Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customised in numerous ways. For meat lovers, bacon, chicken, and ground beef are popular additions. Vegetarians can bulk up their mac and cheese with spinach, peas, or even canned chickpeas. For those who enjoy spicy food, jalapeños, chilli crisp, and hot sauce can add a kick. Other popular ingredients include garlic, paprika, and different types of cheese such as cheddar, mozzarella, and gruyère.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Bacon, Sausages, Chicken, Hamburger, Turkey Dogs, Pulled Pork |
| Seafood | Tuna |
| Vegetables | Peas, Spinach, Mushrooms, Green Beans, Broccoli, Carrots, Cauliflower, Roasted Veggies, Tomatoes, Corn, Onions, Pickled Jalapeños, Chipotles, Peppers, Artichokes, Scallions, Cilantro |
| Dairy | Cheese Sauce, Sour Cream, Yogurt, Butter, Mozzarella, Cream Cheese |
| Condiments | Kimchi, Sauerkraut, BBQ Sauce, Hot Sauce, Gochujang, Pesto, Mustard, Mayonnaise |
| Spices | Garlic, Smoked Paprika, Ground Mustard Seed, Salt, Black Pepper, Red Pepper Flakes, Cumin, Nutmeg |
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What You'll Learn
Meats: ham, chicken, bacon, beef, or sausages
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to include various meats, such as ham, chicken, bacon, beef, or sausages. Here are some ideas for adding these meats to your macaroni and cheese:
Ham
You can make a casserole by combining macaroni and cheese with ham and green onions. Start by making a cheesy sauce, then add the cooked ham and green onions. Sprinkle more cheese on top, and finish with a buttered breadcrumb topping. You can also add frozen peas for colour.
Chicken
Chicken can be added to macaroni and cheese to create a chicken pasta casserole. Use cheddar or American cheese, along with bacon and peas. You can also add other ingredients like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Bacon
Bacon can be added to macaroni and cheese in several ways. You can cook the bacon until crispy and fold it into the macaroni and cheese, or sprinkle it on top along with breadcrumbs. You can also try using different types of bacon, such as pancetta or speck. Just be mindful of the salt content in these cured meats.
Beef
Ground beef is a popular addition to macaroni and cheese, creating a hearty casserole. You can also try adding beef chili to your macaroni and cheese for a spicy kick. For a steak option, simply stir in cooked steak with the cheese sauce, and add extra water or broth if needed. Season with salt and pepper, and if you're feeling indulgent, drizzle with truffle oil.
Sausages
Spicy andouille sausage, along with Cajun seasonings, peppers, and onions, can add a smoky flavour and a bit of heat to your macaroni and cheese. If you don't have access to andouille sausage, you can use other types of smoked sausage, such as chorizo or a spicy turkey or chicken sausage.
Remember, when adding meat to macaroni and cheese, ensure that the meat is fully cooked before combining it with the other ingredients.
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Seafood: tuna or shrimp
Tuna
Tuna is a great addition to macaroni and cheese. You can use canned tuna, drained and flaked, and combine it with a variety of cheeses. Some recipes suggest using cream cheese for a luxuriously creamy texture, while others recommend sharp cheddar, gouda, swiss, or a mix of leftover cheeses. You can also add milk, salt, pepper, and dijon mustard to enhance the flavour.
For a one-pot tuna mac and cheese, simply cook the pasta and mix it with the rest of the ingredients in the same pot. If you want to bake your tuna mac and cheese, preheat your oven to 350°F (175-180°C). Cook the macaroni until tender, drain, and then return it to the saucepan. Stir in the cheese sauce, margarine, and milk until well combined. Add the tuna and any additional vegetables, such as mushrooms, peas, or celery. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake for about 20-30 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
Shrimp
Shrimp mac and cheese is another delicious option for a seafood twist on the classic dish. You can use elbow macaroni and tiny salad shrimp, or larger shrimp that can be baked into the top layer of cheese for a fun presentation.
For the cheese, it's recommended to use varieties that are known for their meltability, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, muenster, fontina, or havarti. Smoked gouda or gruyere can also add a unique flavour. To make a creamy sauce, you can use milk or half-and-half.
You can bake your shrimp mac and cheese in the oven at 400°F until bubbly and golden, or cook it on the stovetop in one pot. If you're baking it, stir in a touch of milk or half-and-half, and tent the baking pan with aluminum foil to keep the heat and moisture inside. For a crunchy topping, add breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
Whether you choose tuna or shrimp, these seafood additions to macaroni and cheese are sure to be delicious and comforting meals.
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Vegetables: broccoli, spinach, peas, or cauliflower
Broccoli
Broccoli mac and cheese is a quick, easy, and healthy option for a weeknight meal. To make this recipe, cook the pasta al dente in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions. Steam the broccoli over the pasta pot for 1-2 minutes, then drain the pasta and blanch the broccoli. In a separate saucepan, create a roux by melting butter over medium-high heat and whisking in flour until combined and golden. Gradually whisk in milk, then add Dijon mustard and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a low simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the cheese, then fold in the pasta and broccoli.
For optimal results, opt for short-cut pasta like elbow macaroni, mini shells, or cavatappi, as this will ensure that each bite is coated in cheese sauce. It is also recommended to grate your own block of cheese, as this will result in a meltier consistency.
Spinach
Spinach mac and cheese is another way to add some extra greens to your meal. To make this recipe, pour milk into a saucepan and add frozen spinach. Cook, whisking constantly, until the spinach softens and the sauce thickens. Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, whisking until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Spread cooked macaroni evenly in a baking dish, cover with the cheese sauce, and mix well. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top and bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and golden.
Peas
Peas can be added to mac and cheese for a subtle, fresh sweetness. To make this recipe, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted water until nearly al dente, then drain and set aside. To make the breadcrumb topping, melt butter in a saucepan, add capers, and fry until slightly golden and crispy. Add breadcrumbs and stir until golden brown, then stir in lemon zest. Combine milk and peas in a blender and puree until smooth. According to how saucy you like your mac and cheese, pour the cheese sauce into the pot of pasta and season with salt and pepper. Serve the pasta with the toasted capers and breadcrumbs on top.
Cauliflower
For a low-carb option, cauliflower can be used instead of pasta in mac and cheese. To make this recipe, steam the cauliflower in the microwave by filling a microwave-safe bowl with about an inch of water and microwaving for 8 minutes. Drain the water and set the cauliflower aside. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and stir in flour for about 3 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk until the mixture thickens, then remove from the heat and stir in garlic powder, salt, pepper, and shredded cheese. Add the cauliflower to the cheese sauce and pour the mixture into a baking dish. Bake for about 25 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and begins to brown.
For extra flavour, you can roast the cauliflower instead of steaming it, and add in ingredients like Worcestershire sauce, mustard, chilli powder, and cream cheese.
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Herbs and spices: basil, garlic, paprika, or mustard
Mustard is a popular addition to macaroni and cheese, adding a tangy sharpness that balances out the richness of the sauce. It is important to use dry mustard, as this has a more intense flavour. Start with one teaspoon and add more to taste. You can also add yellow mustard, which will create a simple and creamy dish.
Garlic is another common addition to macaroni and cheese. It can be added in powder form to the sauce, or as a fresh clove, sautéed with onion and butter to create a base for the sauce.
Paprika is often used in macaroni and cheese, adding a subtle warmth and depth of flavour. It can be added to the sauce, or sprinkled on top of the dish before serving.
Basil is not mentioned as an addition to macaroni and cheese in the sources provided.
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Dairy: extra cheese, sour cream, or yoghurt
Dairy products such as extra cheese, sour cream, or yoghurt can be added to macaroni and cheese to make it creamier and more indulgent.
Extra Cheese
For a classic macaroni and cheese, extra cheese can be added to the dish to make it creamier and more indulgent. It is recommended to use freshly grated cheese as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as smoothly. To avoid a grainy cheese sauce, the cheese should be stirred in gradually, allowing each handful to melt before adding more. For a baked macaroni and cheese, an extra layer of cheese on top helps to hold in the moisture and creates a crispy texture.
Sour Cream
Sour cream is another dairy product that can be added to macaroni and cheese to make it richer and creamier. It is combined with butter, flour, milk, and cheese to create a tangy and buttery sauce. This sauce is then poured over cooked macaroni and baked in the oven.
Yoghurt
For a healthier option, Greek yoghurt can be added to macaroni and cheese. This creates a creamy texture while also reducing the fat content of the dish. The type of yoghurt can be adjusted according to preference, with low-fat or fat-free options available. To enhance the creaminess, full-fat yoghurt can be used, and the addition of pasta water helps to keep the sauce moist and facilitates the melting of the cheese.
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Frequently asked questions
There are many ingredients that can be added to macaroni and cheese to enhance its flavour. Some popular options include bacon, spinach, peas, jalapeños, garlic, and various types of cheese such as cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan.
Yes, vegetarian options include canned chickpeas, spinach, artichokes, black beans, and scallions.
Yes, there are many recipes available online that provide specific instructions and ingredient lists for making macaroni and cheese. Some recipes include Cheeseburger Macaroni and Cheese, which includes ground beef, scallions, and tomatoes, and Macaroni and Cheese With Black Beans and Chipotle.
