By: Julia Mertes, Communications Intern, The Lion’s Pantry
After a long day of work and school, you will likely head to your kitchen looking for something to heat up in a flash. Like many college students, your eyes may land on the box of gooey macaroni and cheese.It’s a staple dish for college students trying to eat on a budget. However, after a while, the quick and easy dinner option may become a little repetitive.
Here are five tips to elevate your next dinner to include extra flavor and texture.
1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
You can never go wrong with cheese! So, sprinkle some additional mozzarella or American cheese to the mix.
2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n’ cheese.
Whether you enjoy rotisserie chicken, fried chicken or a meat alternative, buffalo mac n’ cheese may be the perfect evening treat for you. With few additional ingredients and a bucket-load full of flavor, there are many variations to this classic treat.
For instance, if you’re not a fan of chicken, pick up some ham to add into the mix. Buffalo ham mac n’ cheese may be your new favorite treat.
Photo by Yaroslav Shuraev on Pexels
3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
Adding vegetables to your dinner not only increases the nutritional value but also adds flavor and texture. Pick up your favorite leafy greens and go from there!
4. Similar to the buffalo chicken suggestion, try adding barbecue sauce and a protein of your choice to your dinner for added flavor.
If you’re a fan of BBQ chicken, you can use that as inspiration for your next mac n’ cheese dinner. Pour in a generous helping of sauce and the other ingredients you feel like including.
5. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
If you need a crunch on the top of your pasta, add some bacon bits or breadcrumbs.
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels
6. Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
Are you a fan of garlic? Try adding it to your dish. Like some paprika? Sprinkle some into your next bowl of pasta. Simply add in the spices and herbs that you have and see how it tastes.
7. Use your leftovers for extra flavor in your dish.
Have leftover pulled pork from a community dinner? It may be the perfect opportunity to combine the sweet and savory flavors of pork with your cheesy macaroni meal.
Did you treat yourself to your favorite restaurant dinner or attend a picnic with your friends? Use the leftovers in your macaroni and cheese. Simply be creative.
8. Mix in some jalapeños for some spice and heat.
Hot sauce isn’t the only way to add some heat to your macaroni and cheese. Try adding some peppers to your dish for added oomph.
Do you know someone who may be tired of eating the same boxed macaroni and cheese for dinner a few times a week? Share this article with them to spread both joy and yummy meal ideas their way.
What is your favorite way to enhance your macaroni and cheese recipes? Be sure to share them with us!
FAQs
Spices: A little garlic powder and onion powder goes a long way in making this the best easy mac and cheese ever! Definitely don't skimp on these. You could also add a bit of paprika, black pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce if you want to amp up the flavor even more.
What can I add to mac and cheese to elevate it? ›
8 Ways to Elevate Your Macaroni and Cheese Dinners
- Add extra cheese to your dish.
- Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
- Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
- Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
- Add spices and fresh herbs to your dish.
Spices: A little garlic powder and onion powder goes a long way in making this the best easy mac and cheese ever! Definitely don't skimp on these. You could also add a bit of paprika, black pepper, or even a splash of hot sauce if you want to amp up the flavor even more.
What is the best flavor to add to mac and cheese? ›
Dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper: Mac and cheese is all about the cheese, after all, so I chose this combination of seasonings to really enhance and highlight the cheddar. Dry mustard powder has a sharp flavor that pairs so well with the cheese, and smoked paprika lends an irresistibly smoky note.
What thickens mac and cheese? ›
Butter and flour: The combination of butter and flour thickens our creamy cheese sauce. You'll cook them together on the stove and then add the milk. The mixture thickens, and you can add your cheese.
What meat goes well with mac and cheese? ›
Ingredients
- BBQ Ribs.
- BBQ Bacon Wrapped Onion Bombs.
- Cracker Barrel Meatloaf.
- Grilled Chicken Tenders.
- Honey Garlic Pork Tenderloin.
- Brisket.
- Gourmet Hot Dogs.
- Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork.
How to Improve Boxed Mac and Cheese (Though You Can't Improve on Perfection)
- Fresh Cracked Black Pepper. ...
- Finely Chopped White Onion and Buttery Herbed Breadcrumbs. ...
- The Hot Sauce of Your Choice. ...
- Taco-Seasoned Ground Beef and Sour Cream. ...
- Chopped Fresh Tomatoes and Peas with Tuna. ...
- Steamed Broccoli, Extra Cheddar, and Diced Ham.
Add 1 tablespoon of milk per cup of mac and cheese and mix to incorprate as much as possible. *If you'd like to add more creaminess and flavor, substitute half-and-half or cream. 3. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and place in the oven at 350°F for 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
What can I put in Kraft mac and cheese if I don t have milk? ›
- From a box of dried elbow macaroni and a packet of powdered cheese?
- YES YOU SURE CAN!
- Here are 6 Substitutions for the milk:
- Yogurt. Plain works great!
- Sour cream OR cream cheese.
- A can of cheese sauce.
- Apple butter or applesauce! ...
- Pistachio or Tapioca pudding.
What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.
Gruyere is a classic addition because it melts much like Cheddar, but has a lovely nutty flavor. Other classics include Gouda, Muenster, Parmesan, fontina, Havarti and Monterey Jack. Brie works well too, just make sure you remove the rind before mixing it in.
Is mac and cheese a side dish black people? ›
Macaroni and Cheese For All
This is believed to be its introduction to the Black community, which at the time was largely impoverished. In these communities, this dish became a comfort food and the meal of choice for families trying to stretch their ingredients as far as they could go.
How to elevate cheese sauce? ›
Endless Flavor Combinations: By adding herbs, spices, or other ingredients, you can elevate the flavor of your cheese sauce and create a variety of taste profiles. For example, you can incorporate garlic, jalapeños, mustard, or smoked paprika to enhance the sauce's taste and pair it with different dishes.
How to make Gordon Ramsay's mac and cheese? ›
Preparation
- In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
- Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
- Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
- Enjoy!
- All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
Other frozen mac and cheese upgrades
Adding precooked meat such as ham, rotisserie chicken, bacon, or even sliced pepperoni can be an excellent way to not only improve the flavor of a boxed mac and cheese meal but also to make the dish more filling.
