Stuck in lockdown or find yourself social distancing and very, very hungry? Numerous people are turning towards using the time at home to perfect some of their favorite recipes. Sure, you could find unique ways to make delicious canned food recipes. Or, you could revamp an old favorite you and your family have loved for ages.
Mac and cheese is one of the easiest recipes to make at home as it requires very few ingredients. A basic mac and cheese recipe should only call for macaroni and, well, tasty cheese. Aside from that, you can throw in some unique ingredients that’ll kick the flavor factor up even more.
Check out our picks for three unique ways to make mac and cheese in lockdown. Let the drooling commence.
Cream Cheese Mac & Cheese
If you’re a fan of extra creamy mac and cheese then try adding some Philly cheese into the mix. It’ll add a unique flavor while also ensuring the texture is ultra velvety and creamy. For this recipe, you just need to add Philly cream cheese to your shopping list along with your normal cheese. Sharp cheddar works great for this recipe, but you can try others such as gruyere cheese if you can find it.
You’ll start by preheating the oven to 400° as you cook the macaroni. Start melting 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan and stir in 3 tablespoons of flour and 2 cups of milk. Let it boil and stir as it’s boiling for 2 minutes. Then, reduce the heat and add in your cheese; use 2 cups of shredded cheese (cheddar tastes great) and 8 oz. of cream cheese.
Drain the macaroni and mix it together with the cheese, milk, flour and butter mix. Pour it into a shallow baking dish, sprinkle some bread crumbs on top and then bake uncovered for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden brown. It’ll be slightly crunchy on top and super creamy underneath.
Creamy Broccoli Mac & Cheese
If you’re trying to sneak some veggies into your children’s’ diets during lockdown or quarantine and they’re not a fan of broccoli and cheese soup, make the next best thing: creamy broccoli mac and cheese! Or, you might even view this as a macaroni and cheese soup depending on how creamy or watery you prefer to make it.
If you’re getting groceries delivered to your house, make sure to order fresh broccoli florets, onions, condensed cheddar cheese soup, milk, and macaroni. If you’d like, you can add in some ham or chicken to bulk up the protein for hungry eaters.
You’ll simply cook the macaroni until it’s tender. Then, you’ll cook the broccoli and onions separately. Try using 1 cup of broccoli florets and half of the chopped onion for this recipe. Once they’re cooked, add them to the macaroni and then slowly stir in the cheddar cheese soup mix. And, voila! It’s that easy to make one of the tastiest mac and cheese recipes around.
Pizza-Style Skillet Mac & Cheese
What if we told you that you could mix mac and cheese and pizza together to create a child’s dream dinner? Well, you can. And, you only need one single skillet to whip it up. It’s the perfect quarantine recipe for children.
The ingredients for this recipe don’t differ much from other mac and cheese recipes except that you’ll also need pizza sauce, Parmesan cheese, and shredded mozzarella. As you’re cooking the pasta, heat a skillet over medium heat then add in 4 tablespoons of butter, ¼ cup of flour and 1 ½ cups of milk. Whisk it all together until it thickens.
Now, stir in ½ cup of pizza sauce along with the mozzarella and cheddar cheeses. Once it’s good and mixed together you can stir in the drained macaroni, top it with additional cheese and load on the pepperoni slices. Broil until the top is golden brown and enjoy!
Earn Cash for More Cheese
Love cheese? You’ll probably be trying so many new recipes that you’ll want to save cash for more cheese. An easy way to do this is to sign up for a debit card that works with and for you to ensure you’re maximizing your savings without even really needing to do anything else.
Oh, yes, we’re talking about our Cheese debit card. Our 0 fee debit card comes with saving bonuses and cashback. So, even when you’re spending your money, you’re saving more with us. Interested? Learn more about the Cheese debit card.
Hey Cheese lovers, here's more about cheese:
3 Unique Ways to Make Mac & Cheese
5 Fun Facts About Chuck E. Cheese
All You Need to Know about Raclette Cheese
Fan of Philly Cheesesteak? You Can't Miss on This!
3 Tasty Cheese Dishes to Make In 2020
Discovering The Most Expensive Cheeses In The World.
What is Cheese? Fun Facts about Cheese and Cheese Slang!
