We all love it, a big bowl of noodles, smothered in a thick and creamy cheese sauce. It’s a childhood favorite that has become the ultimate winter comfort food. Sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyere, tangy blue cheese, and nutty Parmesan can create incredible flavor combos that take the traditional mac and cheese to a whole new level.
Our friends at the Taste of Home Cooking Schools and Simple & Delicious, shared their favorite 6 ways to give boxed mac and cheese an instant upgrade.
Nacho Mama’s Mac: Stir in warmed leftover taco meat, sauteed chopped sweet red pepper, whole kernel corn, and shredded cheddar cheese. Top with coarsely crushed nacho tortilla chips.
Veggie Mac: Stir in sauteed minced garlic, Italian seasoning, chopped zucchini and onion. Add a can of diced tomatoes, drained, and a touch of prepared mustard.
Reuben Mac: Stir in warmed chopped leftover or deli corned beef, sauerkraut, Thousand Island salad dressing, and shredded Swiss cheese. Top with coarsely crushed garlic-flavored rye chips.
Jalapeno Popper Mac: Stir in cream cheese, canned chopped green chilies, pickled jalapeno slices and a splash of milk. top with shredded Monterey Jack cheese and panko bread crumbs.
Extra Cheesy Mac: Stir in shredded Munster, mild cheddar, sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses and a splash of milk. Top with thinly sliced fresh basil.
Messy Mac: Stir in warmed leftover sloppy joe meat and barbecue sauce. Top with shredded Colby cheese.
How do you like to revamp your mac and cheese?
For more instant upgrades, pick up the latest issue of Simple & Delicious, on newsstands now!
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{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
I like to add ground beef that was browned with onion. Then I mix in green peas with mushrooms and pearl onion. Of course add extra cheese of choice. My family likes velveeta.
I like to add green and/or red peppers, green onions, tomatoes, corn, seasoned sausage and/or heavily seasoned ground beef, fresh garlic, shredded cheddar cheese & cream cheese. YUMMY!
Crumbled bacon, fresh chopped cilantro, a little Cumin and chili powder, and top it all of with extra sharp cheddar cheese. now that’s good.
I like to put a hidden valley ranch packet in and cook it with sriacha sauce if you like it on the spicy side.
It is also tasty if you thrown in some of the frito lay jalepeno cheese dip in it!