![]() ![]() ![]() (Nobody needs to know you started with a box.) A spoonful of pesto adds herbaceousness, as well as a garlic boost. Fresh herbs such as basil, parsley, cilantro or tarragon can simply be added as a garnish for added flavor, as well as elegance. Herbs add massive flavor and color to any dish without adding much in the way of additional volume (or caloric impact if that matters to you,) and macaroni and cheese is no exception. Add herbsĪ dusting of fresh herbs is one of the easiest ways to add dimension to a simple dish like mac and cheese. You can upgrade the texture of boxed mac and cheese with any sturdier, short-cut noodle including penne, fusilli and cavatelli. Aim for an actual al dente mac and cheese with a larger noodle and save the elbow macaroni for some killer art project instead. Smaller noodles are easier to overcook, however, and they tend to have a less toothsome quality than other, short-cut pasta options. Most mac and cheese kits rely on tiny elbow macaroni noodles or shells for a shorter cooking time, therefore decreasing the time between when the mac and cheese craving hits and when the craving is satisfied. Swap elbow macaroni for a sturdier, more toothsome noodle. (Pumpkin spice optional.) Opt for a noodle upgrade Green vegetables aren't the only potential candidates here either cauliflower, roasted peppers, or even butternut squash are also equal to the task or even add a little bit of canned pumpkin. Sauteed or roasted vegetables will add even more flavor if you have the wherewithal for an extra pot or pan. Thye'll heat and wilt sufficiently during the straining process. You can also add frozen options such as peas or soft greens like spinach to the colander. A low-maintenance way to add veggies to your mac and cheese is to toss in a handful of sturdy veggies such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or chopped asparagus with the boiling water for the last minute or so before draining. Veggies not only add vitamins, but flavor, texture and contrast to mac and cheese. ![]() Or frankly - even though it's categorized as a "cheese product" rather than actual cheese - a couple of slices of American cheese does wonders for instant ramen noodles, so why not for mac and cheese? Consider veggiesĭo you take your mac and cheese with a side of vegetables or salad in order to achieve some sense of "balance" in the meal, or are you normal? Maybe it's just me, but macaroni and cheese with broccoli is almost as ubiquitous a matchup as peas and carrots. Improve both the taste and texture of boxed mac and cheese by adding some actual cheese to the mix: mozzarella for stretch, an aged Alpine cheese like gruyere for sweet and savory notes or a hard cheese like Parmigiano Reggiano or pecorino for depth and additional saltiness. Perhaps this goes without saying, but one need only look to pizza to understand how something that's already made with cheese can benefit from even more cheese. And macaroni is a blank slate, so you can use just about any cheese you fancy. Speaking of cheese, be sure to check out these guides on how to store it so it lasts longer and how to find great cheese for the best price.Įven just a few ounces of good cheese will enhance your basic mac and cheese. Try any or a combination of the following nine hacks for taking your macaroni and cheese kit from boxed to almost restaurant quality (or at least far better). It may taste more of salt than of actual cheese, and I'm a little suspicious about powdered dairy in general, but the buttery, salty porridge feel of boxed macaroni and cheese can be best summarized by a native Italian I made it for once: "Why is it so terrible, but so good?"ĭespite having any degree of culinary credibility, I support both the economics and ambition of using boxed (and/or cupped) mac and cheese and elevating it for a satisfying and aesthetically-pleasing meal. There's something oddly appetizing about the squidgy blend of noodles, milk, butter and the secret "sauce packet" once it all comes together to work its bizarre magic. Whether it's in a box or a cup, these hacks are sure to take your mac and cheese experience to the next level. This story is part of Home Tips, CNET's collection of practical advice for getting the most out of your home, inside and out.īoxed macaroni and cheese holds a special place in my heart - even as a culinary school grad, cheese educator and former fine dining employee. ![]()
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