If you like Mac and Cheese but want to learn how to Spices For Mac And Cheese. Spices are tasty additions to your favorite cheesy dish. Usually, people add them in small amounts, leaving the dish bland. Spicing up your Mac And Cheese can be a delicious idea if done right.
18 Spice Blend For A Great Mac and Cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a mainstay in our house. It’s the kind of comfort food that I grew up with and that my kids love. But it can be tricky to make because the wrong ingredients can make it heavy, bland, and even rubbery.
The key to making this spice blend is knowing what flavors you’re going for, so let’s take a look at what each ingredient does:
1. Cinnamon
Cinnamon brings warmth to any dish, but especially one like macaroni and cheese which usually has some heat from cayenne or paprika. The spicy warmth adds a nice contrast to the creamy richness of the cheese sauce.
2. Nutmeg
Nutmeg adds another layer of sweet warmth along with a hint of fruitiness that works beautifully with cinnamon. It also helps balance out other strong flavors like onion and garlic (and believe me, there are plenty of those in this recipe!).
3. Garlic
Garlic is one of the most popular spices out there, so it makes sense that it would be a part of your mac and cheese. The addition of garlic adds an extra layer of flavor that goes well with cheese, but also helps give your dish some depth and complexity too!
4. Mustard seeds
Mustard seeds are often used in Indian cooking because they add a sharp bite to food without being overpowering — something that goes well with cheese! You can find them at most grocery stores or specialty shops like Whole Foods; just make sure to buy whole ones instead of pre-ground powder so you get all the flavor out of them!
5. Oregano
You might be surprised to learn that oregano is one of the most popular herbs in the world. It’s used in many cuisines, from Italian and Greek to Latin American and Asian.
6. Basil
Basil is a classic herb that adds flavor to both sweet and savory dishes. It’s particularly good with tomatoes, tomato-based sauces, fish, and chicken.
7. Marjoram
Marjoram is often used in place of oregano because it has a similar flavor but with an added spicy kick. Use it on grilled meats and fish, or add it to chicken soup or stew for an extra boost of flavor.
8. Cumin
This spice blend adds an earthy flavor that complements pasta dishes well. You can also add cumin seeds or powder to chili or other stews for added flavor.
9. White pepper
White pepper has a milder taste than black pepper, making it ideal for children and those who don’t like spicy food very much. If you want a little more kick than what white pepper offers by itself, try combining it with black pepper for added pungency.
10. Chopped jalapeño
The heat from the jalapeño adds just enough kick without being overpowering, while still letting the flavor of the cheese shine through.
11. Garam masala
A South Asian blend of warm spices like ginger, cinnamon, and cloves with a hint of nutmeg makes this a great match for creamy cheeses like gruyere or fontina.
12. Italian herbs
This blend is perfect for those who want their macaroni and cheese to taste like pizza. The Italian herb mix includes oregano, basil, thyme, and parsley. You can buy them all separately or buy an Italian herb blend from the grocery store. Then add it to your favorite brand of boxed macaroni and cheese (or make your own).
13. Curry powder
This East Indian blend has all kinds of different ingredients in it, but most commonly includes cumin, coriander seed, and turmeric. Curry powder can go with almost any kind of cheese and works especially well with sharp cheddars like extra-sharp white cheddar and aged parmesan
14. Fenugreek seed
Fenugreek seeds have a nutty flavor that goes well with cheese, so they make another great addition to your homemade macaroni and cheese mix. You’ll find fenugreek seeds in Indian cooking stores or online at Amazon or eBay. Just grind them up in a coffee grinder before adding them to your pasta dish!
15. Cayenne
Cayenne pepper is a spicy chili pepper that’s often used in Cajun cuisine. It’s got a bright red color and a spicy, pungent flavor. Cayenne is best added sparingly because it can easily overpower a dish if used too liberally.
16. Coriander
Coriander is an annual herb in the parsley family that has been used since ancient times. The seeds are most commonly used in cooking, but they’re also great for adding flavor to drinks like tea or coffee!
17. Chili powder
Chili powder is made from dried chilies (often cayenne peppers) that have been ground into a powder form. It’s usually mixed with other spices like cumin or paprika for added flavor. Chili powder can range in spiciness depending on which peppers are used to make it, so adjust your recipe accordingly if you think it needs more heat!
18. Paprika
Paprika is a spice made from ground dried peppers such as bell peppers or chili peppers. It comes in many colors including red, orange, yellow, and brown. The color of the paprika depends on how long the peppers were cooked before being ground up into powder form.
Can Spices Improve Your Mac and Cheese?
Macaroni and cheese is a comforting classic. It’s delicious, it’s easy to make, and it can be made with pretty much any kind of cheese or pasta you have on hand. But if you’re looking to spice things up a bit, there are plenty of ways to do so without losing the simplicity that makes mac and cheese so beloved.
Here are some ideas for adding flavor to your next batch of macaroni and cheese:
1. Add herbs
Fresh herbs like chives, flat-leaf parsley, basil, and thyme add brightness to any dish — and they do the same for macaroni. Just chop them up and stir them in just before serving.
2. Try a new cheese
Macaroni and cheddar are delicious, but why not mix things up by trying something different? Parmesan adds sharpness, smoked mozzarella adds depth of flavor, while Gruyere gives everything an earthy quality that works well with onions or mushrooms (see below). You can even use Brie as a topping! Just slice off pieces as needed during cooking so they don’t get too soft before serving time (the rind will keep them from melting right away).
3. Use leftover cheese
The best part about macaroni and cheese is the fact that you can use whatever you have on hand. Leftover mozzarella, cheddar, or even plain cream cheese all make wonderful additions to this classic dish. Just chop the cheeses and stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking time — be sure to undercook them so they’re nice and gooey when you serve them, but don’t let them get too brown!
4. Add some vegetables
Macaroni and cheese can get very heavy, so it’s nice to mix in some steamed or sauteed vegetables. Chopped mushrooms are a classic addition, as are peas or corn. Just cook them separately, then stir them into the mac and cheese at the end of cooking time. But don’t go overboard — you don’t want your dish to turn into mac and veggie casserole!
5. Add some spice
Spicy hot sauces and chiles add a nice kick to macaroni and cheese. Just take it easy — don’t go out and grab a bunch of hot sauce only to find out that you’ve gone overboard. Let the flavors work themselves out and keep adding more spices as needed until the dish is at your desired taste.
6. Add some fresh vegetables
Macaroni and cheese were traditionally made with cream of wheat, which adds a nice creaminess to the dish without adding any sourness (which would defeat the purpose).
Homemade Mac and Cheese At Home
Macaroni and cheese are one of those dishes that everyone loves. It’s not only delicious, but it’s also fun to make, especially if you have kids around. The best part about homemade macaroni and cheese is that you can customize it to fit your own taste buds.
If you’re looking for an easy way to make your own macaroni and cheese at home, then keep reading! We’re going to show you how you can make this classic dish in no time at all.
What You Will Need
- 1 pound elbow macaroni (or any type of pasta that floats your boat)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 stick butter (melted)
- 1.5 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (optional)
- 1.5 cups sour cream
- 1/4 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and mixed with 1/2 cup sharp cheddar cheese for the topping (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large pot of boiling water, cook your macaroni until it’s al dente, about 7-10 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside to cool.
Step 2: When your pasta has cooled, mix the elbow macaroni in a large bowl with the melted butter and about 2-3 tablespoons of shredded sharp cheddar cheese.
If you want to keep it plain, then stop at step 2. For extra flavor, crack open a can of your favorite mushroom soup and simmer it on low heat in a saucepan until it’s warm.
Step 3: Pour over the macaroni and toss well until everything is mixed together well.
Step 4: Mix the warm sour cream and your shredded cheddar cheese until well combined.
Step 5: Enjoy!
FAQs
1. Why do I need spices for mac and cheese?
Spices are a great way to add flavor to macaroni and cheese. The spices you use will vary depending on your taste preference, but there are some common spices that work well with macaroni and cheese. Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper are common spices used in macaroni and cheese recipes. You can also experiment with different cheeses to get the best flavor combination.
2. How do I choose which spices to use when making my mac and cheese?
The type of spice you use will depend on your personal preference as well as the type of macaroni you’re using. For example, if you’re using elbow noodles then it may not be necessary to add nutmeg or cinnamon to your recipe since these flavors don’t mesh well with other ingredients like elbow noodles.
3. How do you make your mac and cheese?
I use a mixture of aged cheddar, Gruyere, Parmesan, and Pecorino Romano cheeses (the best of the bunch!) and I add a little bit of nutmeg.
4. How long should I cook my mac and cheese?
The instructions on the box say to cook it for 10 minutes in boiling water. I cook mine for about 15 minutes, or until it’s done to your liking. If you want it super creamy, add some milk or cream before serving (but no more than 1 cup).
5. What should I use for macaroni and cheese?
I recommend using creamy, sharp cheddar cheese. The best macaroni and cheese is made with a combination of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, white cheddar, and possibly even mozzarella or Parmesan.
In Conclusion
Let’s be honest, the best spices for mac and cheese will create an array of tasty flavors, including cayenne pepper, turmeric, cumin, paprika, and nutmeg. The flavor combinations are unlimited, but this combination will have your taste buds dancing to the beat of a different drum.
