Best 6 Kicked Up Mac Cheese Recipes

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Kicked up mac cheese takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level with bold flavors and creative ingredients. This elevated version of mac and cheese showcases innovative recipes that go beyond traditional cheddar cheese, transforming the dish into a culinary adventure for the taste buds. From the warmth of spicy peppers to the smokiness of bacon and the tang of various cheeses, these recipes add layers of flavor, texture, and complexity, ensuring that each bite is a delightful journey. Whether you prefer a fiery kick, a cheesy delight, or a combination of flavors, these recipes will guide you in creating a kicked up mac cheese that's sure to impress family and friends alike.

Here are our top 6 tried and tested recipes!

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

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



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

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

Tips:

  • For a richer, creamier mac and cheese, consider using a blend of cheeses. Some good options include cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, and Gruyère.
  • If you want a more flavorful mac and cheese, try adding some cooked bacon, diced ham, or sautéed mushrooms.
  • For a spicy mac and cheese, add some red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper, or chipotle powder.
  • For a smoky mac and cheese, add some smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder.
  • For a tangy mac and cheese, add some lemon zest, Dijon mustard, or hot sauce.
  • For a herbaceous mac and cheese, add some fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or thyme.
  • For a cheesy crust on top of your mac and cheese, sprinkle some bread crumbs or crushed crackers on top before baking.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender pasta, it's no wonder why this dish is so popular. The "Kicked Up Mac and Cheese" recipes provided in this article offer a variety of ways to add flavor and excitement to this classic dish. Whether you like your mac and cheese spicy, smoky, tangy, or herbaceous, there's a recipe here that's sure to please your taste buds. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal that's sure to be a hit with the whole family, give one of these "Kicked Up Mac and Cheese" recipes a try. You won't be disappointed!

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