Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish worldwide, but is it a grain or a dairy product? The answer is that it's both! Macaroni is made from wheat flour, a grain, while cheese is a dairy product. The combination of these two ingredients creates a delicious and comforting dish. Macaroni and cheese can be made in various ways, from scratch or using convenient boxed options, and it has been a staple food for many families. The dish's popularity has led to the creation of different variations, including whole-grain options, which offer a healthier twist on the classic recipe.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of food | Pasta |
| Main ingredients | Cheese, pasta |
| Other ingredients | Broccoli, butter, milk, flour, eggs, béchamel sauce |
| Pasta type | Whole-wheat, whole-grain |
| Cheese type | Gruyere, Gouda, Havarti, Parmesan |
| Nutritional content | 11 grams of whole grains per serving, 250 calories, 18 grams fat, 8 grams saturated fat, 0 grams trans fat, 8 grams monounsaturated fat, 1 gram polyunsaturated fat, 39 grams carbohydrates, 2 grams dietary fiber, 8 grams sugars, 17 grams protein, 586 milligrams sodium |
| Preparation method | Boil pasta, add cheese and other ingredients, bake |
| Variations | Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese with Whole Grains, Kraft Whole Grain Original Flavor Macaroni and Cheese Dinner |
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What You'll Learn
Macaroni and cheese can be made with whole grains
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish that can be made with whole grains. Whole-wheat pasta is a key ingredient in making this dish healthier and more nutritious. This recipe uses whole wheat macaroni and flour, a better-for-you alternative to the processed boxed variety. It is a simple dish to prepare, and the whole-wheat version does not take much longer to cook than the boxed version.
The recipe begins with cooking the pasta in a large pot of boiling water, aiming for an al dente texture. The pasta is then drained and tossed with olive oil. Broccoli, another healthy addition to this dish, is also blanched in the boiling water for a few minutes before being transferred to cold water and drained. To make the béchamel sauce, oil or butter is heated in a saucepan, and flour is whisked into it. Milk is then added and whisked until the sauce thickens.
Some people prefer to use eggs instead of flour to increase protein and decrease carbs. The cheese sauce is made by melting grated cheddar into the béchamel sauce. This sauce is then stirred into the pasta, and the mixture is poured into a baking dish. The top is sprinkled with breadcrumbs, and the dish is baked until hot, bubbly, and lightly browned.
There are several whole-wheat macaroni products available on the market, such as Community Grains and MagNoodles. Preparing this dish with whole grains and vegetables like broccoli makes it a healthier option that can be enjoyed without the guilt associated with highly processed foods. It is a simple and delicious recipe that can be assembled ahead of time and baked when needed, making it a convenient and nutritious option for individuals and families.
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Whole-grain macaroni and cheese is available from Kraft
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish that typically consists of pasta and a cheese sauce. The pasta used in this dish is typically made from wheat flour, which is a grain. Therefore, macaroni and cheese do contain grains.
There are many different types of pasta available for making macaroni and cheese, including whole-grain options. Whole-grain pasta is made from whole wheat flour, which includes the bran, germ, and endosperm of the wheat grain. This type of pasta can provide more fibre, vitamins, and minerals than pasta made from refined flour.
Kraft, a popular manufacturer of boxed macaroni and cheese dinners, offers a whole-grain version of their classic product. Kraft's Whole Grain Original Flavor Macaroni and Cheese Dinner includes whole-grain macaroni noodles and a cheese sauce mix. This product provides one serving of whole grain per serving and does not contain any artificial flavours, preservatives, or dyes.
The Kraft Whole Grain Macaroni and Cheese has received positive reviews from customers, who appreciate the whole-grain content and the familiar taste of Kraft macaroni and cheese. Some customers have noted that it tastes similar to the original Kraft product, while others have mentioned that it has no aftertaste or wheat flavour. It is a convenient option for those who want a quick and tasty meal with the added benefit of whole grains.
In addition to Kraft, there are other brands that offer whole-grain macaroni and cheese products. These include H-E-B, Community Grains, and MagNoodles. For those who prefer to make macaroni and cheese from scratch, whole-wheat pasta can be used to increase the whole-grain content of the dish.
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Stouffer's sells a whole-grain macaroni and cheese product
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish that can be made with whole-wheat pasta. Whole-wheat pasta is a grain, and there are many whole-grain macaroni products on the market.
Stouffer's, for example, sells a whole-grain macaroni and cheese product. Their macaroni is made with 16 grams of whole grains per serving and is combined with real cheese for full flavor. The product is preservative-free and can be served as a side, topping, or customized as part of the main dish. It is available in 4 x 64 oz pouches, with a yield of 31 servings per case. Stouffer's also offers their traditional macaroni and cheese, which is made with elbow macaroni from durum semolina wheat and 100% real cheese.
Stouffer's believes that the best way to preserve freshness and nutrition is through freezing, not preservatives. Their products are designed to be easy to serve with a scratch-made taste. They offer a range of packaging formats, including trays and pouches, with varying yields and serving sizes.
In addition to Stouffer's, there are other brands that sell whole-grain macaroni products, such as H-E-B and Community Grains. These products provide an excellent option for those seeking the nutritional benefits of whole grains while enjoying the comfort of macaroni and cheese.
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Macaroni is a type of wheat pasta
Macaroni and cheese is a popular dish, often made with elbow macaroni. Macaroni is a type of wheat pasta. It is made from durum wheat semolina, which is ground into flour and then kneaded with water to form a dough. This dough is then shaped into the distinctive macaroni form.
In the United States, federal regulations define three different shapes of dried pasta (macaroni, spaghetti, and vermicelli) as falling under the label of "macaroni product". Macaroni products are defined as the class of food prepared by drying formed units of dough made from semolina, durum flour, farina, flour, or any combination of those ingredients with water.
Macaroni is a versatile pasta that can be used in a variety of dishes. In addition to the popular macaroni and cheese, it is used in soups, stir-fries, and even sweet dishes such as macaroni pudding. Macaroni can also be cooked in water and then rinsed to remove starch, and served in clear broth with meat and vegetables, similar to noodle soup.
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Macaroni and cheese is a good source of calcium
Macaroni and cheese is a dish that originated from Italy and became popular in the US. It is typically made with macaroni pasta, cheese, butter, and/or evaporated milk. The dish can be made by simply layering slices of cheese and pasta and then baking them in a casserole or preparing them as a cheese sauce. While the dish is often considered indulgent and comforting, it can also be a good source of calcium.
The calcium content of macaroni and cheese will depend on the specific ingredients used, particularly the type of cheese and milk included in the recipe. Cheeses that are commonly used in macaroni and cheese, such as Gruyere, Gouda, Havarti, and Parmesan, are all good sources of calcium. For example, Parmesan cheese contains around 1,200 mg of calcium per ounce, while cheddar cheese contains around 200 mg of calcium per ounce.
In addition to the cheese, the milk used in macaroni and cheese can also contribute to its calcium content. Evaporated milk, which is commonly used in mac and cheese recipes, is a good source of calcium, providing around 30% of the recommended daily value per cup. This means that by using evaporated milk in your macaroni and cheese, you can increase the dish's calcium content.
Whole-wheat pasta, which is sometimes used in macaroni and cheese recipes, can also add to the calcium content of the dish. While the calcium contribution from pasta is smaller than that of cheese or milk, it can still be significant, especially when combined with other calcium-rich ingredients. Additionally, whole-wheat pasta has the added benefit of providing more fiber and nutrients than regular pasta, making it a healthier option overall.
Overall, macaroni and cheese can be a good source of calcium, depending on the specific ingredients used. By using calcium-rich cheeses, milk, and even whole-wheat pasta, you can increase the dish's calcium content and make it a more nutritious option. However, it's important to remember that macaroni and cheese can also be high in fat and calories, so it should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
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Frequently asked questions
Macaroni and cheese can be a grain. Many brands, including Kraft, Stouffer's, and H-E-B, offer whole-grain macaroni and cheese options.
There are several recipes for whole-grain macaroni and cheese that use whole-wheat pasta and add broccoli.
Popular cheeses to use in macaroni and cheese include Gruyere, Gouda, Havarti, and Parmesan.
