Best 10 Doctored Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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 Doctoring up a classic macaroni and cheese recipe is an art of improvisation and individual preference. It transforms the traditional dish into a culinary masterpiece that reflects your unique style. With endless possibilities for ingredients and flavors, this culinary adventure invites you to experiment with various cheeses, seasonings, and add-ins, creating a delectable dish that tantalizes every palate. Whether you prefer a creamy and comforting casserole or a cheesy and crispy baked masterpiece, the versatility of doctored macaroni and cheese allows you to craft a truly irresistible dish that will delight your taste buds.

Here are our top 10 tried and tested recipes!

DOCTORED BOX MAC AND CHEESE_THE WAY I DO IT



Doctored Box Mac and Cheese_the Way I Do It image

There are a ton of variations on doctoring box type mac and cheese mixes. Here's mine and everyone I try it on seems to like it

Provided by Tiomarrano

Categories     < 15 Mins

Time 15m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

1 (7 1/2 ounce) package Kraft macaroni and cheese (or other brand)
1 1/4 cups milk (more or less as needed)
2 ounces margarine (1/2 stick) or 2 ounces butter (1/2 stick)
2 ounces kraft style process cheese (about 3-4 regular size slices)
1 egg (medium size) (optional)
2 tablespoons parmesan cheese (or other very sharp cheese like bleu cheese, to taste)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon granulated garlic (or to taste)
3 garlic cloves (fresh, minced)
4 drops sriracha Asian chili sauce (optional -- don't use if you don't like heat in your mac and cheese sauce)

Steps:

  • Prepare boxed macaroni and cheese as per instructions.
  • Boil macaroni.
  • Have other ingredients made and handy: milk, process cheese slices, margarine or butter and any optional hot sauce or granulated garlic.
  • When macaroni is done, immediately drain off hot water.
  • Pour hot macaroni out of the sieve back into same sauce pan.
  • Set stove heat at medium high.
  • Set saucepan with hot drained macaroni back on hot burner and mix in the margarine or butter that has been premeasured.
  • Stir the margarine or butter into the macaroni until melted (keeping sauce pan on heat).
  • Stir in the packet from the box macaroni and cheese as best you can.
  • Begin adding a little milk at at time as you stir the packet's cheese powder into the hot macaroni and butter -- add some but not too much milk at a time.
  • Keep stirring the mac and cheese until it is thoroughly mixed.
  • Crack the egg into the hot mac and cheese just made from the box and keep stirring so egg won't coagulate and will mix into the mac and cheese that is bubbling.
  • Add a little milk as needed to keep it from being too thick and sticking to pan but don't overdo the milk. Use a little at a time or it will dilute the cheese flavor if you use too much milk.
  • Put in the 3-4 process cheese slices. It helps if you have them pre cut into smaller pieces beforehand so the process cheese will melt in faster as you keep stirring constantly over medium heat.
  • Now add the parmesan cheese, stirring it into the mac and cheese. You may need to add a little more milk if needed to keep it from getting too thick and sticking. Don't add too much parmesan and not more milk than absolutely necessary to keep the sauce the right consistency. Parmesan (or whatever other cheese you use) should be sparing yet enough to sharpen the existing process cheese flavor.
  • At very last minute (so garlic doesn't lose its flavor), add optional fresh minced garlic plus also the garlic powder. Stir into the sauce until mixed throughout.
  • You can stop here and adjust salt and pepper as desired and serve.
  • Or, if you want a spicier variation on regular macaroni and cheese, you can do the following: At the very last add optional Sri Racha if desired and stir into mac and cheese.
  • Enjoy.
  • This simple but pretty gooey and good, boxed macaroni and cheese
  • NOTE: You can also add the following items optional modifications to your mac and cheese as per your taste:.
  • EXTRA CHEESE to supplement process cheese slices: e.g. Mexican style velveeta jack, bleu cheese, pepper jack (gives it a smoky flavor) gorgonzola cheese, cream cheese,gryuere, pecorino, fontina cheese any you have around, even mozzarella.
  • OTHER ADDITIONS.
  • Ham.
  • Ground beef.
  • Hot dogs.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 410.8, Fat 20.4, SaturatedFat 7.3, Cholesterol 29.4, Sodium 1063.8, Carbohydrate 42.3, Fiber 1.2, Sugar 5.5, Protein 15.2

DOCTORED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Doctored Macaroni and Cheese image

I love making homemade macaroni and cheese, but I don't always have the time. I used some of the elements of my homemade mac and cheese and incorporated them into the cheap mac and cheese in the blue box. While certainly not as good as homemade, it is really delicious for a quick and easy fix.

Provided by LizP5885

Categories     Cheese

Time 10m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 4

7 1/4 ounces Kraft macaroni and cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tablespoons butter
3 ounces American cheese

Steps:

  • Boil the macaroni for 8 minutes and drain.
  • Combine the included powdered cheese packet with the remaining ingredients.
  • Stir over low heat until the butter and cheese melt.
  • Serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 424.4, Fat 24.7, SaturatedFat 15.3, Cholesterol 64.1, Sodium 716.2, Carbohydrate 37.9, Fiber 1.1, Sugar 5.2, Protein 13.6

DRESSED UP MAC AND CHEESE



Dressed Up Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Eddie Jackson

Categories     side-dish

Time 3h40m

Yield 8 to 10 servings

Number Of Ingredients 30

16 ounces large elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk, plus up to 1/2 cup more if needed
2 teaspoons powdered chicken soup base/chicken bouillon
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups shredded Colby-Jack blend
4 ounces cream cheese
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese (white or yellow)
1/2 recipe Andouille Dressing, recipe follows, chilled (1 springform pan)
Nonstick cooking spray, for the skillet and springform pans
1 cup milk
4 tablespoons (1/4 cup) unsalted butter, melted
2 large eggs
1 1/4 cups yellow cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1/2 cup turbinado sugar
1 tablespoon baking powder
Kosher salt
Canola oil, for coating the pan
12 ounces andouille sausage, finely diced
1 white onion, finely diced
1 green bell pepper, finely diced
1 stalk celery, finely diced
1 garlic clove, chopped
1 1/4 teaspoons ground sage
1 teaspoon powdered chicken soup base/chicken bouillon
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
3/4 to 1 cup chicken broth

Steps:

  • Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • In a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the flour, whisk until a paste is formed and cook for 1 minute. Slowly add 1/4 cup of the milk at a time, whisking constantly, until you've added 2 cups. Whisk in the soup base or bouillon, garlic powder and pepper.
  • Slowly add the Colby-Jack blend, cream cheese and 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, making sure the cheese melts between each addition. When the cheese is completely melted, check for consistency; add up to an additional 1/2 cup milk if needed. Stir to completely combine.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained macaroni and 2 cups of the cheese sauce. Transfer the macaroni mixture to the chilled springform pan of Andouille Dressing, spreading and packing the contents evenly. Spread 1/2 cup of the cheese sauce over the top with the remaining 1 cup shredded Cheddar.
  • Bake until heated through, about 35 minutes. Turn the oven to broil and broil until the top is crisped, another 5 to 7 minutes. Let stand for 15 minutes before removing from the pan and serving.
  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a 10-inch cast-iron skillet with cooking spray.
  • To make the cornbread, add the milk, butter and 1 of the eggs to a large mixing bowl and whisk together. Add the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and a pinch of salt and stir to combine; the batter should look lumpy. Transfer the batter to the greased skillet and bake until golden brown on top, 22 to 25 minutes. Let cool. Keep the oven at 400 degrees F.
  • Meanwhile, lightly grease two 9-inch springform pans with cooking spray.
  • Put a pan over medium-high heat and add just enough oil to coat the bottom. Add the sausage and cook until crisp around the edges, 5 to 7 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the sausage to a paper towel-lined plate to drain. To the same pan, add the onion, green pepper, celery and garlic and cook until the veggies are tender, 5 to 7 minutes.
  • Crumble the cooled cornbread into a large mixing bowl. Add the cooked veggies and sausage and mix together gently. Beat the remaining egg in a small bowl. Add it to the cornbread mixture with the sage, soup base or bouillon, pepper and 1/4 teaspoon salt; mix together gently. Add the broth 1/4 cup at a time until the dressing reaches the desired consistency. It should be loose but not runny--3/4 to 1 cup will be plenty.
  • Transfer the dressing to the prepared springform pans. Bake until cooked through, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool completely.

HEALTHIER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Healthier Macaroni and Cheese image

A easy dinner for families on the go.

Provided by M. Starling

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Noodle Recipes

Time 50m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 13

12 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
cooking spray
⅓ cup margarine
¼ cup finely chopped onion
1 clove garlic, minced
⅓ cup flour
1 teaspoon dry mustard
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 cups skim milk
2 cups shredded low-fat Cheddar cheese
1 (16 ounce) container low-fat cottage cheese
⅓ cup bread crumbs
⅓ cup grated fresh Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes; drain.
  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a casserole dish with cooking spray.
  • Melt margarine in a saucepan over medium heat. Cook and stir onion and garlic in hot margarine until softened, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir flour, mustard, and pepper into onions and cook for 30 seconds. Gradually pour in milk, stirring constantly until sauce thickens. Remove from heat and stir grated Cheddar cheese into the sauce until cheese is completely melted.
  • Mix macaroni, cottage cheese, and Cheddar cheese sauce together in a bowl; pour into prepared casserole dish and top with bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling, 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 533.1 calories, Carbohydrate 61.2 g, Cholesterol 20.8 mg, Fat 17.3 g, Fiber 5.4 g, Protein 35.7 g, SaturatedFat 5.6 g, Sodium 840.6 mg, Sugar 5.4 g

CRAFTIER THAN KRAFT MACARONI AND CHEESE



Craftier Than Kraft Macaroni and Cheese image

This doctored up version of boxed mac and cheese is quick and easy, but good enough to pass off as home-made. RECIPE CORRECTION SUBMITTED TO CORRECT TYPO ON THE MILK. :)

Provided by CookETC

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 (7 1/4 ounce) box Kraft macaroni and cheese (or any brand powdered cheese type mac and cheese)
2 ounces cream cheese, cubed
1/4 cup milk
2 tablespoons butter
2 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed (or any brand processed cheese spread)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
seasoning salt
parsley
garlic powder (optional)
shredded cheddar cheese, for topping (optional)
paprika

Steps:

  • Boil salted water and cook the macaroni.
  • In a microwaveble bowl, add cream cheese and milk.
  • Microwave the cream cheese and milk for about 20 or 30 seconds then stir well so that the cream cheese is melted.
  • Drain macaroni and put it back in the pot.
  • Add the powder cheese from the box, melted cream cheese/milk combination, butter, Velveeta and cheddar cheese.
  • Add seasoning salt, parsley and garlic powder (if you choose to use it).
  • Cook over medium heat until all cheese is melted (add small amounts of milk as needed to keep the consitency you like).
  • Sprinkle with paprika and serve -- OR top with more shredded Cheddar and bake at 350 degrees for about 5-7 minutes, then sprinkle with paprika before serving.

UPGRADED KRAFT MAC N CHEESE



Upgraded Kraft Mac N Cheese image

This recipe came from a Kraft newsletter. It's very simple, takes the 'blue box' of mac and cheese and adds just a few ingredients and steps to make it taste a bit more homemade. Note that this calls for the "dinner" Kraft mac n cheese, which is the one with the packet of cheese that you squeeze out, not the standard one with the powdered cheese. If you have to use the standard variety, use 2 boxes and add more milk or sour cream, as it tends to dry out during baking.

Provided by jaynine

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 40m

Yield 5 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 (14 ounce) package Kraft macaroni and cheese (dinner, blue box)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 cup sour cream
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper or 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 butter flavored crackers, crushed (like Ritz)
1 tablespoon butter or 1 tablespoon margarine, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375°F.
  • Prepare Mac n Cheese dinner as directed on package.
  • Stir in 1/2 cup of the Cheddar cheese, the sour cream and pepper.
  • Spoon into greased 1-1/2 quart baking dish; sprinkle with remaining 1/2 cup Cheddar cheese.
  • Combine the melted butter and cracker crumbs and sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake at 375 for 20 minutes. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 318, Fat 21.3, SaturatedFat 10.6, Cholesterol 46.6, Sodium 584.9, Carbohydrate 21.9, Fiber 0.8, Sugar 2.8, Protein 10.1

VELVEETA® DOWN-HOME MACARONI AND CHEESE



VELVEETA® Down-Home Macaroni and Cheese image

If you're looking for a mac and cheese recipe with the perfect balance of cheesy and creamy, the search ends here.

Provided by VELVEETA Cheese

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     VELVEETA Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 7

¼ cup butter, divided
¼ cup flour
1 cup milk
½ pound VELVEETA®, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
2 cups elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
½ cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese
6 RITZ Crackers, crushed

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350 degrees F.
  • Melt 3 Tbsp. butter in medium saucepan on medium heat. Whisk in flour; cook 2 min., stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk. Bring to boil; cook and stir 3 to 5 min. or until thickened. Add VELVEETA; cook 3 min. or until melted, stirring frequently. Stir in macaroni.
  • Spoon into 2-qt. casserole sprayed with cooking spray; sprinkle with Cheddar. Melt remaining butter; toss with cracker crumbs. Sprinkle over casserole.
  • Bake 20 min. or until heated through.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 497.4 calories, Carbohydrate 46.7 g, Cholesterol 75 mg, Fat 25.9 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 18.6 g, SaturatedFat 15.9 g, Sodium 869.1 mg, Sugar 6.8 g

BAKED MAC AND CHEESE FOR ONE



Baked Mac and Cheese for One image

This is a fast, easy to prepare, and filling meal. Once you try homemade mac and cheese, you'll never want the boxed stuff again. I cook mine in a soup crock.

Provided by amydoll

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 30m

Yield 1

Number Of Ingredients 13

3 tablespoons uncooked macaroni pasta
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon salt
1 pinch pepper
⅛ teaspoon onion powder
½ cup milk
⅓ cup shredded Cheddar cheese
⅛ teaspoon ground mustard
1 dash Worcestershire sauce
1 dash hot sauce
1 teaspoon bread crumbs
1 tablespoon shredded Cheddar cheese

Steps:

  • Preheat an oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Grease an oven-proof soup crock or 1 cup baking dish.
  • Fill a small saucepan with water, and bring to a boil. Stir in the macaroni; boil until cooked but still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well, and reserve.
  • In the same saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Stir in the flour, salt, pepper, onion powder, and milk; whisk until smooth. Cook, stirring, for 2 minutes. Reduce heat to low, and whisk in 1/3 cup cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Stir in the cooked macaroni. Spoon the macaroni and cheese into the prepared dish. Sprinkle with bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon cheddar cheese.
  • Bake, uncovered, until the cheese is melted and the macaroni is heated through, about 10 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 468.7 calories, Carbohydrate 30 g, Cholesterol 88.6 mg, Fat 30 g, Fiber 1.5 g, Protein 19.8 g, SaturatedFat 18.7 g, Sodium 1046.2 mg, Sugar 6.5 g

HOMESTYLE MACARONI AND CHEESE



Homestyle Macaroni and Cheese image

From "The Dinner Doctor" by Anne Byrn. Posting so I don't lose this - I made as directed and while not my absolute favorite mac & cheese, it is super quick to throw together and tastes quite good.

Provided by RSL5709

Categories     Cheese

Time 35m

Yield 4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 (10 ounce) container refrigerated alfredo sauce (I used Butoni)
12 ounces shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 cup bread, crumbs coarse

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • Cook macaroni in a pot of boiling salted water until al dente, about 8 minutes.
  • Drain, reserving 1 cup pasta cooking water (IMPORTANT!).
  • Place macaroni in large bowl along with reserved cooking water, alfredo sauce, and 2 cup (8 oz.) of the cheese.
  • Mix well and pour into 2 quart casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
  • Toss bread crumbs with olive oil and sprinkle on top of casserole.
  • Bake at 375 for 20 to 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

CHEF JOHN'S MACARONI AND CHEESE



Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese image

This easy-to-make old-school macaroni and cheese has a perfectly crispy crust.

Provided by Chef John

Categories     Main Dish Recipes     Pasta     Macaroni and Cheese Recipes     Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Time 1h

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni
¼ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
¼ teaspoon dried thyme
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
⅛ teaspoon white pepper
3 cups milk
1 pinch ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon salt
3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
  • Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Once the water is boiling, stir in the macaroni, and return to a boil. Cook the pasta uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked through but still slightly firm, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When the butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in the flour; cook on medium heat until flour just begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes. Add thyme, cayenne pepper, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup of milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring the sauce just to a simmer.
  • Stir in nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and salt; simmer on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes, whisking often. Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups of Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Add Dijon mustard.
  • Transfer the macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in the cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine sauce with pasta. Mix panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl, and sprinkle crumbs on top of macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup of Cheddar cheese on top.
  • Bake in the preheated oven until bread crumbs and Cheddar cheese topping are golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 694.8 calories, Carbohydrate 72.8 g, Cholesterol 94.5 mg, Fat 32.3 g, Fiber 2.6 g, Protein 29.4 g, SaturatedFat 19.9 g, Sodium 928.4 mg, Sugar 8.1 g

Tips for Making the Best Doctored Macaroni and Cheese:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: Opt for premium macaroni noodles, real butter, and freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: Don't overcook the pasta, as it will become mushy in the sauce. Cook it until it's still slightly firm to the bite.
  • Make a creamy cheese sauce: Use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan, to create a rich and flavorful sauce. Add milk or cream for a smooth and creamy consistency.
  • Add your favorite mix-ins: Feel free to customize your mac and cheese with various mix-ins, such as cooked bacon, diced ham, chopped vegetables, or herbs. Get creative and experiment with different flavors.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: There are many ways to doctor up mac and cheese. Try adding different spices, herbs, or even hot sauce to create a unique and flavorful dish.

Conclusion:

Doctored macaroni and cheese is a versatile and delicious dish that can be easily customized to your liking. With a few simple ingredients and a little creativity, you can create a comforting and satisfying meal that the whole family will enjoy. So next time you're craving mac and cheese, don't settle for the boxed stuff. Try one of these doctored recipes and discover a whole new world of flavor.

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