Best 12 Jacked Up Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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In the culinary realm where comfort food reigns supreme, there exists a dish that tantalizes taste buds and warms the soul: jacked up macaroni and cheese. This elevated version of the classic macaroni and cheese takes the beloved dish to new heights of flavor and decadence. With its rich and creamy sauce, perfectly cooked macaroni, and an array of delectable add-ins, jacked up macaroni and cheese is a culinary masterpiece that will satisfy even the most discerning palate. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a novice in the kitchen, this comprehensive guide will equip you with everything you need to create the ultimate jacked up macaroni and cheese. From selecting the finest ingredients to mastering the art of the perfect roux, you'll discover the secrets to crafting this irresistible dish that will leave your family and friends craving more.

Here are our top 12 tried and tested recipes!

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.

JACKED MAC'N'CHEESE



Jacked Mac'n'cheese image

Make and share this Jacked Mac'n'cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by Amy N-B

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 25m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1 lb elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
1 -2 serrano peppers or 1 -2 jalapeno pepper
1 poblano pepper
1 onion
4 tomatoes
2 tablespoons flour
1 teaspoon adobe seasoning
1 1/2 cups skim milk
2 cups shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese, plus extra for garnish
1 cup light sour cream
hot sauce
salt and pepper
coriander (optional garnish) or chives (optional garnish)

Steps:

  • Dice peppers, onion, and tomatoes.
  • Melt 1 tbsp butter at medium heat.
  • Sautee onions until golden brown (2 minutes), next add peppers and sautee for an additional 2 minutes. Add tomatoes and sautee, stirring occasionally until pasta is done. Sprinkle with adobe seasoning and salt and pepper to taste.
  • Meanwhile, boil dilatini or macaroni.
  • Drain pasta, rinse with cold water and set aside.
  • In pasta pot, melt remaining butter over low heat.
  • Add flour to butter and stir to make a roux, browning a bit as you stir.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in 1 cup milk. Whisk repeatedly to break up clumps. Mixture should be smooth and thick. Return to low heat.
  • Slowly add cheese to milk mixture whisking regularly. Add sour cream to sauce, stirring to incorporate. If the sauce gets too thick, add more milk.
  • Add pasta and sauteed veggies to sauce. Stir to coat pasta.
  • Finish by seasoning with hot sauce (I like tobasco or sylvia's).
  • Garnish with some additional shredded cheese and some chopped coriander or chives.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 942.2, Fat 39.2, SaturatedFat 23.7, Cholesterol 114.2, Sodium 597.3, Carbohydrate 107.8, Fiber 6.7, Sugar 8, Protein 39.4

JACKED UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Jacked up Macaroni and Cheese image

The easiest way to make boxed macaroni and cheese taste like homemade. Check out the list below to see the variations and add-ins that can take this macaroni to a whole new level. This came from What's For Dinner Family Meal Plans. I have not tried this; posting for future use.

Provided by internetnut

Categories     Cheese

Time 46m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 8

7 1/4 ounces kraft cheddar cheese macaroni and cheese
7 1/4 ounces kraft white cheddar cheese macaroni and cheese
4 cups boiling water
1/2 cup butter or 1/2 cup margarine, melted plus 2 tablespoons
1 cup milk
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
10 Ritz crackers, crushed
6 slices bacon

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Add both boxes of macaroni (pasta only) into a casserole dish and add water.
  • Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 8 minutes.
  • After 8 minutes lift foil, stir gently, replace foil and bake for another 8 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, add 2 tablespoons melted butter to the crushed Ritz crushed crackers and mix.
  • Lay strips of bacon on a plate and cover with a paper towel.
  • Microwave at 30 second intervals until bacon is crispy.
  • Once bacon is cool, crumble into pieces.
  • When pasta is ready, remove from oven and stir in 1/2 cup butter, milk and 1 cup cheddar cheese.
  • Top with remaining cheddar cheese, crumbled bacon and crushed crackers.
  • Return to oven, uncovered, until topping is golden brown and bubbling (about 15 minutes). Serve.
  • Additional add-ins: grilled chicken, broccoli, peas, tuna, salsa or ground beef.
  • Healthy Alternatives: Use whole grain or veggie pasta. Add whole grain crushed crackers for topping.

KICKED UP MAC AND CHEESE



Kicked Up Mac and Cheese image

Provided by Emeril Lagasse

Categories     main-dish

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 teaspoons butter
2 eggs
2 cups of whole milk
Salt and white pepper
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
2 cups grated White Cheddar cheese
1 cup ham, diced
2 pound bag of tater tots, thawed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 9 by 2-inch square baking dish with the butter. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the White Cheddar cheese, the ham and the tater tots. Mix the mixture thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is brown.

KICKED UP MAC AND CHEESE



KICKED UP MAC AND CHEESE image

Provided by Emeril Lagasse

Categories     main-dish

Time 1h

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 8

2 teaspoons butter
2 eggs
2 cups whole milk
Salt and white pepper
2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
2 cups grated White Cheddar cheese
1 cup ham, diced
2 pound bag tater tots, thawed

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9 by 9 by 2-inch square baking dish with the butter. In a mixing bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Season the mixture with salt and pepper. Add 1 cup of the Cheddar cheese, 1 cup of the White Cheddar cheese, the ham and the tater tots. Mix the mixture thoroughly. Pour the mixture into the prepared pan and sprinkle the top with the remaining cheese. Place in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

KICKED UP MAC AND CHEESE



Kicked Up Mac and Cheese image

This ain't your grandma's mac and cheese.

Provided by HYPERPUPPY

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

Time 1h10m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 13

1 ½ cups rotelle pasta
4 tablespoons butter, divided
¼ cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
1 teaspoon dry mustard
¾ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground white pepper
3 teaspoons hot pepper sauce
1 cup shredded pepperjack cheese
1 ½ cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
⅓ cup dry bread crumbs
2 teaspoons chili powder

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C).
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente; drain.
  • In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Whisk in flour and cook, stirring, 1 minute. A little at a time, whisk in milk, mustard, salt, pepper and hot sauce. Bring to a gentle boil, stirring constantly. Boil 1 minute, then remove from heat and whisk in pepperjack, Cheddar and Parmesan until smooth. Stir in cooked pasta and pour into shallow 2 quart baking dish.
  • Melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter. Stir in bread crumbs and chili powder. Sprinkle over macaroni mixture.
  • Bake in preheated oven 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 351.9 calories, Carbohydrate 19.6 g, Cholesterol 68.7 mg, Fat 23.3 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 16.4 g, SaturatedFat 13.8 g, Sodium 690.2 mg, Sugar 5 g

KICKED UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Kicked up Macaroni and Cheese image

For a potluck I needed something fast and easy. I had everything on hand, threw it together, and it was gone by the end of the potluck. If you don't want to make the Macaroni and Cheese you can use your favorite boxed brand. It will take 2 or 3 boxes to make the full recipe.

Provided by Triple BQ

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time P1DT6h20m

Yield 1 cup, 11 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 ounces elbow macaroni
4 ounces butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups low-fat milk
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
4 ounces Velveeta cheese, cubed
4 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1 small onion, chopped
1 (16 ounce) package kielbasa, sliced
1 (16 ounce) package frozen broccoli, chopped
2/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
1/4 teaspoon parsley

Steps:

  • Boil macaroni about 8 minutes, until al dente, and drain well.
  • Meanwhile melt 1/4 cup butter and whisk in flour until smooth.
  • Add milk a little at a time, whisking until smooth; bring back to a boil.
  • Repeat until all the milk is added.
  • Stir in white pepper and garlic powder.
  • Remove from heat, slowly stir in the Velveeta cheese and Cheddar cheese, mixing until smooth.
  • Stir in macaroni, set aside.
  • Fry the onion and kielbasa to brown meat.
  • Stir in broccoli, cook for 5 minutes to warm through.
  • Stir mixture into the macaroni and cheese.
  • Pour into a large crock pot or a 9x13 baking dish.
  • Mix bread crumbs, melted butter and parsley together; sprinkle over macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake in a 350 degree Fahrenheit oven for 30 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 460.9, Fat 30.7, SaturatedFat 15.8, Cholesterol 81.7, Sodium 779, Carbohydrate 30.5, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 5.7, Protein 16.2

LIGHTENED-UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Lightened-Up Macaroni and Cheese image

Who doesn't love macaroni and cheese? This lightened-up version is sure to please those who want to indulge without the extra calories!

Provided by thedailygourmet

Categories     100+ Pasta and Noodle Recipes     Noodle Recipes

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 8

cooking spray
6 ounces whole wheat elbow macaroni
1 (5 ounce) can evaporated skim milk, divided
1 teaspoon tapioca starch
5 ounces low-fat sharp Cheddar cheese, grated
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard, or more to taste
½ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 pinch cayenne pepper

Steps:

  • Coat an 8x8-inch baking dish with cooking spray and set aside.
  • Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook whole wheat macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes.
  • Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven's broiler.
  • Stir 1 tablespoon evaporated milk and tapioca together in a saucepan. Whisk in remaining milk. Stir in Cheddar cheese, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and pepper. Bring to a simmer and stir until the sauce thickens a bit and cheese is completely melted. Drain pasta and stir into the sauce. Spoon into the prepared baking dish.
  • Cook under the broiler until top browns, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove from oven and allow to cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 281.9 calories, Carbohydrate 38.5 g, Cholesterol 26.4 mg, Fat 8.2 g, Fiber 3.5 g, Protein 17.6 g, SaturatedFat 4.5 g, Sodium 400.6 mg, Sugar 4 g

"KICKED UP" MACARONI AND CHEESE



I have made this quite a few times, it is just delicious and a favourite with my family. This recipe makes quite a lot so make certain that you have a very large fry pan or use a Dutch oven. The complete recipe is made on top of the stove. Make certain to only cook pasta until just firm but a bit tender, as the pasta will cook more in the pan. All ingredients may be adjusted to suit taste. I have even added in some chopped cooked bacon...you will love this!

Provided by Kittencalrecipezazz

Categories     Meat

Time 1h10m

Yield 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 16

2 lbs ground beef
1 -2 teaspoon seasoning salt or 1 -2 teaspoon salt
black pepper
1 tablespoon minced fresh garlic
1 large onion, chopped
2 -3 stalks celery, finely chopped
2 (225 g) boxes macaroni & cheese dinner mix (I use Kraft)
2 (10 ounce) cans mushrooms, drained
2 tablespoons HP steak sauce (or to taste)
1 dash Tabasco sauce (optional)
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 (10 ounce) can tomato soup, undiluted
2 (10 ounce) cans cream of mushroom soup, undiluted
1 -2 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese (optional)
milk (to thin sauce) or half-and-half cream (to thin sauce)

Steps:

  • Cook the pasta from the Kraft dinner until firm-tender (do not over cook, leave firm!) drain and rinse under cold water, set aside the cheese packages and the cooked macaroni.
  • In a large frypan or Dutch oven brown the ground beef with onion, garlic and celery until beef is no longer pink; drain fat.
  • Add in the mushrooms and the cooked macaroni to the ground beef; mix to combine.
  • In a bowl, mix together mushroom soup, tomato soup, HP steak sauce, Tabasco sauce (if using) green pepper, Parmesan cheese (if using) and the two packages of cheese mix; mix well to combine.
  • Add the mixture to the ground beef in the pan and stir to combine.
  • Simmer on medium heat for 10 minutes; reduce heat to low and simmer for 30-35 minutes, stirring occasionally, adding in milk to thin sauce (I use about 1/4-1/3 cup).
  • Delicious!

Nutrition Facts : Calories 752.6, Fat 31.7, SaturatedFat 11.7, Cholesterol 113.3, Sodium 1616.6, Carbohydrate 71.6, Fiber 4, Sugar 16.4, Protein 46

JAZZ UP BOXED MACARONI AND CHEESE - WITH 6 VARIATIONS



Jazz up Boxed Macaroni and Cheese - With 6 Variations image

6 different ways to jazz up a box of mac & cheese. I found this recipe in Woman's World. I thought this is very simple easy to make and super fast! So far I've only made the Meatlovers Special Supper and I forgot the added salami or pepperoni.

Provided by internetnut

Categories     Cheese

Time 20m

Yield 3 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 5

water
salt (optional)
7 1/4 ounces boxed macaroni and cheese
butter or margarine
milk

Steps:

  • Prepare macaroni and cheese as directed. Then mix in one of the following.
  • Meat Lovers' Special Supper: Mix in frozen mini meatballs (cooked according to package directions), diced salami or pepperoni and a dash of hot sauce. (I added 16 mini meatballs).
  • Tasty Tuna: Stir in drained tuna and frozen peas (thawed); top with canned french fried onions. Bake until hot.
  • Smoky Peppers: Toss in a jar of drained, chopped roasted red peppers, some shredded provolone cheese and a pinch of garlic powder.
  • Zesty Bacon: Mix in cooked crumbled bacon and canned fire roasted diced tomatoes (drained); heat through. Before serving, sprinkle with thinly sliced fresh basil.
  • Taco Mac: Saute ground beef with a couple of spoonfuls of chili powder until browned; stir into macaroni and cheese with a little salsa. Serve topped with crushed tortilla chips.
  • Chicken Divan: Stir in chopped rotisserie chicken, frozen broccoli florets (thawed) and a little dijon or honey mustard; heat through.

MAKEOVER MACARONI AND CHEESE



Makeover Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy and cheesy with comfort in every bite, this lightened-up classic is sure to become a family favorite at your house, too! -Nancy Langrock, Southbury, Connecticut

Provided by Taste of Home

Categories     Dinner

Time 30m

Yield 8 servings.

Number Of Ingredients 5

1 package (16 ounces) elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups fat-free milk
1 package (16 ounces) reduced-fat process cheese (Velveeta), cubed
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine flour and milk until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in process cheese and 1/2 cup cheddar cheese until smooth. Drain macaroni; stir into cheese sauce., Remove from the heat; sprinkle with remaining cheese. Cover and let stand for 5 minutes or until cheese is melted.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 403 calories, Fat 11g fat (6g saturated fat), Cholesterol 36mg cholesterol, Sodium 944mg sodium, Carbohydrate 54g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 23g protein.

KICKED UP MAC & CHEESE



Kicked Up Mac & Cheese image

A crunchy take of the comfort food classic.

Provided by Libby's

Categories     Trusted Brands: Recipes and Tips     Libby's Fruits & Vegetables

Time 25m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 (14.5 ounce) package macaroni and cheese mix
½ cup milk
½ cup butter, divided
1 (15 ounce) can Libby's® Sweet Peas, drained
1 (15 ounce) can Libby's® Whole Kernel Sweet Corn, drained
1 (4 ounce) jar diced pimentos, drained
1 ½ cups panko bread crumbs

Steps:

  • Prepare macaroni and cheese with milk and 1/4 cup butter, following package directions. Gently stir in peas, corn and pimentos.
  • Place in 3-quart casserole dish.
  • Melt remaining 1/4 cup butter, mix with breadcrumbs, and sprinkle evenly over casserole. Place under broiler about 2 minutes or until top is lightly browned.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 830 calories, Carbohydrate 120.5 g, Cholesterol 77.8 mg, Fat 30.7 g, Fiber 7.4 g, Protein 28.1 g, SaturatedFat 17.2 g, Sodium 1670.8 mg, Sugar 12.5 g

Tips:

  • Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or try a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni al dente: Overcooked macaroni will make your macaroni and cheese mushy. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, but test it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time is up. The macaroni should be tender, but still have a slight bite to it.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. Making a roux will help to give your macaroni and cheese a smooth and creamy texture.
  • Season the macaroni and cheese well: Don't be afraid to add some salt and pepper to your macaroni and cheese. You can also add other spices, such as garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika, to taste.
  • Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs: Breadcrumbs add a nice crunchy texture to macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs, or you can season them with herbs or spices.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of different ingredients. Whether you like your macaroni and cheese simple or loaded with toppings, there is a recipe out there that is perfect for you. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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