Easy Weeknight Mac And Cheese 4 Ways Recipe

Name: Easy Weeknight Mac And Cheese 4 Ways
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Weeknight Mac and Cheese:; 1 1/2 cups small elbow macaroni; 3 tablespoons butter; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 1/2 cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original almondmilk; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard; 2 teaspoons onion powder; 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste; 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese; Freshly ground pepper to taste; Weeknight Mac and Cheese Toppers:; Option 1: Sausage and Pepper; 3/4 cup 1/4-inch diced turkey kielbasa; 2/3 cup chopped onion; 2/3 cup diced bell pepper (any color); 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme; Option 2: Riced Veggie and Bacon; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped onion; 1/3 cup real bacon bits; 1 1/2 cups mixed riced cauliflower and broccoli; Garlic salt to taste; Option 3: Pepperoni and Veggie Pizza; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1/2 cup chopped red onion; 15 slices turkey pepperoni, cut into quarters; 1/3 cup diced bell pepper (any color); 1/3 cup sliced olives (optional)

Servings: persons

Weeknight Mac and Cheese:
1 1/2 cups small elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 1/2 cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original almondmilk
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
Freshly ground pepper to taste
Weeknight Mac and Cheese Toppers:
Option 1: Sausage and Pepper
3/4 cup 1/4-inch diced turkey kielbasa
2/3 cup chopped onion
2/3 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Option 2: Riced Veggie and Bacon
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup real bacon bits
1 1/2 cups mixed riced cauliflower and broccoli
Garlic salt to taste
Option 3: Pepperoni and Veggie Pizza
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 cup chopped red onion
15 slices turkey pepperoni, cut into quarters
1/3 cup diced bell pepper (any color)
1/3 cup sliced olives (optional)

1
Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, about 8 minutes.
2
While macaroni is cooking, melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in Almond Breeze almondmilk and stock and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Stir in mustard, onion powder, and garlic salt.
3
Add cheese a little at a time, cooking and stirring until melted before adding more. Season with pepper. Drain macaroni well and stir in. Cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally.
4
For Sausage and Pepper topping: Cook sausage and onion in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until sausage is browned and onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper and thyme; cook and stir for 2 minutes more to soften peppers. Serve over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.
5
For Riced Veggie and Bacon topping: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add bacon and cook for 2 minutes more. Stir in riced veggies; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes to soften. Season with garlic salt. Serve over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.
6
For Pepperoni and Veggie Pizza topping: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepperoni and cook until both are lightly browned, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes to soften. Stir in olives, if desired. Spoon over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.

1523

kcal

Calories

102

Fat

Carbs

110

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 29 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Weeknight Mac and Cheese:, 1 1/2 cups small elbow macaroni, 3 tablespoons butter, 3 tablespoons flour, and more.

Yes, Easy Weeknight Mac And Cheese 4 Ways falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Easy Weeknight Mac And Cheese 4 Ways

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions