addition to the stock, use cream instead of milk in your recipe. You can use single or double cream, depending on how indulgent you want to be. If you're feeling really fancy, you could even use clotted cream for an incredibly rich and luxurious mac and cheese.
To further enhance the flavour of your upgraded mac and cheese, consider adding a pinch of onion and/or garlic powder to the sauce. This will complement the savouriness of the stock and add a subtle punch of flavour. You could also experiment with different types of cheese to find your perfect combination. Cheddar is a classic choice, but you could also try Gouda, Gruyère, or a combination of cheeses for an extra special treat.
So, the next time you're craving macaroni and cheese, remember that a simple swap of stock and cream for milk can take this dish from ordinary to extraordinary.
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Frequently asked questions
Swap milk for cream, and butter for Greek yoghurt or crème fraîche. For an extra-creamy dish, add more cheese.
Try adding garlic, herbs, beef stock, truffle butter, or crispy bacon. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños or hot sauce.
Use a combination of cheeses, such as sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, Gouda, or cream cheese. Top with breadcrumbs and broil until golden brown.
Mix in leftover meats, such as pulled pork, ground beef, or barbecue pork. For a vegetarian option, add tofu or beans.
Add a small amount of sour cream, or a squeeze of yellow mustard, to balance the sweetness.
