Jazzy Mac N Cheese Food

JAZZ UP BOXED MACARONI AND CHEESE - WITH 6 VARIATIONS

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.

JAZZY MAC 'N' CHEESE

Steps:

• In a medium saucepan, bring 6 cups water to a boil. Add macaroni; set aside cheese packet. Cook, uncovered, for 6-8 minutes or until tender. Drain and return to saucepan. , Add tomatoes and butter; mix until butter is melted. Add the reserved cheese packet; mix well. Remove from heat; stir in the Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses.

BAKED MAC & CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook pasta according to package directions. In a large saucepan, melt butter; stir in flour until smooth. Gradually add milk; stir in the salt, pepper, mustard, Worcestershire sauce and nutmeg. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 1-2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in cheeses until melted., Drain pasta; stir in cheese sauce. Transfer to an ungreased 2-qt. baking dish. Bake, uncovered, at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly.

FANCY MAC 'N' CHEESE

Steps:

• Set cheese sauce packet from dinner mix aside. Bring water to a boil. Add macaroni; cook for 4 minutes. Add the broccoli, onion and garlic. Cook 3-6 minutes longer or until macaroni is tender; drain., In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Stir in cheese sauce mix and milk. Add the ham, mustard, salt and pepper. Stir in macaroni mixture. , Transfer to a greased broiler-proof 2-1/2-qt. baking dish. Melt remaining butter; toss with bread crumbs and cheese. Sprinkle over top. Broil 4-6 in. from the heat for 4-5 minutes or until top is golden brown.

CREAMY RANCH MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook macaroni according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, combine the milk, butter, dressing mix and seasonings; heat through. Stir in Monterey Jack and Colby cheeses until melted. Stir in sour cream., Drain macaroni; stir into cheese sauce with the Saltines. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.