Easy Weeknight Mac and Cheese 4 Ways

A classic, creamy macaroni and cheese. Take it to the next level with Almond Breeze almondmilk and delicious toppings the whole family will love.

• Preparation Time: 10 mins
• Cooking Time: 25 mins
• Total Time: 35 mins

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ½ cup chopped onion
• 2 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
• ⅔ cup chopped onion
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• 2 teaspoons onion powder
• ½ cup chopped red onion
• garlic salt to taste
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt, or to taste
• freshly ground pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon spicy brown mustard
• ⅓ cup real bacon bits
• 1 ½ cups small elbow macaroni
• 1 ½ cups Almond Breeze Unsweetened Original almondmilk
• ¾ cup 1/4-inch diced turkey kielbasa
• ⅔ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• 1 ½ cups mixed riced cauliflower and broccoli
• 15 slices turkey pepperoni, cut into quarters
• ⅓ cup diced bell pepper (any color)
• ⅓ cup sliced olives (Optional)

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Cook elbow macaroni according to package directions, about 8 minutes.

Step 2

While macaroni is cooking, melt butter over medium heat in a large saucepan. Add flour and cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in Almond Breeze almondmilk and stock and bring to a simmer, stirring frequently. Stir in mustard, onion powder, and garlic salt.

Step 3

Add cheese a little at a time, cooking and stirring until melted before adding more. Season with pepper. Drain macaroni well and stir in. Cook for 5 minutes more, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

For Sausage and Pepper topping: Cook sausage and onion in a medium skillet over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until sausage is browned and onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper and thyme; cook and stir for 2 minutes more to soften peppers. Serve over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.

Step 5

For Riced Veggie and Bacon topping: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Add bacon and cook for 2 minutes more. Stir in riced veggies; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes to soften. Season with garlic salt. Serve over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.

Step 6

For Pepperoni and Veggie Pizza topping: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion and pepperoni and cook until both are lightly browned, stirring frequently, about 5 minutes. Stir in bell pepper; cook and stir for 2 minutes to soften. Stir in olives, if desired. Spoon over hot Weeknight Mac and Cheese.