Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese cups are a convenient and tasty snack option for both kids and adults. They are easy to prepare and can be stored in a pantry or microwaved at work or school. Some brands, like Annie's, offer macaroni and cheese cups made with organic pasta and real aged cheddar cheese. These cups typically come with a cheese packet that you mix into the cup after microwaving the contents.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Product | Annie's Real Aged Cheddar Microwavable Mac & Cheese Cup |
| Cheese | Real aged cheddar cheese |
| Pasta | Organic pasta |
| Grams | 2.01 oz |
| Water | Add cold water to the fill line |
| Preparation | Remove cup lid and cheese packet, add water, stir, microwave on high for two minutes, mix in the cheese packet |
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What You'll Learn
Annie's Real Aged Cheddar Mac and Cheese Cup
The preparation of Annie's Real Aged Cheddar Mac and Cheese Cup is simple and quick. Being microwavable, it is ready in just a few minutes, making it an excellent choice for those short on time. The convenience of this product lies in its easy preparation and serving, requiring minimal effort for a delicious treat. This cup of mac and cheese can be enjoyed as a snack or paired with other dishes to make a more filling meal.
Annie's offers its Real Aged Cheddar Mac and Cheese in various pack sizes to cater to different needs. You can find it available in 2-cup, 3-cup, 6-cup, and 8-cup packs, making it convenient for individuals, families, or even larger gatherings. The product can be purchased from various retailers, including Walmart and Target, ensuring accessibility for those looking for a quick and tasty mac and cheese option.
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Microwavable mac and cheese
Boxed Microwavable Mac and Cheese
Boxed mac and cheese is a convenient way to make a quick meal, and it can be cooked in the microwave with minimal fuss. Simply add water to the fill line, stir well, and microwave on high for 2 minutes. Do not drain the water, but add the cheese packet and mix well. Let the mixture stand for a minute to allow the cheese to melt, then stir again until the sauce is smooth and creamy. You can add butter to make the sauce richer and creamier.
Homemade Microwavable Mac and Cheese
To make mac and cheese from scratch in the microwave, you will need a microwave-safe bowl, pasta, water, salt, and cheese. You can also add butter, milk, and spices to taste. Combine the pasta, water, and salt in the bowl and microwave on high power for 2 minutes, then stir. Microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the cheese has melted and formed a creamy sauce. This should take around 1 to 1 1/2 minutes in total. For a creamier sauce, add a little extra milk and cheese.
Adaptations
You can adapt your mac and cheese by adding vegetables, meat, or spices. To make mini mac and cheese cups, you can bake the mixture in a mini muffin pan, adding toppings such as chives, scallion greens, or buttered breadcrumbs.
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Mac and cheese with butter
Mac and cheese is a popular dish that can be made in a variety of ways, including with butter. The addition of butter can make the dish richer and creamier. Here is a guide on how to make mac and cheese with butter, along with some tips and variations.
Ingredients
The main ingredients required for making mac and cheese with butter are:
- Butter
- Milk (preferably whole milk)
- Flour
- Cheese (cheddar or a mix of cheddar and parmesan)
- Elbow macaroni
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Mustard
Method
- Preheat your oven to 350°F to 400°F, depending on the recipe variation.
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Add flour and whisk until a thick paste or roux is formed.
- Slowly add milk while continuously whisking to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, paprika, and mustard to taste.
- Add grated cheddar cheese to the sauce and whisk until melted and smooth.
- In a separate pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni until al dente.
- Drain the macaroni and combine it with the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
- For an extra crispy topping, melt butter in a pan and mix with breadcrumbs and cheese.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese into a buttered baking dish and top with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Bake in the oven until bubbly, golden, and lightly browned.
Tips and Variations
- When making the sauce, be careful not to burn the milk.
- For a more intense cheese flavor, grate your own block of cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese.
- To make mini mac and cheese cups, use a mini muffin pan and fill each cup with the pasta mixture. Bake until bubbly and golden.
- You can also add vegetables, fresh herbs, or spices to your mac and cheese for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you're making this dish ahead of time, you can store it in the refrigerator for a few days before baking. Just remember to bring it to room temperature before popping it in the oven.
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Mac and cheese with veggies
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but it can be made even better by adding vegetables. This way, you get all the creamy, cheesy goodness with some extra colour, crunch and nutrients.
There are many ways to add veggies to mac and cheese, and you can use almost any vegetables you have on hand. Broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas and celery are popular choices, but you can also try blending in some sweet potatoes or cauliflower to make a creamy, veggie-packed sauce.
To make a veggie mac and cheese, start by cooking your chosen vegetables until they are tender. You can steam, boil or roast them. If you want to hide the veggies in the sauce, blend them with a little milk or pasta water until smooth. Then, make a cheese sauce by melting butter in a saucepan and stirring in flour to form a roux. Whisk in milk and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and stir in cheese, the veggie puree (if using), and spices. Keep stirring until the cheese is melted and combined.
Next, cook your pasta according to the package instructions, but reduce the cooking time by a couple of minutes so that the pasta is slightly al dente. Drain the pasta and stir it into the sauce until well-coated. You can then serve the mac and cheese immediately, or transfer it to a casserole dish, top with extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
If you want to make mini mac and cheese cups, prepare the pasta and sauce as above, but only cook the pasta for half the recommended time. Grease a mini muffin pan with butter or cooking spray, then fill the cups with the pasta mixture. Bake until bubbly, gooey and lightly golden brown around the edges. You can top the cups with chopped scallions or buttered breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
Whether you make a classic baked mac and cheese or fun mini cups, adding veggies is a great way to make this comfort food a little more nourishing without sacrificing any of the cheesy magic.
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Mac and cheese with herbs and spices
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food, but adding herbs and spices can take it to the next level. Not only does it add a boost of flavour, but it can also make the dish more nutritious and visually appealing. Here is a guide to help you elevate your mac and cheese with herbs and spices:
Choosing Herbs and Spices
The great thing about herbs and spices is that they offer endless possibilities to customise your mac and cheese. You can opt for fresh or dried herbs, depending on what is available and your personal preference. Some popular herb choices include parsley, thyme, rosemary, and basil. Spices like paprika, black pepper, and red pepper flakes can also enhance the flavour of your dish. If you want to add a bit of heat, spices like cayenne pepper or chilli powder can be a great addition.
Preparation Techniques
When it comes to incorporating herbs and spices into your mac and cheese, there are a few different techniques to consider:
- Infusing the Sauce: This method involves simmering the milk with fresh herb sprigs, allowing the herbs to infuse the sauce with their flavour. This technique works well with stovetop mac and cheese recipes.
- Toppings: You can also use herbs and spices as toppings for your mac and cheese. Chopped fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, can be sprinkled on top, adding a burst of colour and flavour.
- Breadcrumbs: For a crunchy texture, combine herbs and spices with breadcrumbs. You can use this mixture as a topping for your mac and cheese cups or sprinkle it over a baked mac and cheese dish.
Recipe Ideas
If you're looking for some inspiration, here are a few recipe ideas that incorporate herbs and spices into mac and cheese:
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese with Caramelised Shallots and Garlic: This recipe features caramelised shallots and garlic, along with savoury herbs, creating a rich and flavourful dish.
- Baked Herb Mac and Cheese: This recipe includes broccoli, chicken sausage, and a fresh herb topping. It's a balanced option that both kids and adults can enjoy.
- Mac and Cheese Cups with Paprika: These mini mac and cheese cups are perfect as appetisers or snacks. The addition of paprika to the sauce adds a subtle spice, and you can top them with chopped scallion greens or chives for an extra punch of flavour.
Tips and Tricks
- Prepare all your ingredients before starting to cook, as the recipe moves quickly from step to step.
- When using fresh herbs, add them towards the end of cooking to preserve their flavour and colour.
- If you're making mac and cheese cups, remember to grease the muffin pan generously to prevent sticking.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge, but they tend to dry out quickly, so make sure to seal them well.
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Frequently asked questions
Annie's Real Aged Cheddar Microwavable Mac & Cheese Cup is a quick and easy option. Simply remove the lid and cheese packet, add cold water to the fill line, stir, and microwave for 2 minutes. Then, mix in the cheese sauce and enjoy!
The cheese sauce is made from real aged cheddar cheese.
Each cup contains 8g of whole grain, which is a wholesome option for kids. The product is also made from organic pasta and cheese from cows not treated with rBST.
You can buy them from Annie's website or in stores that sell their products, such as grocery stores or supermarkets.
