Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but sometimes it needs a little something extra. Whether you're starting from scratch or using a boxed mix, there are endless ways to elevate this dish. For a creamy, tangy twist, try adding sour cream, crème fraîche, Greek yoghurt, or cream cheese. If you're looking for a spicy kick, throw in some jalapeños, hot sauce, or black pepper. Want to add some crunch? Bacon bits, prosciutto, or breadcrumbs will do the trick. For a more decadent option, swap out the milk for cream or half-and-half. Vegetarians might like to add spinach, broccoli, or peas, while meat-eaters can toss in some chicken or beef. Get creative with your leftovers, and don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices!
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Dairy | Butter, milk, margarine, sour cream, Greek yoghurt, crème fraîche, cream, cheese |
| Meat | Bacon, prosciutto, ham, chicken, turkey, beef, tuna |
| Vegetables | Peas, spinach, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, squash, pumpkin, mushrooms, jalapenos, scallions |
| Spices | Black pepper, paprika, garlic |
| Other | Basil pesto, sun-dried tomatoes, kimchi, breadcrumbs, beef stock |
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What You'll Learn
Add vegetables, like spinach, broccoli, or peas
Adding vegetables to mac and cheese is a great way to make this classic dish healthier and more flavourful. Spinach, broccoli, and peas are all fantastic options to include. Here are some ways to incorporate these vegetables:
Spinach
Spinach is a nutrient-rich vegetable that can be easily incorporated into mac and cheese. Simply chop fresh spinach leaves and stir them into the pasta along with the cheese sauce. You can also add some chopped spinach to the pureed vegetable mixture described below, creating a vibrant green sauce that kids will love.
Broccoli
Broccoli florets can be steamed or blanched until tender, then chopped into small pieces and mixed into the macaroni and cheese sauce. Broccoli provides a good amount of fibre and vitamins, making it a nutritious addition to the dish.
Peas
Peas are another excellent choice, offering sweetness and a pop of colour. Frozen peas are convenient and can be added directly to the warm mac and cheese, heating through without needing separate cooking. Peas pair well with bacon, so consider including some crispy bacon bits for a tasty proto-carbonara.
Combination Ideas
You can also combine these vegetables with other ingredients to create unique flavour profiles. For example, try blending spinach, broccoli, or peas with milk, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese to create a delicious and creamy vegetable cheese sauce. This sauce can then be mixed with the cooked macaroni, resulting in a flavourful and nutritious dish. Additionally, you can experiment with adding other vegetables like cauliflower, carrots, and butternut squash to the puree for an extra boost of vitamins and fibre.
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Mix in leftover meats, such as chicken or bacon
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be enhanced with various ingredients, including leftover meats such as chicken or bacon. Adding chicken and bacon to macaroni and cheese creates a hearty and comforting meal perfect for casual dinners or crowd-pleasing parties. Here are some tips and instructions for mixing leftover chicken or bacon into macaroni and cheese:
Ingredients:
- Macaroni: Elbow macaroni is a classic choice, but you can also use tubetti, shells, or a corkscrew shape.
- Chicken: Use cooked, chopped chicken, or take it up a notch with panko-crusted chicken or fried chicken cutlets.
- Bacon: Crispy bacon strips or bits add a decadent touch.
- Butter: Essential for a creamy texture and binding the breadcrumb topping.
- Cheese: A blend of cheeses like Swiss, cheddar, Parmesan, and Monterey Jack adds complexity to the dish.
- Milk: Milk is used to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Seasonings: Salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard enhance the flavour.
- Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs provide a buttery, golden-brown crust.
Instructions:
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, aiming for a slightly firm al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
- Gradually whisk in milk to create a smooth sauce.
- Add in the cheese and whisk until fully melted. A combination of cheddar and Monterey Jack is a good choice.
- In a casserole dish, layer the cooked macaroni with cubed chicken and bacon pieces.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta, chicken, and bacon, ensuring everything is coated evenly.
- Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top. You can mix them with melted butter for extra richness.
- Bake at 350°F (177°C) for about 30 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations:
- You can also add vegetables like peas, mushrooms, or tomatoes to your chicken and bacon macaroni and cheese for extra flavour and nutrition.
- If you're a fan of spice, toss in some crispy jalapeños or sautéed garlic to give your dish a kick.
- For a creamy twist, stir in some double cream before sprinkling on the cheese and breadcrumbs.
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Use dairy to enhance the sauce, like milk, butter, or sour cream
Dairy products like milk, butter, and sour cream can be used to enhance the sauce in macaroni and cheese. Here are some tips on how to do this:
When making macaroni and cheese, it is essential to start with a good base. Boil your pasta of choice – macaroni, shells, or penne are great options as they have nooks and crannies that trap the creamy sauce – and then melt butter in a separate large pot. Once the butter begins to bubble, add flour to create a roux, which will thicken the sauce. It is normal for the mixture to thicken at this stage.
Next, add milk to the mixture. Warm milk is recommended as it prevents a lumpy sauce and speeds up the thickening process. Whole milk or reduced-fat milk can be used, depending on your preference and availability. The milk will thin out the mixture, creating a creamy sauce. You can also add cream cheese at this stage for extra tanginess and creaminess, though this is optional.
Once you are happy with the consistency of your sauce, stir in spices and cheese. Adding the cheese slowly allows it to melt more easily into the sauce. White cheddar is a popular choice as it melts beautifully and has a great flavor, but you can also experiment with other cheeses like pecorino-Romano, Gruyere, or Monterey Jack. Finally, stir in your slightly undercooked pasta and serve, or bake in the oven for an extra crispy finish.
By using dairy products like milk, butter, and cream cheese, you can create a creamy, flavorful sauce that takes your macaroni and cheese to the next level.
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Try different cheeses, like gouda, cheddar, or parmesan
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but you can elevate it by experimenting with different cheeses. Try combining cheddar with gouda for an ultra-creamy and rich flavour profile. Start by making a béchamel sauce—melt butter in a pan, add flour to create a paste, then slowly whisk in milk. Season with salt, pepper, and Old Bay. Once the sauce is bubbling, reduce the heat and stir in shredded cheddar and gouda until melted. This combination works well with stovetop macaroni, creating a smooth and velvety dish.
For a more distinct flavour, consider using smoked gouda, which will add a subtle smoky taste to your mac and cheese. If you're looking for a substitute, mild cheddar or gruyere can be used in place of gouda, offering a similar creamy texture and rich flavour. Play around with the proportions of cheddar to gouda to find your preferred balance, or even include other cheeses to create an even more complex blend.
Parmesan is another excellent cheese to incorporate into macaroni and cheese, adding a sharp and salty flavour. To make a stovetop parmesan mac and cheese, start by cooking the pasta until it's al dente. In a separate pan, create a béchamel sauce by melting butter, adding flour to form a roux, then slowly whisking in milk. Add grated parmesan and shredded cheddar, stirring until you have a smooth and creamy sauce. Season with garlic powder, paprika, and fresh basil for an Italian twist.
When using cheddar in macaroni and cheese, it's best to shred it yourself, as pre-shredded cheddar often includes an anti-caking agent that can affect how well it melts. Grating your own cheese ensures a smooth and creamy sauce. Experiment with different types of cheddar, such as white cheddar or mild cheddar, to find the flavour that best suits your taste.
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Add spices and herbs, like garlic, paprika, or basil
Adding spices and herbs like garlic, paprika, or basil is a great way to enhance the flavour of your macaroni and cheese. For a golden, buttery parmesan breadcrumb topping, add freshly minced garlic to your mac and cheese sauce. The garlic will infuse a bold, savoury flavour and add a gentle kick to every bite.
If you're looking for a smoky flavour, smoked paprika is a great option. You can add it to the roux, which is a mixture of fat (usually butter) and flour, cooked together to remove the raw, floury flavour. You can also add milk to the roux to make a béchamel (or white) sauce. Adding smoked paprika to the roux will give your mac and cheese a darker colour and a smoky taste.
Basil is another herb that can be used to enhance the flavour of your mac and cheese. You can add fresh basil leaves to your cheese sauce, or try a tomato-basil stovetop mac and cheese. This recipe includes garlic, tomatoes, and basil in the cheese sauce, creating a light and tasty summer dish.
You can also experiment with other spices and herbs to find your perfect flavour combination. Some popular options include dry mustard powder, nutmeg, onion powder, and jalapeños for a spicy kick. Don't be afraid to get creative and add your own unique twist to your macaroni and cheese!
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Frequently asked questions
To make boxed mac and cheese taste creamier, swap out the milk for heavy cream, half-and-half, or Greek yoghurt. You can also add an extra cup of shredded cheese to the mix.
Some tasty ingredients to add to boxed mac and cheese include:
- Bacon bits
- Peas
- Pickled jalapeños
- Mushrooms
- Spinach
- Broccoli
- Crispy prosciutto
- Basil-y pesto
- Sun-dried tomatoes
- Kimchi
- Sour cream
- Hot sauce
- Beef stock
- Breadcrumbs
If your mac and cheese tastes too sweet, try adding a little squeeze of yellow mustard or some Greek yoghurt to balance out the sweetness.
Leftover meat such as BBQ chicken, pulled pork, or rotisserie chicken can add some extra flavour and texture to boxed mac and cheese.
