Ronald Reagan'S Macaroni And Cheese(Quick And Tasty!)
Creamy, cheesy macaroni combined with ham and nuts, offering a hearty, comforting dish with rich flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni ⓘ
- 8 to 12 oz Cheddar cheese, cubed ⓘ
- 1 cup diced ham ⓘ
- buttered bread crumbs ⓘ
- milk ⓘ
- 2 whole chicken breasts ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp butter or margarine ⓘ
- 1/3 cup slivered almonds ⓘ
- 1/3 cup minced onion
- 1 cup frozen peas ⓘ
- 2 cups chicken broth ⓘ
- 3/4 cup uncooked rice ⓘ
- 3/4 tsp parsley flakes ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp celery salt
- dash salt and pepper ⓘ
- 1 lb macaroni ⓘ
- 10 oz extra sharp Cracker Barrel Cheddar cheese
- 8 oz Velveeta cheese ⓘ
- spices to taste (garlic powder, onion powder, pepper) ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, then drain.
- In a double boiler, melt Cheddar cheese, Velveeta cheese, and butter, then mix in about 1/2 cup of milk.
- Add spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, pepper, parsley flakes, and celery salt to the cheese mixture.
- Combine cooked macaroni with the cheese mixture and stir well to coat.
- Optional: Add diced ham, slivered almonds, minced onion, frozen peas, or other desired ingredients for extra flavor and texture.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, add more milk gradually until the desired consistency is achieved. If you want a lighter version, consider using low-fat cheese or substituting half of the macaroni with cauliflower. To save time, use pre-cooked ham or rotisserie chicken instead of cooking chicken breasts from scratch. Spices can be adjusted based on personal preference for a more robust flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this macaroni and cheese as a hearty main dish, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for balance. It pairs beautifully with Schoolhouse Soup for a comforting meal. Consider sprinkling extra cheese or fresh herbs on top before serving for added flavor. This dish is also great for potlucks or family gatherings.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a microwave-safe dish and add a splash of milk to keep it moist. Cover and heat in intervals, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. For a crisp topping, consider baking it briefly in the oven after reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Ronald Reagan'S Macaroni And Cheese(Quick And Tasty!) contains roughly 1642 calories, with 62g protein, 126g carbohydrates, and 102g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (124% of the Daily Value), calcium (66% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (48% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 3000mg per serving (130% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily make this macaroni and cheese vegetarian by omitting the ham and using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. Add more vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrients and flavor.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper into the cheese mixture. You can also use pepper jack cheese in place of some of the cheddar for an extra kick.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Yes, this macaroni and cheese can be frozen. Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating, and add a splash of milk to restore creaminess.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).