Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved classic, but sometimes it needs a little extra something. There are many ways to spice up this simple dish, from adding different types of cheese to incorporating meats and vegetables. For example, you could add mozzarella or American cheese, or get creative with Colby, Monterey Jack, or even Gruyère. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding buffalo chicken, barbecue pulled pork, or caramelized Brussels sprouts. You can also experiment with different spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and ground thyme. And don't forget the importance of a crispy, baked top layer! With so many options, you can easily turn boxed macaroni and cheese into a delicious and exciting meal.
Characteristics of spicing up bland macaroni and cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of cheese | Mozzarella, American, Colby, Monterey Jack, Fontina, Mild Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Gruyère, Sharp Cheddar, Parmesan |
| Number of cheese types | Three |
| Other ingredients | Paprika, cayenne pepper, ground thyme, black pepper, broccoli, breadcrumbs, olive oil, mustard, egg, milk, flour, butter |
| Meat | Buffalo chicken, fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, ham, pulled pork, barbeque shredded chicken, brown sugar BBQ chicken |
| Vegetarian options | Mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach |
| Other recipes | Butternut squash mac & cheese, Queso mac & cheese, oven-baked salmon, caramelized Brussels sprouts |
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What You'll Learn
Add vegetables
Adding vegetables is a great way to spice up bland macaroni and cheese and increase the nutritional value of your meal. Here are some ideas for vegetables that you can add to your dish:
Broccoli
Steaming or roasting a broccoli floret and adding it to your macaroni and cheese can be a delicious and healthy option. Broccoli is packed with vitamins and fibre, and its mild flavour pairs well with the creaminess of the cheese sauce.
Roasted Vegetables
You can also roast a variety of vegetables to add to your mac and cheese. Try drizzling olive oil over diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, mushrooms, and zucchini, and roasting them in the oven. This will bring out their natural sweetness and add a depth of flavour to your dish.
Garlic
Garlic is a versatile vegetable that can enhance the flavour of your macaroni and cheese. You can roast whole garlic cloves and add them to your dish or sauté garlic with onions before adding them to your sauce for a more subtle flavour.
Green Onions
Chopped green onions can add a mild onion flavour and a bright colour to your macaroni and cheese. You can sprinkle them on top of your dish or mix them into the sauce for a subtle flavour boost.
When adding vegetables to your macaroni and cheese, feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations. You can also adjust the amount of vegetables to suit your taste and nutritional preferences.
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Mix in meat
If you're looking to add some protein to your macaroni and cheese, there are several meat options to choose from. For a classic comfort food combination, try adding some fried or rotisserie chicken to your mac and cheese. If you're not a fan of chicken, you can always opt for some ham or pulled pork instead. These meats will add a savory element to your dish and pair well with the cheese sauce.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try adding some ground beef to your mac and cheese. Season the beef with garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and onion powder to give it a spicy kick. Cook the beef separately and then mix it into your macaroni and cheese. This will create a hearty and flavorful dish.
Another option is to add some bacon to your mac and cheese. Cook the bacon until it's crispy, and then crumble it into your macaroni and cheese mixture. The salty, smoky flavor of the bacon will complement the creaminess of the dish.
For a more sophisticated take on mac and cheese, consider adding some seafood. Tuna, for example, can be a great addition and is often used in small doses as a secret ingredient. If you're feeling fancy, you could even try adding some shrimp or crab meat for a truly indulgent dish.
When adding meat to your macaroni and cheese, consider using spices and herbs to enhance the flavor even further. Paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder are all great options to add a kick to your dish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different combinations of meat and spices to find your perfect flavor profile!
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Try different cheeses
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish, and you can elevate it by experimenting with different cheeses. While the classic recipe calls for cheddar, you can try mixing in other varieties to add depth and flavour.
For instance, you can try swapping some of the sharp cheddar cheese for Gruyere, smoked gouda, goat cheese, parmesan, or pepper jack. If you're looking for a creamier texture, mozzarella is a great option. You can also try different types of cheddar, such as mild or mature cheddar, to find the flavour that suits your taste.
Additionally, you can experiment with combinations of cheeses. For example, Colby, Monterey Jack, and mild cheddar create a unique blend. You can also add a little fontina or gruyere for extra flavour, although you may want to consider a substitute if you're concerned about the cost. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try a blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack.
Remember, the key is to have fun and explore different options to find the combination that suits your taste preferences. Don't be afraid to get creative and mix and match different cheeses to spice up your macaroni and cheese.
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Bake it
Baked mac and cheese is a quintessential comfort food and there are many ways to spice it up. Here are some tips and tricks to achieve the perfect baked mac and cheese:
The Pasta
Use pasta with nooks and crannies to trap the creamy sauce. Elbow macaroni, shells, or penne are all great options. Be sure to undercook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven. You can boil the pasta for 4 to 6 minutes, depending on the type of pasta and your preference, until it is al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
The Cheese Sauce
Start by melting butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and cook, stirring occasionally, until it forms a roux. Slowly whisk in milk and continue to cook until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir in your spices and shredded cheese. A combination of different cheeses will elevate the flavour. You can use sharp Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Fontina, mild cheddar, Gruyère, Gouda, or Parmesan. Add the cheese slowly, stirring constantly, until it melts into the sauce. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Don't be afraid to add more salt!
Baking
Combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce in a buttered baking dish. Sprinkle more shredded cheese on top. You can also add a layer of breadcrumbs and Parmesan mixed with olive oil for a crispy topping. Bake at 350°F to 375°F for 20 to 30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and bubbly. If you want a browner top, broil for an additional 3 to 5 minutes. Let it stand for about 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
- Use freshly grated cheese as it melts better and ensures a smoother sauce.
- If making ahead, prepare the dish up to the baking step, cover, and refrigerate for up to two days or freeze. Add the toppings before baking.
- To prevent the dish from drying out, bake it covered.
- For a creamier sauce, use whole milk or reduced-fat milk.
- Add spices like mustard powder, nutmeg, cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder for extra flavour.
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Spice it up
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it can get a little repetitive. Here are some ways to spice it up:
Use Different Cheeses
Adding extra cheese is a simple way to elevate your macaroni and cheese. Try using multiple types of cheese, such as Colby, Monterey Jack, Fontina, mild or sharp Cheddar, Gruyère, or Pepper Jack. You can also add cream cheese.
Meat
Buffalo chicken, fried chicken, rotisserie chicken, pulled pork, or barbeque shredded chicken are all great additions to macaroni and cheese. If you're not a meat eater, try mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, or broccoli.
Spices
Experiment with different ground spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, and thyme. Add plenty of black pepper, but avoid freshly ground pepper—opt for the powdered variety.
Toppings
For a crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs with Parmesan and olive oil, then sprinkle the mixture on top of your macaroni and cheese before baking.
Other Creative Add-Ins
Try a butternut squash mac and cheese for a sweet and rich twist. You can also experiment with different bases, such as a tomato base, or draw inspiration from other dishes like Mexican food, or your favourite spinach artichoke dip.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ways to spice up bland macaroni and cheese. You can add more cheese, such as mozzarella, Colby, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère. You can also add spices such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or ground thyme.
You can add canned, sautéed, or fresh mushrooms, tomatoes, spinach, or broccoli. If you want to add meat, try buffalo chicken, pulled pork, or shredded chicken with barbecue sauce.
Try adding butternut squash for a sweet and rich flavour, or make a queso mac and cheese by using the pasta water to create a creamy queso sauce. You can also add cream cheese, or draw inspiration from other dishes such as Mexican food, buffalo wings, or spinach artichoke dip.
