Review: Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese

Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

This thread discusses personal experiences and opinions regarding the Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese recipe from Pampered Chef's Volume II of 29 Minutes to Dinner. Participants share their thoughts on the recipe's ingredients, preparation, and overall enjoyment, as well as variations they plan to try.

Discussion Character

  • Anecdotal
  • Opinion-based
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant, identifying as a consultant, found the recipe fun, easy, and filling, noting the secret ingredient of squash was well-received by their husband.
  • Another participant expressed curiosity about calorie content and potential substitutes, indicating they do not yet have the cookbook.
  • One participant plans to modify the recipe with low-fat ingredients and suggests it could serve more than six, reducing calories per serving.
  • Several users mention that the inclusion of squash may lower the fat content and increase fiber, though they acknowledge mac and cheese is not typically a health food.
  • One participant adds that they enjoy incorporating vegetables like green beans to make mac and cheese healthier.
  • Another participant shares their experience of adding tuna to boxed mac and cheese for added flavor and protein.
  • One participant humorously notes tricking their children into eating squash, enjoying the recipe overall.
  • Several participants discuss the origins of the recipe, referencing Jessica Seinfeld's book and the broader trend of sneaking vegetables into meals.
  • One participant critiques the texture of the dish, stating it was not a winning recipe for them and that leftovers were thrown away.
  • Another participant suggests that the recipe might be better if the secret ingredient is not revealed beforehand.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Views differ on the recipe's overall success, with some participants enjoying it and others finding it lacking in texture and flavor. There is no clear consensus on the recipe's merit.

Contextual Notes

Participants share personal cooking experiences and modifications, reflecting a range of culinary preferences and approaches to recipe adaptation.

Who May Find This Useful

Consultants interested in creative cooking ideas or those looking for ways to modify traditional recipes may find this discussion relevant.

L
legacypc46
Gold Member
Messages
2,322
(I thought I saw a thread on this already, but couldn't find it.) This recipe is from Volume II of 29 Minutes to Dinner.

I found this a fun, easy, fast (19 min), and cheap recipe to make. It was fun because I didn't tell DH what the secret ingrediant was: a package of cooked squash from the frozen food section. He absolutely hates squash.

He loves mac 'n cheese, so I was concerned he'd figure out the subterfuge right away. Nope. I waited until the fourth "man, this is good" before I spilled the beans (er, squash).

The final product is very very filling. We both loved it, but weren't interested in seconds. We also ended up adding more nutmeg and some pepper. Despite the cheese, it wasn't particulary high in fats...but it packs a whopping 500 calories per serving. Still, a great 'stick to your ribs' recipe for when it's cold outside and you need something quick and inexpensive.
 
whoa! 500 calories .. i dont have the cookbook yet but ill have to look at it when i do get to see what kind of substitutes can be made..
 
  • Thread starter
  • #3
I plan to make it again next week, but with low-fat evaporated milk and reduced-fat Italian cheese blend this time. The recipe serves 6, but it's filling enough to get quite a few more servings out of it (and thereby reduce the calories per serving).

It'd also be great with a side of broccoli or other filling green vegetable. :)
 
I think the fat content is lower than typical mac n cheese because some of the cheese is replaced by squash, which would also make it more filling (because of the fiber). Even with that change, mac n cheese shouldn't be an everyday dish, because it's still not the healthiest choice. I thought this version sounded good - it's nice to hear that it is.
 
can you post the recipe??
 
Mac and Cheese is never considered a health food, but I'm sure this is a lot healthier than the norm. Squash, if not cooked to a liquid, is very good for you!
 
Thanks for doing all these reviews, Kris. It is much appreciated.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Thanks Deb. Making the recipes is helping me to reconnect with my business...I'm kinda starting over this month. :eek: (Seeing you all at Leadership was wonderfully motivating :love:)
 
cookin to the top said:
Mac and Cheese is never considered a health food, but I'm sure this is a lot healthier than the norm. Squash, if not cooked to a liquid, is very good for you!
Click to expand...

Hey, who says???? I love Mac & Cheese, and you can do alot to make it good for you. Using things such as whole wheat macaroni, evaporated skim milk, laughing cow cheese, and a good side of vegetables (my personal fav with Mac & Cheese is green beans, but that's just me) can make it healthy and tasty.

Now I have to go and dig out that recipe.
 
I add half a can of tuna to mac & cheese (the boxed kind) for some great flavour and added protein.
 
I tricked my children into eating squash! bwa ha ha!!! I also waited until the yummy yummies were over and the bowls were empty before I let out the secret ingredient. We enjoyed this recipe.
 
It's funny that PC is using this recipe - it's a recipe from Jessica Seinfeld's book, Deceptively Delicious.
 
Based on when things go to print, I bet it was developed almost simultaneously with hers.
 
Maybe Jessica got her recipe from somewhere else... again. I've been putting spinach in my brownies for over 10 years, way before her cookbook came out.
 
doughmama said:
Maybe Jessica got her recipe from somewhere else... again. I've been putting spinach in my brownies for over 10 years, way before her cookbook came out.
Click to expand...

In her cookbook she acknowledges that what she is doing is nothing new, and that moms have been doing it for years.

I just enjoyed the irony of PC using a recipe from her book, when she has been under so much fire for "stealing" recipes from someone else. I enjoy her book - it's well written, and has lots of good nutrition info for kids in there too.
 
If you google "Butternut Macaroni and Cheese Recipe" you get 53,900 hits - Looks like others have found this to be a good combination as well. Guess I should try it too :)
 
The flavor was good. But the texture was "off". (mushed squash texture for sure)

The leftovers ended up being thrown away. That is my true way of rating a recipe -- what happens to the leftovers.

This is not a winning recipe. Ok to try. Edible. But not one to be frequently made.
 
  • Thread starter
  • #18
I think it merits making and maybe not sharing the 'secret'. DH was in tastebud heaven...but had he known before hand, it would have never made it to his plate.
 

Frequently Asked Questions

What ingredients are needed for the Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese?

The Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese recipe typically requires elbow macaroni, milk, butter, and cheese. You can also add seasonings or additional ingredients like cooked bacon or vegetables for extra flavor.

How long does it take to prepare the Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese?

This dish can be prepared in about 15-20 minutes, making it a quick and convenient meal option for busy days.

Can I make Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese in advance?

Is the Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese suitable for kids?

Absolutely! The Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese is a kid-friendly dish that is usually a hit with children due to its creamy texture and cheesy flavor.

Can I customize the Quick & Creamy Mac 'N Cheese recipe?

Yes, you can customize the recipe by adding different types of cheese, spices, or mix-ins like vegetables or proteins to suit your taste preferences.

You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar Pampered Chef Threads

Blt Mac & Cheese Whole Wheat Pasta ?
  • kam
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Quick & Easy 2 Minute Decadent S'mores Dip Recipe | No Cream Cheese
  • SherryLynn
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
7K
Staci
Have you tried the Three Cheese Mac & Cheese recipe from the DCB Cookbook yet?
  • kam
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
2
Views
2K
Admin Greg
Taste the Delicious BLT Mac N Cheese from 29 Mins Cookbook!
  • PamperedCaniac
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
9
Views
3K
kam
Ok, I Got Leeks for the Blt Mac-N-Cheese in the New Cookbook.they
  • KellyTheChef
    • Recipes and Tips
2
Replies
40
Views
4K
janetupnorth
Can You Make Mac and Cheese in a Rice Cooker?
  • babywings76
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
5K
Staci
Review: Fettuccine Carbonara W/Poached Eggs
  • legacypc46
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
4
Views
2K
Staci
BLT Mac & Cheese Recipe - A Delicious Twist on Classic Pasta!
  • rennea
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
9
Views
3K
kam
Sneaking Mustard in Ham & Cheese Calzone - Reviews Needed!
  • kam
    • Recipes and Tips
2
Replies
39
Views
6K
Saturday Gourmet
Low Fat Crockpot Mac & Cheese Recipe for Busy Weekends
  • dymplz8
    • Recipes and Tips
Replies
7
Views
6K
pamperedbecky
Back
Top