6 Spins on Mac & Cheese
Everybody's favorite comfort food gets a delicious upgrade with these fun mix-ins. Imagine the pastabilities!
Make the Macaroni
In a pot, melt 1 stick butter over medium. Add 1/2 cup flour; stir until mixture bubbles and thickens, about 2 minutes. Whisk in 1 quart whole milk. Stir until thickened, about 5 minutes. Add 1 lb. cooked macaroni. For a classic mac & cheese, melt in 3 cups grated cheddar and 1 cup grated Parmesan--or stir things up with one of these easy twists instead!
1. Tuna Melt
Melt in: 4 cups grated Swiss
Stir in: Chopped celery and shallots, cooked in butter until soft, and oil-packed tuna, drained
2. Sausage & Peppers
Melt in: 4 cups grated provolone
Stir in: Italian sausage, cooked and crumbled, and sliced peppers and onions, cooked in olive oil until soft
3. Tex-Mex
Melt in: 4 cups grated Colby jack
Stir in: Shredded rotisserie chicken, chopped fresh cilantro and canned, chopped jalapeños, drained
4. Prosciutto & Asparagus
Melt in: 4 cups grated smoked Gouda
Stir in: Steamed asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch pieces, and prosciutto, cooked until crispy, then crumbled
5. Pasta Primavera
Melt in: 8 oz. goat cheese, crumbled
Stir in: Baby spinach, halved cherry tomatoes and frozen peas, thawed
6. Totally Rad Shrimp
Melt in: 4 cups grated Parmesan
Stir in: Chopped cooked shrimp and radicchio, shredded and cooked in olive oil until soft.
