Is this cheating? Not trying to fool anyone, just looking for a shortcut.

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

I need to bring two trays of mac and cheese to a potluck next weekend. I'm thinking of making two trays of Stouffer's and jazzing them up a bit... bacon maybe.

Any ideas for what to add in?

Is this cheating?

~ house cat ~

Lynneuk · ‎03-10-2010

Not cheating at all! I would make a topping of a little melted butter, some panko breadcrumbs, some parmesan cheese, garlic powder and a little italian seasoning. Sprinkle on top during the last ten minutes of baking til browned and crunchy.

Goldengate8361 · ‎01-27-2014

Sounds like a good solution to me.

terrier3 · ‎03-10-2010

Stouffer's tastes great. I don't see anything wrong with it at all!

Group 5 minus 1 · ‎03-11-2010

I always make my Mac and Cheese w/ Stouffers. Put it in a dish in the oven and let the top get crunchy. Don't put a lot of junk on top of it. Just plain and simple. It is my grandsons fav.

ahoymate · ‎05-30-2010

Hum. I guess you don't care what people think of your cooking? IMO, NO!!! Also, adding bacon to an already high fat dish. This is why Americans are obese. Just saying.......

Iwantcoffee · ‎03-11-2010

I don't think it is cheating. I would not add bacon because mac and cheese is already loaded with fat and it is an alternative for people who do not eat meat.

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

I like that topping suggestion, Lynneuk. I was also thinking of taking it out of the oven about half way through cooking and mixing in some crispy-cooked bacon.

~ house cat ~

house_cat · ‎03-09-2010

On 11/9/2014 Iwantcoffee said:
I don't think it is cheating. I would not add bacon because mac and cheese is already loaded with fat and it is an alternative for people who do not eat meat.

That's a good point, but mine will not be the only one. There will be at least two other people bringing mac and cheese. We're feeding a lot of people.

I also understand that it's not a healthy dish, but it's not like any of us eat it often. I'll keep that in mind, though.

~ house cat ~

Pickwickpapers · ‎06-24-2013

No, I do not see this as cheating at all.......it is a good idea.............we have a deli in our area that will actually fix sides in your own casserole pans..........but bacon would be a good way to jazz it up.......Also you could add some chopped jalapeño peppers for an extra kick to one of the pans.........l like to add bread crumbs or crushed potato chips to the top for the last 5 minutes.......