Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food. While it's delicious on its own, there are endless ways to elevate this dish. From adding an egg to the sauce for a smooth and rich texture to using freshly grated cheese for a smoother melt, there are many ways to enhance the boxed variety. If you're looking to get creative with a box of macaroni and cheese, there are many hacks to try, from adding ground beef to mixing in crispy thick-cut applewood bacon.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Ingredients | Macaroni, cheese, milk, butter, flour, salt, pepper, egg, breadcrumbs, ground beef, barbecue sauce, bacon, truffle butter, cream, cream cheese, gouda, gruyere, Colby, Monterey jack, fontina, sharp cheddar, mustard |
| Preparation | Boil water, cook macaroni, drain, stir in sauce, combine |
| Hacks | Use whole milk, grate cheese from a block, undercook pasta, add an egg, use browned butter, make a homemade cheese sauce, add breadcrumbs, add extra cheese |
| Storage | Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3-4 days, freeze for up to 6 months |
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What You'll Learn
Adding extra ingredients to make it taste like homemade mac and cheese
The best way to make boxed macaroni and cheese taste homemade is to add extra ingredients. Here are some ideas:
Cheese
The type of cheese you use can make a big difference. While boxed mac and cheese usually contains dry cheese powder, you can replace this with freshly shredded cheese for a smoother and creamier texture. High-quality aged cheddar cheese will give you a stronger taste and smoother texture, whereas mild and inexpensive cheddar cheeses will have less flavour and a grittier texture. You could also try using a combination of cheeses to elevate your boxed mac and cheese. Melting cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina can be substituted for a portion of the cheese.
Butter
Butter is a key ingredient in mac and cheese, and boxed mixes tend to call for more butter, which can mask the cheese flavour. You can reduce the amount of butter used or replace it with a butter and flour roux, which will thicken the sauce and build flavour.
Milk
Using whole milk or half-and-half will give you a rich flavour and creamy texture. Low-fat milk will not give you the same results.
Spices and Seasonings
Adding spices and seasonings can enhance the flavour of boxed mac and cheese. Some options include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, dry mustard, salt, and black pepper.
Meat
If you want to add some protein to your mac and cheese, you can mix in some ground beef or cut-up hot dogs.
Vegetables
You can add some vegetables to your mac and cheese to make it a more well-rounded meal. Try mixing in frozen peas or steamed broccoli.
By adding some or all of these extra ingredients, you can transform boxed macaroni and cheese into a delicious, homemade-tasting meal.
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How to make it creamier
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it can turn out dry and crumbly instead of creamy and smooth. Here are some tips to ensure a creamy macaroni and cheese:
Choose the right cheese
The cheese you use in your macaroni and cheese can make or break the creaminess of the dish. While it may be tempting to throw in any cheese you have in your fridge, some cheeses don't melt well and are better suited as a topping. Opt for cheeses that melt smoothly, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, Gruyere, provolone, or fontina. If you want to add a tangy kick to your mac and cheese, try using cottage cheese. For a milder, classic flavor, substitute half a cup of cheddar for American cheese.
Undercook the pasta
Overcooked pasta can result in a mushy, unpleasant texture. To avoid this, it's crucial to undercook the pasta slightly when preparing macaroni and cheese. Boil the pasta until it's still firm, and then drain it. The pasta will continue to cook as the dish bakes in the oven, ensuring it doesn't turn mushy.
Use whole milk
When making the cheese sauce, opt for whole milk instead of low-fat milk. The higher fat content in whole milk contributes to a creamier, richer macaroni and cheese. Additionally, warming the milk before adding it to the roux can make it easier to incorporate, resulting in a smoother sauce.
Cook the noodles in milk
Instead of cooking your noodles in water, try cooking them in milk. The starches released from the noodles will help thicken the sauce, resulting in a creamier texture.
Add cream cheese
For an extra creamy kick, add a small amount of cream cheese to your cheese sauce. It adds a silky texture without overpowering the flavor.
Choose the right noodles
Not all noodles are created equal when it comes to macaroni and cheese. Opt for noodles with ridges, such as cavatappi, cavatell, rotini, or penne, as they hold onto the sauce better, resulting in a creamier dish.
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Making it in the oven
Ingredients
- Macaroni
- Cheese (cheddar, gruyere, fontina, colby, monterey jack, pepper jack, gouda, parmesan, asiago, parmiggiano-reggiano, or similar)
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk (whole milk, half-and-half, or a combination of the two)
- Mustard powder or dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper
- Breadcrumbs or crackers (optional)
Method
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) or 375°F, depending on your recipe. Grease a baking dish with butter.
Boil the macaroni in a large pot of salted water for 5-8 minutes, until al dente. It should be quite firm as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
In a separate pot, melt the butter and sprinkle in the flour. Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, for 2-5 minutes until the mixture turns golden and begins to smell toasted. Slowly whisk in the milk, a little at a time, until smooth and well combined. Add the mustard powder and season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens, about 2-5 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the grated cheese, a handful at a time, until melted and smooth. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni, ensuring all the noodles are coated.
Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared baking dish. If using, mix the breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with olive oil and sprinkle on top.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-45 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Tips
- To avoid a grainy sauce, use freshly grated cheese and stir it in a handful at a time over low heat.
- To make ahead, prepare the dish up until the baking stage, cover, and refrigerate or freeze. When ready to serve, add the topping and bake. If baking from frozen, allow to thaw overnight in the refrigerator first.
- To reheat leftovers, cover the baking dish with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until heated through.
- For a crunchy topping, add crushed crackers or breadcrumbs with additional shredded cheese.
- You can mix and match the types of cheese used.
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Making it on the stovetop
If you're making macaroni and cheese on the stovetop, start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Then, cook the macaroni until it's al dente, which usually takes about 8 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook as you mix it with the sauce and it will become mushy and unpleasant. Drain the pasta and stir it into your cheese sauce until it's fully coated.
For a simple cheese sauce, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, salt, and pepper, and stir until smooth, which should take about 5 minutes. Then, slowly pour in milk while continuously stirring. Keep cooking and stirring until the mixture is smooth and bubbling, being careful not to let the milk burn. Finally, add Cheddar cheese and stir until it's melted, which should take 2 to 4 minutes.
To make your macaroni and cheese even more delicious, you can try some easy hacks. For instance, you can brown the butter by heating it in a stainless steel skillet for about 7 minutes until it has a rich caramel colour. This will add a multidimensional flavour to your dish. You can also try adding extra cheese, such as cream cheese, Gouda, or Gruyere, for an extra depth of flavour. If you want to make your macaroni and cheese heartier, you can add protein like ground beef or barbecue pork, or mix-ins like crispy cooked bacon.
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How to make it taste fancier
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, but sometimes you might want to elevate it and make it taste fancier. Here are some ideas to do just that:
First, instead of using the powdered cheese packet that comes with the box, make a homemade cheese sauce. You can use any type of cheese you like, but a sharp cheddar will give it a nice tang. You can also add some heavy cream to the sauce for extra creaminess and luxury. If you want to get really fancy, make a cheese béchamel sauce instead.
Next, think about adding some mix-ins to boost the flavour. You can use leftover proteins like chicken, beef, or pork, or even tuna or imitation crab. Vegetarians can opt for sautéed mushrooms, onions, and peppers, or go for a simple but effective crispy prosciutto and pea combination. For a spicy kick, add some buffalo wing sauce, jalapeños, or chilli. If you're feeling experimental, try adding basil pesto and sun-dried tomatoes for an umami hit, or even kimchi for a Korean-inspired twist.
Don't forget to season your macaroni and cheese. Onion salt, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper can all add depth of flavour. You can also try browning your butter first to add a multi-dimensional flavour to your dish. Finally, top your macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs and extra cheese and bake it until golden and bubbly. This will give you a crispy, fancy-looking dish.
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Frequently asked questions
Boil water, cook and drain the noodles, stir together the sauce, and combine everything together.
Instead of using the powdered cheese packet, make a homemade cheese sauce. You can use any type of cheese, but a sharp cheddar works well. If you want to make things fancier, prepare the boxed mac and cheese according to package directions, make the cheese sauce, then combine and top with breadcrumbs and a handful of cheese. Broil until the top is golden brown.
To make boxed mac and cheese creamier, add heavy cream and more cheese. You can also try adding an egg to the sauce to make it smooth and rich.
Adding mix-ins is a great way to boost the flavour of boxed mac and cheese. Try stirring in crispy cooked thick-cut applewood bacon and using truffle butter instead of regular butter. You can also try adding ground beef or barbecue pork.
To make boxed mac and cheese crispy, top with breadcrumbs, parmesan, crushed crackers, etc. and bake at 350 degrees F (177 degrees C) for about 15 minutes, or until golden-brown and bubbling.
