How to Bake Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is an American favorite. Most recipes instruct you to alternate layers of boiled macaroni with grated cheese and then bake. You can substitute different types of cheeses, meats and spices to turn this simple side dish into an international delight.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Cooked macaroni
• Grated or shredded cheese
• Cooked meat
• Spices
• Baking dish

1. Try Italian ingredients. Use a combination of shredded mozzarella and provolone cheeses. Add cooked Italian sausage. Stir in sautéed, chopped bell peppers. Season with oregano and garlic.
2. Make your mac and cheese Mexican. Switch to pepper jack cheese. Add cooked ground beef and finely chopped onion. Sprinkle each layer with chili powder and serve with salsa on the side.
3. Give your mac and cheese a Greek slant. Layer with feta cheese and roasted, ground gyros meat. Add different types of green and black olives. Be sure to remove the pits. Scoop into pita pockets and serve.
4. Change to an Indian cuisine. Include paneer cheese, shredded or cubed chicken and sweet red peppers. Season to taste with various types of Indian spices like curry powder, ginger and turmeric.
5. Enjoy Swiss mac and cheese. Grate gruyere cheese and fold in fried, crumbled bacon and cooked strained spinach. You won't need to add extra spices because they'll compete with the bacon and mask the delicate, nutty flavor of the cheese.
6. Keep it American and make it hearty. Stick with American or cheddar cheese. Add boiled, cut hot dogs and crumble bread crumbs on the top to form a crusty covering. Serve with ketchup on the side.