Best 2 Better Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that combines the richness of cheese with the tender texture of pasta. This versatile dish can be made with a variety of cheeses and add-ins, making it a customizable meal that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a special dish to serve at a gathering, this article has the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe for you. From the classic stovetop method to baked versions with crispy breadcrumb toppings, we've got you covered. So grab your pasta and cheese and let's get cooking!

**Recipe 1: Classic Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese**

This recipe is a simple and straightforward way to make macaroni and cheese. With just a few basic ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can have a delicious and satisfying meal on the table.

**Recipe 2: Baked Macaroni and Cheese with Breadcrumbs**

This baked version of macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a delightful crunch to the creamy cheese sauce, making this dish a perfect choice for a special occasion.

**Recipe 3: Macaroni and Cheese with Bacon and Jalapenos**

For those who like their macaroni and cheese with a bit of a kick, this recipe is for you. The addition of bacon and jalapenos gives this dish a spicy and smoky flavor that is sure to please.

**Recipe 4: Vegetarian Macaroni and Cheese**

This vegetarian version of macaroni and cheese is made with a creamy cheese sauce and a variety of vegetables. It's a delicious and healthy way to enjoy this classic dish.

**Recipe 5: One-Pot Macaroni and Cheese**

If you're short on time or just want to make cleanup a breeze, this one-pot macaroni and cheese recipe is the perfect solution. Simply cook the pasta and cheese sauce in one pot and you're done!

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

BETTER MACARONI AND CHEESE FROM A BOX!



Better Macaroni and Cheese from a Box! image

A little tweak on the cooking preparation makes a cheap boxed macaroni and cheese taste better and creamier and also healthier for you since there's more milk and cheese and less margarine/butter. And to top it all off, it's almost as fast as the regular way, it's just more of a technique than an actual recipe change. No more runny cheesy orange watery sauce! I made this up myself when I got sick of spending more money for the "better" macaroni and cheese for the kids, you know the kind with the "gooey" packet of cheese sauce.

Provided by Sandy 0225

Categories     Cheese

Time 18m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 (7 1/4 ounce) box macaroni and cheese mix
1 slice processed cheese
1/8 cup margarine
3/4 cup milk

Steps:

  • Cook the macaroni in boiling water until it's as tender as you'd like it.
  • Drain the macaroni in a colander, set aside.
  • In the same pan over medium heat, melt the 1/8 cup margarine, then add the cheese powder. Stir until smooth with a wire whisk.
  • Add the 3/4 cup of milk, a little bit at a time, mixing it with the wire whisk, like you were making gravy, stirring constantly over medium heat. As it thickens up, add some more milk until all the milk is added. Bring the mixture up to the point of boiling so that it's thick. Then add the cheese and whisk again until smooth and melted.
  • Now remove from heat and add the drained macaroni. You're ready to serve and your macaroni will be creamy instead of that yellow runny stuff around your noodles.

BETTER MACARONI AND CHEESE



BETTER MACARONI AND CHEESE image

Categories     Cheese     Pasta     Side     Sauté     Picnic     Vegetarian     Kid-Friendly     Quick & Easy     Low/No Sugar     Wedding     Dinner     Lunch     Buffet     Fall     Spring     Winter     Healthy

Number Of Ingredients 11

one average store-bought box of macaroni and cheese
4oz of your favorite cheese
two or three kale stalks
half cup milk (dairy or non dairy, whichever)
one half cup marinara, v8, or any liquid made from tomatoes
two cloves of garlic
one tsp cumin
one tsp turmeric
one tsp apple cider vinegar
half a tsp or so of freshly ground nutmeg
salt and pepper to taste

Steps:

  • boil your pasta in water with the cider vinegar and nutmeg, drain and set aside. mix together the milk and the cheese packet that came with the box until well blended, and stir that into the macaroni till it's altogether everything that the good folks at the macaroni and cheese company had in mind when they shipped the box, plain as can be then, shred your kale, heat up your tomato in a pan on the stove with a bit of oil and wilt your kale in it with cumin and turmeric, and salt and pepper to taste take it off the heat and immediately add the garlic (minced or pressed) so it barely gets pungent, but still softens up a little bit. [pro tip!!! kale and cumin go together like tomato and basil. potato and thyme. cry and scream.] then turn your 4oz of cheese (or however much you'd like. the thing said to use exact amounts but i never use exact amounts so it's just an estimation. use however much feels right to you)--turn your ~4oz of cheese into small pieces, by dicing or shredding or simply tearing it apart with your bare animal hands, and put it on top of the kale. (i've found that cheddar compliments the curry best, but i use cheddar for everything so don't listen to me.) pour your bowl of 'completed,' plain macaroni and cheese into the pan, put it on low heat, let it sit for a minute or two, and mix till the cheese is all melted and it's of one consistency. blammo, it's done. enjoy.

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: This is the most important ingredient in macaroni and cheese, so it's worth splurging on a good one. A sharp cheddar is a classic choice, but you can also use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: This means that it should be cooked until it is just tender, but still has a little bit of a bite to it. If you overcook the macaroni, it will become mushy and the dish will be less enjoyable.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the cheese sauce. This will help to prevent the sauce from becoming too thin and runny.
  • Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and flavor to the cheese sauce. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even skim milk, but the higher the fat content, the richer the sauce will be.
  • Season the sauce: Don't forget to season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. You can also add other spices, such as paprika, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder, to taste.
  • Top with bread crumbs: A topping of bread crumbs adds a nice crunch to macaroni and cheese. You can use plain bread crumbs, or you can add some grated Parmesan cheese or melted butter for extra flavor.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It's easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni and cheese you've ever tasted. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!

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