Macaroni and cheese in bowl over wooden background. Top view, flat lay
Who doesn't love mac and cheese? Crazy people. It's something you want to eat all year, people of every age love it, and you don't have to be a ninja in the kitchen to have it for dinner. That said, more times than not there is a gaping flavor disparity between the mac and cheese in front of you and the mac and cheese in your head. I'm here to tell you not to give up. Gushing, savory goodness is waiting for you. Instead of letting the mac and cheese taste as flavorless and boring as the box it lived in before you put it in your mouth, try these essential pro tips that are sure to take your sorry mac and cheese to the next level.
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Grilled Cheese Plus Mac
Additions: Bread of choice, butter, cheddar or Gouda
How to get it in there: Make and open face grilled cheese in toaster oven then smear with Dijon. Mold mac and cheese into patties and cook on stove top until crispy brown. Put patties in between toasted cheese bread and place back in toaster oven.
Cornbread and Apples
Additions: 1 granny smith, apple Jiffy cornbread
How to get it in there: Simply smash up cornbread and mix into mac, then place apple slices on top.
Add Some Squash
Additions: 1 small butternut squash, 1 cup chicken stock, 1 cup milk, 4 oz. cheddar cheese, 4 tbs, Parmesan, pinch of nutmeg, 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
How to get it in there: Cook squash, stock, and milk on medium heat until squash is tender. Mash together in a bowl and stir in pasta with cheese. Place in baking pan and top with breadcrumbs and more Parmesan.
Spicy Sausage
Additions: 1 pound Italian style pork sausage
How to get it in there: Saute sausage with olive oil until meat is cooked through. Mix into mac and cheese, pour into baking sheet and top with cheddar. Bake for 40 minutes.
Creamy Veggie Mac
Additions: 1 tbs. heavy cream, 1 cup diced onions, bag of spinach
How to get it in there: Saute onions, garlic, and spinach until cooked. Mix heavy cream into mac and cheese mix, then pour in veggies. Top with shredded Parmesan.
Bleu Mac and Cheese
Additions: 2 tbs. butter, 3 tbs. flour, 2 cups milk, 8 oz. bleu cheese, 8 oz. cream cheese, 2 cloves of garlic, and 2 cups of cheddar cheese
How to get it in there: Whisk together butter, flour, and milk over heat for 6-7 minutes. Turn heat off and add garlic, cheddar, bleu cheese, and cream cheese. Pour over macaroni, mix, and put in baking pan with (you guessed it) more cheddar and bleu cheese on the top, bake for 15 minutes.
Caribbean Jerk
Additions: 2 cups heavy cream, 2 cups sharp cheddar, 1 tbs. dry Jerk seasoning blend
How to get it in there: Melt butter and stir in the milk, cayenne pepper, salt, and jerk seasoning. Mix in pasta and garnish with a minced scallion.
Salsa and Sour Cream
Additions: 1/2 cup mild salsa, 2 egg whites, 1/2 cup milk, 1 container (16 oz.) sour cream
How to get it in there: Combine ingredients in large bowl and add salt, pepper, and cheddar cheese. Mix in pre-cooked pasta and place in baking pot. Bake for 40 minutes.
Pizza x Macaroni
Additions: 8 oz. pepperoni, 1 green bell pepper, 1 onion, 1 lb. ground beef, oregano, basil
How to get it in there: Cook beef, onion, and diced bell pepper on skillet for 5-7 minutes, then pour over mac and cheese. Top with pepperoni slices, pizza sauce, and lots of mozzarella cheese. Pop in oven for 20 - 25 minutes.
Double Bacon
Additions: 1 lb. bacon, 2 scallions
How to get it in there: Once your mac is cooked and cheese is stirred in, mix in pre-cooked bacon bits (bit size is up to you!), diced scallions, and salt and pepper. Pour it in a baking pot, top with a generous serving of grated cheddar cheese, and pop in oven for 30-45 minutes.