Level Up Your Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese: Delicious Recipes and Hacks
Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese is a budget-friendly pantry staple for many. It’s quick, easy, and satisfies that cheesy craving. But let’s be honest, sometimes it needs a little something extra to elevate it from a simple side dish to a truly satisfying meal. This article is packed with creative recipes and easy hacks to transform your Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese into gourmet-worthy comfort food.
Why Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese?
Before we dive into the recipes, let’s acknowledge the appeal of this convenient mac and cheese. It’s affordable, readily available at Walmart, and cooks in minutes. It’s a blank canvas, ready to be customized to your liking. Whether you’re a busy student, a budget-conscious family, or simply looking for a quick and easy meal, Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese fits the bill. Its cheesy flavor is also a hit with kids and adults alike, making it a family-friendly option.
Essential Tips for Perfect Wicked Mac & Cheese
Before we get to the exciting recipe variations, let’s cover some essential tips to ensure your mac and cheese is always cooked to perfection:
* **Don’t Overcook the Pasta:** Follow the package directions carefully. Overcooked pasta will result in a mushy final product. Aim for al dente – slightly firm to the bite.
* **Use Enough Water:** Ensure the pasta is fully submerged in boiling water during cooking. This helps it cook evenly and prevents sticking.
* **Drain Thoroughly:** After cooking, drain the pasta completely. Excess water will dilute the cheese sauce and make it watery.
* **Low and Slow:** When adding the cheese sauce, reduce the heat to low. This will prevent the sauce from scorching or separating.
* **Stir Constantly:** Stir the sauce constantly while it melts to ensure a smooth and creamy consistency.
* **Season to Taste:** Don’t be afraid to add salt and pepper to taste. You can also experiment with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or paprika.
Recipe Ideas: Transforming Your Wicked Mac & Cheese
Now for the fun part! Here are several recipe ideas to take your Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese to the next level:
1. Spicy Chorizo Mac & Cheese
This recipe adds a fiery kick and savory flavor to your mac and cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
* 4 oz Chorizo sausage, casing removed
* 1/2 cup Diced onion
* 1 clove Garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup Milk (optional, for creamier sauce)
* 1 tbsp Chopped cilantro (for garnish)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, brown the chorizo in a skillet over medium heat. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks.
3. Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
4. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
5. Drain any excess grease from the skillet.
6. Once the mac and cheese is cooked and drained, add the cheese sauce packet and stir until smooth. If desired, add a splash of milk for a creamier consistency.
7. Add the chorizo mixture to the mac and cheese and stir to combine.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Garnish with chopped cilantro before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use spicier chorizo for a more intense flavor.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.
* Top with shredded cheddar cheese and broil for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
2. Broccoli Cheddar Mac & Cheese
A classic combination that adds some vegetables and extra cheesy goodness to your meal.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
* 1 cup Broccoli florets, steamed or microwaved
* 1/2 cup Shredded cheddar cheese
* 1/4 cup Milk (optional, for creamier sauce)
* Salt and pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, steam or microwave the broccoli florets until tender-crisp.
3. Once the mac and cheese is cooked and drained, add the cheese sauce packet and stir until smooth. If desired, add a splash of milk for a creamier consistency.
4. Add the steamed broccoli and shredded cheddar cheese to the mac and cheese and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is well combined.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use frozen broccoli florets for convenience.
* Add other vegetables like cauliflower or carrots.
* Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crunchy topping.
3. Buffalo Chicken Mac & Cheese
A tangy and spicy twist on a classic comfort food.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
* 1 cup Cooked chicken, shredded or cubed
* 1/4 cup Buffalo wing sauce
* 2 tbsp Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing
* 1/4 cup Shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
* Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, toss the cooked chicken with the buffalo wing sauce.
3. Once the mac and cheese is cooked and drained, add the cheese sauce packet and stir until smooth.
4. Add the buffalo chicken and ranch dressing (or blue cheese dressing) to the mac and cheese and stir to combine.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese (optional) and bake for a few minutes until melted.
6. Garnish with sliced green onions before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use leftover rotisserie chicken for a quick and easy option.
* Adjust the amount of buffalo wing sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
* Add a sprinkle of blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
4. Bacon Mac & Cheese
Everything’s better with bacon, right? This recipe adds smoky, salty goodness to your mac and cheese.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
* 4 slices Bacon, cooked and crumbled
* 1/4 cup Milk (optional, for creamier sauce)
* Black pepper to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, cook the bacon until crispy. Crumble it into small pieces.
3. Once the mac and cheese is cooked and drained, add the cheese sauce packet and stir until smooth. If desired, add a splash of milk for a creamier consistency.
4. Add the crumbled bacon to the mac and cheese and stir to combine.
5. Season with black pepper to taste.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use maple bacon for a sweet and savory flavor.
* Add a sprinkle of crispy fried onions for extra texture.
* Top with shredded cheese and broil for a bubbly, cheesy crust.
5. Chili Mac & Cheese
Transform your mac and cheese into a hearty and filling meal with the addition of chili.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
* 1 can (15 oz) Chili (your favorite kind)
* Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
* Sour cream (for topping)
* Green onions, sliced (for topping)
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese according to package directions.
2. Heat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat.
3. Once the mac and cheese is cooked and drained, add the cheese sauce packet and stir until smooth.
4. Pour the chili over the mac and cheese and stir to combine.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, and sliced green onions before serving.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use homemade chili for an even more flavorful meal.
* Add a dollop of guacamole for extra richness.
* Top with crushed tortilla chips for a crunchy topping.
6. Garlic Parmesan Mac & Cheese
A simple yet flavorful upgrade with classic Italian flavors.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
* 1 tbsp Butter
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
* Italian seasoning to taste
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese according to package directions.
2. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Once the mac and cheese is cooked and drained, add the cheese sauce packet and stir until smooth.
5. Add the garlic butter, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning to the mac and cheese and stir to combine.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, more mellow flavor.
* Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
* Top with toasted breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
7. Pizza Mac & Cheese
Combine two favorite comfort foods into one delicious dish.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
* 1/4 cup Pizza sauce
* 1/4 cup Pepperoni, sliced
* 1/4 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded
* Italian seasoning
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese according to package directions.
2. Once the mac and cheese is cooked and drained, add the cheese sauce packet and stir until smooth.
3. Stir in the pizza sauce.
3. Top with pepperoni and mozzarella cheese. Sprinkle with Italian seasoning.
4. Broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Add your favorite pizza toppings like mushrooms, olives, or bell peppers.
* Use different types of cheese like provolone or parmesan.
* Bake in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes instead of broiling.
8. Creamy Pesto Mac & Cheese
A vibrant and flavorful twist using pesto sauce.
**Ingredients:**
* 1 box Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
* 2 tablespoons Pesto sauce
* 1/4 cup Heavy cream (optional, for extra creaminess)
* Cherry tomatoes, halved (for garnish)
* Pine nuts, toasted (for garnish)
**Instructions:**
1. Cook the Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese according to package directions.
2. Once the mac and cheese is cooked and drained, add the cheese sauce packet and stir until smooth.
3. Stir in the pesto sauce and heavy cream (if using).
4. Garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and toasted pine nuts.
**Tips & Variations:**
* Use homemade pesto for the best flavor.
* Add grilled chicken or shrimp for a heartier meal.
* Substitute sun-dried tomatoes for cherry tomatoes.
Hacks to Enhance Your Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese
Beyond full-fledged recipes, here are some quick and easy hacks to instantly upgrade your mac and cheese:
* **Add a dash of hot sauce:** A few drops of your favorite hot sauce can add a welcome kick.
* **Stir in some cream cheese:** This will make the mac and cheese extra creamy and rich.
* **Mix in some sour cream or plain yogurt:** This adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture.
* **Add a sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning:** This adds a savory, garlicky, and seedy flavor.
* **Top with crushed potato chips:** This adds a salty and crunchy topping.
* **Add a pat of butter:** A small pat of butter stirred in at the end adds richness and shine.
* **Stir in some roasted vegetables:** Leftover roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or sweet potatoes can add flavor and nutrients.
* **Grate in some fresh nutmeg:** A pinch of freshly grated nutmeg adds a warm and aromatic flavor.
* **Add a squeeze of lemon juice:** A little lemon juice can brighten the flavors and cut through the richness of the cheese.
Making it a Complete Meal
While these mac and cheese variations are delicious on their own, you can easily turn them into a complete and satisfying meal by pairing them with:
* **A side salad:** A simple green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the mac and cheese.
* **Grilled vegetables:** Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus add a healthy and flavorful element.
* **Roasted chicken or fish:** Adding a protein source like roasted chicken or fish makes the meal more substantial.
* **Garlic bread:** A classic pairing that complements the cheesy flavor of the mac and cheese.
* **Soup:** A bowl of tomato soup or vegetable soup is a comforting and complementary side dish.
Conclusion: Endless Possibilities with Wicked Mac & Cheese
Great Value Wicked Mac & Cheese is more than just a simple side dish; it’s a versatile base for creating endless culinary masterpieces. With a little creativity and these simple recipes and hacks, you can transform this budget-friendly staple into a gourmet-worthy meal that will impress your family and friends. So, get creative, experiment with different flavors and ingredients, and enjoy the delicious possibilities of Wicked Mac & Cheese!