Kamil Perry
Mac and cheese is a beloved comfort food, but sometimes it needs a little extra something. There are many ways to spice up boxed macaroni and cheese, from adding different cheeses, meats, and vegetables, to using spices and other seasonings. Whether you're looking for a creamier sauce or a crispy finish, there are simple tricks to elevate boxed mac and cheese so it tastes like it's made from scratch.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Gruyere, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Parmesan, Romano, Cream Cheese, Boursin, American, Gouda |
| Meat | Bacon, Crispy prosciutto, Chicken, Ground beef, Crispy chicken nuggets, Barbecue pork, Crab, Hot dogs, Chicken sausages, Ham |
| Spices | Smoked paprika, Cayenne pepper, Thyme, Dried mustard, Yellow mustard, Salt, Pepper, Red pepper flakes, Hot sauce, Onion powder, Garlic powder |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Spinach, Peas, Tomatoes, Basil, Poblano chile pepper, Fire-roasted corn, Bell peppers, Onions, Kimchi |
| Other | Butter, Sour cream, Greek yogurt, Heavy cream, Breadcrumbs, Taco seasoning, Cajun seasoning, Marinara sauce, Barbecue sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Add meat, such as bacon, ground beef, or sausage
Adding meat to boxed macaroni and cheese is a great way to make it more filling and flavourful. Here are some ways to incorporate meat into your boxed mac and cheese:
Bacon
Try stirring in crispy cooked thick-cut applewood bacon into your boxed mac and cheese. For an even more decadent dish, prepare the mac and cheese with truffle butter instead of regular butter. You could also add cooked, crumbled bacon to your mac and cheese, along with roasted corn kernels, diced Anaheim or Hatch chiles, and cracked black pepper for a Southwestern twist.
Ground Beef
For a cheeseburger-inspired mac and cheese, brown some ground beef and stir it into your prepared mac and cheese.
Sausage
Sauté diced onions, then add broken-up spicy Italian sausage to the pan. Once cooked through, incorporate a cup or two of your favourite canned marinara sauce and stir this mixture into your prepared mac and cheese.
Other Meats
You can also experiment with other types of meat in your boxed mac and cheese, such as ham or leftover meat from another meal. For a fancier dish, prepare your boxed mac and cheese according to the package directions, then make a homemade cheese sauce and dump the cheesy noodles into a casserole dish. Top with breadcrumbs and a handful of cheese and broil until golden brown.
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Use different cheeses, like cream cheese, gouda, or mozzarella
Using different types of cheese is a great way to spice up boxed macaroni and cheese. While the boxed variety typically includes powdered cheese, you can elevate the dish by incorporating unique cheeses with distinct flavours and textures.
Cream cheese, for instance, adds a creamy tanginess to the dish. It blends well with the powdered cheese and other cheeses, resulting in a smooth and rich sauce. Cream cheese also helps to balance out sharper cheeses, creating a harmonious flavour profile.
Gouda is another excellent option for adding depth to boxed macaroni and cheese. Known for its rich, nutty flavour, gouda brings a sweet and savoury umami profile to the dish. It melts well, contributing to the creaminess of the sauce. Smoked gouda is a variety that adds a distinct, savoury twist to the classic macaroni and cheese.
Mozzarella is a versatile cheese that can be used in boxed macaroni and cheese. It melts easily and has a mild flavour, allowing other ingredients to shine. When paired with complementary cheeses like white cheddar or incorporated into a spinach and artichoke dip, mozzarella adds a stringy, stretchy texture to the dish.
When using different cheeses, it's important to grate them yourself instead of using pre-shredded cheese. This ensures better melting and a creamier consistency. Additionally, consider the melting properties and flavour profiles of the cheeses you choose to create a well-balanced and delectable macaroni and cheese creation.
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Try spices like garlic powder, paprika, or dried mustard
Adding spices is a simple way to elevate boxed macaroni and cheese. A combination of garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper can be used to enhance the flavour of the dish. Firstly, melt butter in a large non-stick pan over medium heat, then add the spices and stir frequently. You can also add parmesan and panko to the mix for added flavour and crunch. Cook until the panko is golden brown and crispy, which should take around 5 minutes. Set this mixture aside and cook the macaroni and cheese according to the box directions in a medium-sized saucepan. Drain the macaroni and cheese, and then add the spice mixture, stirring well to combine.
Another option is to add dried mustard, which can be whisked into the pot along with the powdered cheese, milk, and butter. This will add some extra flavour and depth to the dish. You can also experiment with other spices like cayenne pepper, thyme, or regular paprika, depending on your preference.
If you're a fan of garlic, adding some garlic powder to your boxed macaroni and cheese can take it to the next level. The garlic powder can be added to the butter and spice mixture mentioned earlier, or you can incorporate it directly into the macaroni and cheese sauce. Just be sure to taste as you go to ensure you don't overpower the dish with too much garlic flavour.
Smoked paprika is another spice that can add a unique flavour to your boxed macaroni and cheese. It is a versatile spice that can be used in the spice mixture or directly added to the cheese sauce. It has a smoky flavour that can complement the creaminess of the dish. Just remember to use it sparingly, as a little goes a long way.
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Incorporate vegetables, including broccoli, spinach, or jalapeños
If you're looking to add some vegetables to your boxed macaroni and cheese, there are several options to choose from. Broccoli, spinach, and jalapeños are all great choices that can add flavour, nutrition, and texture to your dish.
Broccoli
For roasted broccoli, simply chop the vegetable into small florets and toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread the broccoli on a baking sheet and roast in the oven at 200°C for about 20 minutes, or until tender and slightly charred. You can then mix the roasted broccoli into your cooked macaroni and cheese.
Spinach
Spinach is a versatile vegetable that can be added to your macaroni and cheese in a few different ways. You can use raw spinach leaves as a topping, or create a bed of spinach and place your macaroni on top. The opposing textures of macaroni, cheese, and raw spinach produce a pleasing contrast. Alternatively, you can cook the spinach and mix it into your boxed macaroni and cheese for a smoother texture. Remember that spinach will shrink significantly when cooked, so portion it out accordingly. Frozen spinach is also a great, inexpensive option that can be easily mixed into your dish.
Jalapeños
Jalapeños are a popular choice for adding spice and flavour to macaroni and cheese. You can chop and fry the jalapeños, or use pickled jalapeños, and mix them into your macaroni along with other ingredients like garlic, onion, bacon, and cheese. If you want a milder spice level, you can remove the seeds and soft white membrane from the jalapeños before adding them to your dish.
These are just a few ideas for incorporating vegetables into your boxed macaroni and cheese. Feel free to experiment with different combinations of vegetables, cheeses, and spices to find your favourite flavour profile!
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Experiment with sauces, like barbecue sauce, hot sauce, or yogurt
Barbecue sauce is a great way to enhance the flavour profile of boxed macaroni and cheese. The two are a natural pairing, often enjoyed together at barbecues. The addition of barbecue sauce will give your boxed macaroni and cheese a complementary blend of sweet, spicy, smoky, and cheesy flavours. For a unique twist, try using Alabama barbecue sauce, which is white in colour and will add a tangy, vinegary taste. Alternatively, opt for South Carolina barbecue sauce for a piquant, mustard flavour, or Florida barbecue sauce for a tropical twist with Cuban citrus and Caribbean spices. Simply drizzle your chosen barbecue sauce over the macaroni and cheese, stirring it through to ensure an even distribution.
Hot sauce is another way to add a kick of flavour to boxed macaroni and cheese. For a simple yet effective upgrade, drizzle your favourite hot sauce over the dish, stirring to combine. Alternatively, create a spicy mixture by browning ground pork in a pan with a little oil, then adding diced bell peppers and cooking until softened. Finish this mixture with a splash of hot sauce and stir it through your macaroni and cheese for a smoky, spicy kick.
Yogurt can be used as a substitute for milk and butter in boxed macaroni and cheese to create a creamy, tangy sauce. For best results, use Greek yogurt and be careful not to overheat it, as it may curdle. To prepare the sauce, melt butter in a pot, then stir in the powdered cheese packet and Greek yogurt. You can also add grated cheese and spices to taste. Finally, pour the sauce over your cooked noodles, stir, and serve.
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