Mac and cheese is a must at my family gatherings—it’s one of the dishes they beg me to make every year. While they always loved my from-scratch version, no one even batted an eyelash when I switched to this more budget-friendly twist. In fact, some of them even preferred the ultra-creamy texture! The secret? Using party-size Stouffer's Mac and Cheese as a base and transforming it into a gooey, golden masterpiece with a few simple tweaks—without breaking the bank.
Ingredients You’ll Need
1 party-size Stouffer's Mac and Cheese (57 ounces): Defrosted in the fridge for easy mixing.
1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice): To stretch the dish and feed a crowd.
1/2 wedge Parmesan cheese (freshly grated): For a nutty, savory depth of flavor.
1 block extra sharp cheddar cheese (shredded): Adds a bold, cheesy punch.
Seasonings
1 teaspoon dill: Offers a fresh, aromatic twist.
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (plus a little extra for garnish): Adds a subtle spice.
1/2 teaspoon crushed black pepper: For warmth and depth.
A pinch of sea salt: To enhance every bite.
Step-by-Step Directions
Defrost the Mac and Cheese:
Place the party-size Stouffer’s Mac and Cheese in the fridge overnight or until fully thawed, which makes it easy to mix.
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Mix It Up:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the defrosted Stouffer’s Mac and Cheese, cooked pasta, grated Parmesan, and shredded extra-sharp cheddar. Stir until evenly combined. Sprinkle in the dill, Cajun seasoning, crushed black pepper, and sea salt, mixing thoroughly to ensure all flavors are evenly distributed.
Top and Garnish:
Transfer the mixture to a large baking dish. Top with more shredded sharp cheddar and a light dusting of Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
Bake to Perfection:
Bake according to the instructions on the Stouffer’s box, typically at 350°F (175°C), until the mac and cheese is gooey and bubbling and the top is golden brown.
Why This Dish Wins Over My Family
My family loves this mac and cheese and couldn’t even tell the difference when I switched from the homemade version to this more economical one. In fact, some of them said they preferred the creamy texture! By starting with Stouffer’s as a base, you get a rich, flavorful dish that’s easy to elevate with a few extra ingredients. The result? A mouthwatering, crowd-pleasing mac and cheese that’s big on taste but easy on the wallet. Enjoy!
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