We all adore mac and cheese, but imagine taking it to another level of deliciousness. At Hook’d Up Bar and Grill, we’ve concocted some irresistible recipes that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Whether you’re a fan of the classic combination of broccoli and cheddar or prefer a spicy jalapeño kick, we’ve got your cravings covered.
Get Creative with Mix-Ins for Annie’s Mac and Cheese
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s discuss the foundation. We utilized four distinct types of Annie’s Mac and Cheese to craft these dishes. Each variety possesses its own unique flavor profile, making it the perfect canvas for our mix-ins.
- Annie’s Organic Shells & White Cheddar: Creamy and versatile.
- Annie’s Organic Whole Wheat Shells & White Cheddar: A healthy twist with a delightful nutty flavor.
- Annie’s Organic Shells & Real Aged Cheddar: Tangy and cheesy, with an enticing color.
- Annie’s Classic Macaroni & Cheese: The ultimate classic, with the beloved macaroni shape.
Now, let’s embark on a culinary adventure and explore these delectable combinations.
Broccoli + Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Here’s a handy trick: add uncooked broccoli to the boiling shells during the last 3-4 minutes of cooking time. This way, you’ll have perfectly cooked broccoli and mac and cheese ready in one pot. For the ideal balance, ensure you have more broccoli than mac in your bowl.
Ingredients:
- 1 box prepared Annie’s Organic Shells & Real Aged Cheddar
- 8-10 broccoli florets
- 1/3 cup shredded sharp cheddar
Instructions:
- Cook shells according to package directions. When there are approximately four minutes left in the cooking time, add the broccoli florets and continue cooking.
- Drain the shells and broccoli, then put them back in the pot. Follow the directions on the box to add butter, milk, and the flavor packet.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar and serve immediately.
Zucchini Corn Basil Mac & Cheese
Inspired by our Corn Zucchini Lime Pizza, this mac and cheese is bursting with summer flavors. The lime adds a refreshing brightness to the dish, while basil brings a touch of herbal goodness. Creamy goat cheese perfectly complements the sweetness of the corn. For an extra treat, top it with a sunny-side-up fried egg!
Ingredients:
- 1 box prepared Annie’s Organic Shells & Real Aged Cheddar
- A splash of olive oil
- 1 medium zucchini, cubed
- 1 cup corn
- 1/4 medium onion, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- Salt and pepper
- Fresh lime juice
- 4 basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/4 cup goat cheese
Instructions:
- Cook shells according to package directions. In a medium skillet, sauté zucchini, corn, and onions in olive oil over medium-high heat until softened and lightly charred, approximately 6-7 minutes.
- Add garlic and cook for an additional minute. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to taste.
- Stir in the cooked vegetables, chopped basil, and goat cheese into the prepared mac and cheese. Serve immediately.
Roasted Tomato & Sausage Mac & Cheese
If you’re pressed for time but still crave a flavorful meal, this recipe is perfect for you. The oven does most of the work, roasting the sausage and tomatoes to perfection. The result? A rich and savory mac and cheese that will have you coming back for seconds.
Ingredients:
- 1 box prepared Annie’s Organic Whole Wheat Shells & White Cheddar
- 3 Italian sausages
- 1 1/2 cups plum tomatoes
- A splash of olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed
- Salt and pepper
- 5-6 fresh basil leaves, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup ovoline mozzarella
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400F. On a baking sheet, toss the sausages, tomatoes, and smashed garlic with olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook for 25-30 minutes, or until the sausage is thoroughly cooked. Cut up the sausage and combine it with the roasted tomatoes, garlic, fresh basil, and ovoline mozzarella into the prepared mac and cheese. Serve immediately.
Shrimp Fajita Mac & Cheese
Indulge in the flavors of fajitas with this delightful shrimp and mac and cheese fusion. The cumin in the shrimp adds wonderful depth to the dish, while sautéed onions bring a touch of sweetness. Top it all off with avocado, cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients:
- 1 box prepared Annie’s Organic Shells & Real Aged Cheddar
- 16 medium cooked shrimp, tails off
- 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/4 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic, chopped
- 1/2 avocado, cubed
- Fresh lime juice
- Cilantro, for garnish
- Hot sauce, for garnish
Instructions:
- In a medium skillet, sauté the onions and peppers with olive oil and cumin over medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes.
- Add the cooked shrimp and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the shrimp is heated through. The peppers and onions should be tender at this point.
- Stir in the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Then, mix the shrimp fajita mixture into the prepared mac and cheese.
- Garnish with avocado, cilantro, a squeeze of fresh lime juice, and a drizzle of hot sauce. Serve immediately.
With these tantalizing mac and cheese recipes, you’ll experience this classic dish like never before. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply craving a comforting meal, these inventive combinations are guaranteed to satisfy your taste buds. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to create some unforgettable mac and cheese magic at Hook’d Up Bar and Grill!
If you’d like to explore more mix-in ideas for Annie’s Mac and Cheese, be sure to follow their Mix-In Mondays series on Instagram with the hashtag #MixInMonday.