Trader Joe’s 2-Ingredient Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Lazy Dinner Hack
Are you craving creamy, cheesy mac and cheese but dreading the thought of a complicated recipe and a mountain of dishes? Look no further! Trader Joe’s has come to the rescue with a ridiculously easy and surprisingly delicious 2-ingredient mac and cheese that will satisfy your comfort food cravings in minutes. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you simply can’t be bothered to cook. Let’s dive into the magic of this culinary shortcut!
## The Secret Weapon: Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread
The star of this show is Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread. This isn’t your average cheese spread; it’s a creamy, tangy, and subtly sweet flavor bomb that elevates mac and cheese to a whole new level. It has the texture of a smooth cream cheese but the sharp, complex flavor of aged cheddar. It’s the secret ingredient that makes this recipe so incredibly simple and satisfying.
## The Other Hero: Your Favorite Pasta
The second ingredient is, of course, pasta! While elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese, feel free to experiment with different shapes and sizes. Penne, rotini, shells, or even cavatappi all work beautifully. Choose your favorite pasta and get ready to transform it into cheesy goodness.
## The Recipe: 2-Ingredient Trader Joe’s Mac and Cheese
This recipe is so simple, it barely needs instructions. But for the sake of clarity and deliciousness, here’s a step-by-step guide to creating this culinary masterpiece:
**Ingredients:**
* 1 pound of your favorite pasta (elbow macaroni, penne, rotini, etc.)
* 1 container (8 ounces) of Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Pasta:** Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Al dente means the pasta should be cooked through but still have a slight firmness to the bite. This prevents it from becoming mushy when you add the cheese sauce.
2. **Reserve Pasta Water:** Before draining the pasta, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy cooking water. This is liquid gold! The starchy water helps to create a creamy and emulsified sauce that clings to the pasta perfectly. Don’t skip this step!
3. **Drain the Pasta:** Drain the cooked pasta in a colander.
4. **Combine Pasta and Cheese Spread:** Return the drained pasta to the pot. Add the entire container of Trader Joe’s Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread to the pasta.
5. **Create the Sauce:** Over low heat, stir the pasta and cheese spread together continuously until the cheese is melted and evenly coats the pasta. This should only take a few minutes. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. The amount of pasta water needed will vary depending on the type of pasta used and personal preference.
6. **Season to Taste (Optional):** While the Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread is packed with flavor, you can add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste. You can also get creative with other seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, or a dash of smoked paprika.
7. **Serve and Enjoy:** Serve the mac and cheese immediately while it’s hot and creamy. This dish is best enjoyed fresh.
## Tips and Variations for the Ultimate 2-Ingredient Mac and Cheese
While the basic recipe is incredibly simple, there are plenty of ways to customize it to your liking. Here are some tips and variations to take your 2-ingredient mac and cheese to the next level:
* **Adjust the Cheese Spread:** If you prefer a milder flavor, you can use half Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread and half cream cheese. This will create a creamier and less tangy sauce.
* **Add Some Heat:** For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the cheese sauce. You can also use a flavored cheese spread, such as Trader Joe’s Jalapeño Pepper Jack Cheese Spread (if you can find it!).
* **Get Cheesy with Extra Cheese:** If you’re a cheese lover, feel free to add extra shredded cheese to the mac and cheese. Cheddar, Gruyere, or Parmesan cheese all work well. Stir in the shredded cheese after the cheese spread has melted and continue stirring until the shredded cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
* **Add Some Veggies:** Sneak in some extra nutrients by adding cooked vegetables to the mac and cheese. Broccoli florets, peas, spinach, or roasted vegetables like butternut squash or Brussels sprouts are all delicious additions. Add the cooked vegetables to the pasta along with the cheese spread.
* **Spice it Up with Protein:** Make it a more substantial meal by adding cooked protein to the mac and cheese. Cooked bacon, shredded chicken, ground beef, or sausage are all great options. Add the protein to the pasta along with the cheese spread.
* **Top it Off:** Add a crunchy topping for extra texture and flavor. Breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even potato chips all work well. Toss the breadcrumbs or crackers with melted butter and sprinkle them over the mac and cheese before serving.
* **Bake it:** For a baked mac and cheese, transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
* **Make it Gluten-Free:** Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
* **Use Different Trader Joe’s Cheese Spreads:** Trader Joe’s often has seasonal cheese spreads. Keep an eye out for limited-edition flavors that might work well in mac and cheese. For example, their pumpkin spice cheese spread (when available) might create a surprisingly tasty autumn-themed mac and cheese.
## Why This Recipe Works
This 2-ingredient mac and cheese works because it’s a perfect combination of convenience and flavor. The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread provides the creamy texture and cheesy flavor that you expect from mac and cheese, without the need for making a roux or grating multiple cheeses. It’s a shortcut that doesn’t sacrifice taste.
* **Simplicity:** The recipe is incredibly simple and requires minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re short on time.
* **Flavor:** The Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread has a complex and delicious flavor that elevates the mac and cheese to a whole new level. It’s not your average cheese sauce.
* **Convenience:** The recipe only requires two ingredients, which makes it incredibly convenient. You can easily keep these ingredients on hand for a quick and easy meal.
* **Customizable:** The recipe is easily customizable. You can add extra cheese, vegetables, protein, or toppings to create your own unique version.
## Troubleshooting Tips
Even with a simple recipe, things can sometimes go wrong. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you avoid common mac and cheese mishaps:
* **Sauce is Too Thick:** If the sauce is too thick, gradually add more reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. You can also add a splash of milk or cream.
* **Sauce is Too Thin:** If the sauce is too thin, simmer the mac and cheese over low heat for a few minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. You can also add a slurry of cornstarch and water (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon cold water) to the sauce to help thicken it.
* **Pasta is Mushy:** To avoid mushy pasta, cook the pasta al dente according to package directions. Don’t overcook the pasta.
* **Cheese is Gritty:** To avoid gritty cheese, don’t overheat the cheese sauce. Heat the sauce over low heat and stir constantly until the cheese is melted and smooth.
* **Mac and Cheese is Dry:** To prevent dry mac and cheese, make sure to add enough reserved pasta water to create a creamy sauce. You can also add a tablespoon of butter to the sauce for extra richness.
## Serving Suggestions
This 2-ingredient mac and cheese is delicious on its own, but here are some serving suggestions to make it a more complete meal:
* **Side Dish:** Serve it as a side dish with grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
* **Main Course:** Serve it as a main course with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
* **Lunch:** Pack it in a lunchbox for a quick and easy lunch.
* **Potluck:** Bring it to a potluck or party. It’s always a crowd-pleaser.
## Storage Instructions
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave the mac and cheese until heated through, adding a splash of milk or cream to keep it from drying out. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring constantly.
## Final Thoughts
Trader Joe’s 2-ingredient mac and cheese is a game-changer for anyone who loves mac and cheese but doesn’t have the time or energy to make it from scratch. It’s a simple, delicious, and customizable recipe that will satisfy your comfort food cravings in minutes. So, the next time you’re at Trader Joe’s, be sure to grab a container of Unexpected Cheddar Cheese Spread and a box of your favorite pasta. You won’t be disappointed!
Enjoy this easy and flavorful mac and cheese creation! It is a perfect testament to how simple ingredients and a little creativity can create something truly amazing, even with the bare minimum of effort. This recipe is not just about convenience; it’s about enjoying good food without the fuss. So go ahead, embrace the lazy dinner hack, and treat yourself to a bowl of cheesy goodness!