Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish, and there are many frozen options available. While some frozen macaroni and cheese products may not be as good as homemade, there are still some tasty options. Some popular brands include Stouffer's, Kraft, Trader Joe's, and Patti's Good Life. Stouffer's, for example, offers a classic macaroni and cheese experience, with a salty, bright orange cheddar sauce coating soft elbow pasta. Kraft's frozen macaroni and cheese, on the other hand, is described as creamy but lacking in seasoning. Patti's Good Life mac and cheese is made with both cheddar and Monterey jack cheese and is well-seasoned and tasty. For a vegan option, there is a plant-based mac and cheese that is also tree nut-free. While some options may not be as tasty as others, there are still plenty of choices for those looking for a quick and easy macaroni and cheese fix.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best Overall | Beecher's Handmade Cheese Frozen "World's Best" Mac & Cheese |
| Best Budget Option | Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese |
| Best Vegan Option | Chao |
| Best Gluten-Free Option | Stouffer's Gluten-Free Macaroni & Cheese |
| Best for a Crowd | Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese |
| Best Flavour | Patti LaBelle's Good Life Mac and Cheese |
| Best for Kids | Stouffer's Macaroni and Cheese |
| Best Breadcrumbs | Blake's |
| Best Trader Joe's Option | Hatch Chile Mac & Cheese |
| Best Healthy Option | Eating Well |
Explore related products
$6.48 $6.98
What You'll Learn
Stouffer's Mac and Cheese
Stouffer's offers a convenient and quick meal, with the option to cook it in the microwave or oven, making it a go-to choice for busy individuals and families. It is also available in single-serving and family-size portions, ensuring that there is enough for everyone.
While some praise Stouffer's Mac and Cheese for its flavour and convenience, others have criticised it for being dry and bland. Some reviewers have noted that the quality has declined over the years, particularly with the removal of egg noodles, which previously gave the dish a richer taste.
Despite this, Stouffer's remains a well-known brand in the frozen food aisle, and their Mac and Cheese is a staple for many. It is a comforting and indulgent treat, perfect for satisfying cravings or feeding a crowd, especially with its gluten-free option.
Stouffer's has also expanded their Mac and Cheese offerings with the Ultimate Five Cheese Mac, providing variety for consumers who enjoy their products.
Cheese and Soup: The Perfect Pairing
You may want to see also
Trader Joe's Mac and Cheese
Trader Joe's has a wide variety of mac and cheese options, including Hatch Green Chile, French Onion, and Pepperoni Pizza. One of their most popular options is the Cheddar Macaroni & Cheese, which has received mixed reviews. Some customers have praised the dish for its flavour and convenience, while others have criticised it for having a chemical taste and lacking the tangy cheese flavour they expected.
Trader Joe's also offers a vegan mac and cheese option, which has been praised for its creamy cheese sauce. However, some reviewers have noted that the portion size is small and the sauce could be more flavourful.
In addition to these, Trader Joe's has several other unique mac and cheese varieties, such as the hatch green chilli mac, which is a low-calorie option with a dash of pepper and a couple of drops of Sriracha. They also have a frozen pizza mac and cheese that has received positive reviews for its flavour.
Overall, while Trader Joe's mac and cheese may not be the best option for those seeking a classic, tangy mac and cheese experience, the retailer offers a diverse range of mac and cheese dishes that cater to various taste preferences and dietary restrictions. Their vegan and low-calorie options, in particular, have received positive reviews for their flavour and creaminess.
Grande Cheese: The Best Option?
You may want to see also
Patti LaBelle's Mac and Cheese
Patti LaBelle is a music industry icon, but she is also an incredible cook and baker. She has published several cookbooks, generously sharing her recipes with the world. One recipe that stands out and has received a lot of love is her famous "Over the Rainbow Mac and Cheese".
The recipe calls for elbow macaroni, cooked in salted water with vegetable oil to prevent the noodles from sticking together. The magic happens when you stir in butter, shredded cheese, cubed Velveeta, eggs, half-and-half, and seasoned salt. The combination of Muenster, mild and sharp Cheddar, and Monterey Jack cheeses, along with Velveeta, creates a heavenly blend. The Velveeta, a processed cheese, melts smoothly, resulting in a creamy sauce without the need for a traditional roux.
For an extra indulgent touch, some home cooks have added extra butter and evaporated milk to the recipe. Others have suggested substituting seasoned salt with creole, jerk, or Cajun seasoning, and even adding protein like chicken or seafood for a heartier meal. The versatility of this recipe allows for customisation to suit your taste preferences.
Best Cheeses for Baked Spaghetti Perfection
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Kraft's Mac and Cheese
Kraft Mac and Cheese is a popular choice for those seeking a quick and easy meal. It is available in microwaveable cups, making it convenient for those on the go. While it is well-known for its great cheesy taste, some recent reviews suggest that the flavour may have changed.
Some long-time fans of Kraft Mac and Cheese have noticed a difference in the product over the years, particularly in the cheese powder mix. The cheese flavour is said to be less savoury and tangier than before, with a slight sweetness that was not present in the original recipe. This change in taste has been a source of disappointment for some, who recall enjoying the product during their childhood.
The change in flavour has prompted some customers to experiment with adding extra cheese or other ingredients to enhance the taste. Others have opted to switch to different brands or make their own mac and cheese from scratch. Despite the adjustments to the recipe, Kraft Mac and Cheese remains a convenient and comforting meal option for many.
Kraft Mac and Cheese has become a staple in many households, with its iconic blue box evoking a sense of nostalgia for those who grew up eating it. While taste preferences may vary, the product continues to be a go-to choice for those seeking a quick, creamy, and cheesy meal.
To elevate the flavour of Kraft Mac and Cheese, some home cooks suggest adding unsalted butter, milk, and a pinch of salt. Others recommend purchasing powdered cheese separately and using it with any preferred pasta shape for a more customizable mac and cheese experience.
The Perfect Cheesecake: Baking Secrets Revealed
You may want to see also
Vegan Mac and Cheese
Creating a vegan version of the classic mac and cheese involves a bechamel sauce with heaps of cheese added to it, placed into a dish, topped with breadcrumbs, and baked. The sauce can be made vegan by using vegan butter and plant-based milk.
Ingredients
- Raw cashews
- Fresh lemon juice
- Nutritional yeast
- Turmeric
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Vegan cheese
- Elbow noodles
Variations
Some recipes suggest adding shredded carrots to the cheese mixture for a more orange color. You can also steam cauliflower and use it instead of macaroni for a healthier version.
Tips
- The sauce freezes well, so feel free to make extra sauce and freeze it for a quick meal.
- The sauce thickens when it cools, but you can easily fix this by adding a little warm water and stirring while you reheat it.
- You can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
Cheese: The Ultimate Superfood?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
The best frozen macaroni and cheese is creamy, indulgent, and saucy. Stouffer's frozen macaroni and cheese is a popular choice, with its salty, bright orange cheddar sauce coating soft elbow pasta.
Trader Joe's Diner Mac and Cheese is a tasty option, with its four-cheese combination of sharp cheddar, buttery havarti, nutty gouda, and Swiss. Beecher's Handmade Cheese Frozen "World's Best" Mac & Cheese is also a unique, delicious choice, with its sweet and pungent cross between cheddar and Swiss, along with chipotle puree and chilli powder.
Yes, Chao's vegan mac and cheese is a great option. It's saucy, and the sauce tastes like cheese without any odd aftertaste, which is common in vegan dairy products.
Wegmans frozen macaroni and cheese was a disappointment, with no flavour at all. Lean Cuisine's frozen macaroni and cheese also received poor reviews due to its strange, rubbery texture and lack of taste.
Look for options with a silky and creamy cheese sauce that doesn't separate. While the pasta may not be al dente, it should be tender and coated well by the sauce. Avoid options with large chunks of additional ingredients, as they may create clumps in the pasta.
