The Best Mac and Cheese Recipe Without the Work!
Golden brown bread crumbs topped on pasta mixed with a sharp cheddar and cream cheese sauce make this the best restaurant style macaroni and cheese recipe. This homemade mac and cheese can be served as a main dish or a side dish with the addition of healthy veggies. Win win, right?
MACARONI AND CHEESE
Gourmet Mac and Cheese doesn’t have to be made from scratch. A few additions and tips will have you eating a creamy and delicious bowl of cheesy pasta that you won’t want to share. With ingredients like spinach, cream cheese, butter, heavy cream, and bread crumbs, this can be an all-in-one meal. Mac and Cheese recipes are a kid friendly and an every adult comfort food, right? Plus, when it’s easy to make who says it can’t be replaced with a meal.
What kind of pasta to use for homemade macaroni and cheese?
Macaroni for one is a great choice as the dish suggests. My second favorite for macaroni recipes include shell pasta. Other options can be bow tie pasta and cavatappi.
THIS DELIGHT IS FAMILY APPROVED
What ingredients do I need for restaurant style mac and cheese?
- 1 box of boxed macaroni and cheese (Kraft, Velveeta, Annie’s, etc)
- Cream cheese (as much or little as you like)
- Handful of finely chopped spinach
- 4 tablespoon Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon Butter
- Diced jalapeños-optional (pre-cooked or canned)
- Splash of milk-optional (for consistency)
Recommended boxed macaroni and cheese brands
- Annie’s Organic White Cheddar Mac and Cheese
- Organics Mac and Cheese
- Velveeta Mac and Cheese
How to make restaurant style mac and cheese
- Make the Mac and cheese according to the boxed instructions.
- Keep the heat on low for the pot and add the finely chopped spinach.
- Add the chunks of cream cheese (cut it off of the block or spoon it out of a container. You want to have chunks and not blend it in)
- Add the jalapeños and milk
- Then mix gently so the cream cheese does not break. The spinach will begin to wilt bc the macaroni and cheese should still be hot.
- Place the Mac and Cheese in an oven safe pan.
- Now you can make the bread crumbs.
- Heat a small pot and add butter to it. Let it melt and add the Panko bread crumbs
- Brown the crumbs slightly.
- Spread it over the Mac and cheese
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 5 minute. The bread crumbs can brown easily so keep an eye on it.
- Serve
Tips to make the best restaurant style macaroni and cheese
- If you pre-make this dish, then cover the pan with foil and bake for about 10 minutes in a 350 degree oven and then uncover and bake for 2-3 minutes. Or you can microwave it before placing it in the oven.
- You can use any pre-packaged Mac and Cheese for this recipe. I love Velveeta brand or Annie’s white cheddar shells
- Chop the spinach very finely so it wilts during the mixing process.
Interested in different Macaroni and Cheese Recipes?
Check out these cheesy pasta recipes of mine…
- Mexican Mac and Cheese
- Cheeseburger Mac and Cheese
- Mushroom Pasta
The Best Restaurant Style Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
📖 Recipe
Easy Gourmet Mac and Cheese
Ingredients1x2x3x
- ▢ 1 box macaroni and cheese (Kraft, Velveeta, Annie’s, etc)
- ▢ 4 oz cream cheese (more or less)
- ▢ handful spinach, finely chopped
- ▢ 4 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs
- ▢ 2 tablespoon butter
- ▢ splash milk
- ▢ diced jalapeno (optional)
Instructions
BREAD CRUMBS
- Heat a small pan with butter on medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted add the Panko Bread Crumbs.
- Cook for about a minute until very lightly browned and remove from the heat.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
- Prepare the mac and cheese according to the boxed instructions
- Once done, keep the mac and cheese pot on low and add finely chopped spinach to it.
- Add chunks of cream cheese. TIP: cut it off of the block or spoon it out of a container. You want to have chunks and not blend into the sauce.
- Add jalapenos and a splash of milk.
- Mix gently so the cream cheese does not begin to melt in the warm pot. The spinach will begin to wilt at this point.
- Place mac and cheese in an oven safe pan.
- Pour the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese and spread evenly across the top.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 3-5 minutes. The bread crumbs can brown quick, so it’s best to keep an eye on it.
- ENJOY! <3
Easy Gourmet Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 box macaroni and cheese (Kraft, Velveeta, Annie’s, etc)
- 4 oz cream cheese (more or less)
- handful spinach, finely chopped
- 4 tablespoon panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoon butter
- splash milk
- diced jalapeno (optional)
Instructions
BREAD CRUMBS
- Heat a small pan with butter on medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted add the Panko Bread Crumbs.
- Cook for about a minute until very lightly browned and remove from the heat.
MACARONI AND CHEESE
- Prepare the mac and cheese according to the boxed instructions
- Once done, keep the mac and cheese pot on low and add finely chopped spinach to it.
- Add chunks of cream cheese. TIP: cut it off of the block or spoon it out of a container. You want to have chunks and not blend into the sauce.
- Add jalapenos and a splash of milk.
- Mix gently so the cream cheese does not begin to melt in the warm pot. The spinach will begin to wilt at this point.
- Place mac and cheese in an oven safe pan.
- Pour the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese and spread evenly across the top.
- Bake in a 350 degree oven for 3-5 minutes. The bread crumbs can brown quick, so it’s best to keep an eye on it.
- ENJOY! <3
Recipe Courtesy of The Curry Mommy
Spicy Garlic Labneh is a delicious spicy yogurt dip that is thick enough to spread ! This spreadable dip is Middle East’s best-kept secret that goes well with practically everything. It compares to chutney in Indian food or ketchup to French fries.
Why You’ll Love it - It is simple to make and a great addition to any cheeseboard, appetizer menu, or even breakfast! Quick recipes like this and bread dipping oil are perfect for meal prepping or gatherings.
- Ingredients
- How to make the dip
- Equipment Needed
- Pair it with…
- Labneh Calories and Nutrition
- Recipe FAQ
- Additional appetizer ideas…
- 📖 Recipe
- 💬 Community
Ingredients
- Greek Yogurt (Wallaby brand is my favorite)
- Lemon Juice
- Red Chili Powder
- Olive Oil
- Fresh Grated Garlic
- Salt
- Black Pepper
How to make the dip
Grate/blend garlic and mix it with greek yogurt with a pinch of salt.
Then take a large strainer lined with a cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Place the yogurt blend onto the strainer and gather all corners of the cheesecloth to form a tight labneh ball.
Put the set up into the fridge for about 24 hours. This will allow excess water to drain from the cloth leaving you with a thick cheese-like result. Labneh is now done!
Scoop out some labneh and pour a good-tasting olive oil over it. Enjoy the dip with crackers, crostini, wheat thins, pita bread, toast, etc.
Equipment Needed
- a large strainer
- bowl big enough for the strainer to fit on top of
- cheesecloth (I use these cheesecloths) They work great for storing herbs as well. Check out my tip on how to keep How to Keep Cilantro Fresh.
Pair it with…
serve it on a platter
You can add garlic labneh to any cheeseboard for an extra tang and spice! Drizzle a great tasting olive oil over it and it is perfect to dig into with veggies and breads.
- Give it a spread on your morning toast and you’ll be set to conquer the world!
- Lay it out on a cheeseboard with pita crackers
- Use it as a side with your meal (goes well with most Indian food recipes )
Labneh Calories and Nutrition
This keto-friendly garlic labneh recipe is made with greek yogurt which is high in protein and does not take long to strain. The calories in labneh differ based on the yogurt purchased but can range anywhere from 20-100 calories a serving.
Greek yogurt works best since it is already thick.
Use a kitchen towel on top and bottom of the yogurt with weight so the water absorbs out.
I’ve never tried it with a vegan yogurt, but do let me know how it turns out if you try.
Add red chili powder on top of the labneh and enjoy with vegetables or crackers.
Additional appetizer ideas…
- Easy Pasta Sauce for Butternut Squash Ravioli
- Baked Feta Bread with Tomatoes - A Greek Appetizer
- Indian Salad Recipe with Greens
- Vegan Momos with Chutney
Love this recipe? Please leave a 5-star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟rating in the recipe card below & consider leaving a comment as well. I would greatly appreciate it!
Next, consider a follow on social media @ Instagram , Pinterest , YouTube , and F acebook . Don’t forget to tag me when you try one of my recipes!
📖 Recipe
Spicy Garlic Labneh Dip
Equipment
- ▢ large strainer
- ▢ bowl big enough for strainer to fit on top of
- ▢ cheesecloth
Ingredients1x2x3x
KEY INGREDIENTS
- ▢ 1 cup greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- ▢ 3 cloves garlic (use more or less depending on preference)
- ▢ salt
- ▢ extra virgin olive oil
OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS
- ▢ red chili powder
- ▢ brined green peppercorns (available in the olive/pickle aisle)
Instructions
- Place the strainer over the bowl.
- Line the strainer with the cheesecloth.
- Combine salt, grated/blended garlic, and yogurt together. Mix it well.
- Place the yogurt mixture on top of the cheesecloth.
- Bring together the four corners of the cheesecloth and twist it together to form a tight ball.
- Refrigerate the setup for 24 hours.
- Uncover the cloth and place the yogurt in a plate.
- Top it generously with a great tasting olive oil.
- Sprinkle with red chili powder and a few green peppercorns.
- Enjoy with crackers, toast, crostini, pita bread, vegetables, etc.
- HAPPY EATING, FOLKS! <3
