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Little Smokies

Mac and Cheese

Lil Smokies Macaroni and Cheese

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This remarkable recipe harmonizes the comfort of impeccably cooked elbow macaroni with the robustness of Hillshire Farm Little Smokies, enveloped in a luxuriously creamy cheese sauce created from the exquisite fusion of Velveeta and Fiesta Shredded Cheese. Enhanced by the addition of rich heavy cream and artfully balanced with seasonings of salt and pepper, each mouthful offers a symphony of flavors that delight the senses. The result is a dish that effortlessly blends smokiness, creaminess, and gratifying taste, providing an unforgettable and pleasurable experience with every forkful.

  • 3 cups Elbow Macaroni

  • 1 package (28 oz) Hillshire Farm Little Smokies

  • 4 cups Water

  • 1 mini block Velveeta Cheese (about 4 oz), cubed

  • 1 1/2 cups Fiesta Shredded Cheese (or a blend of your favorite cheeses)

  • 1 cup Heavy Cream

  • 1 tsp Salt

  • 1/4 tsp Pepper

Notes:  Salt and pepper to taste

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Instant Pot Directions

  1. Cooking the Macaroni and Smokies:

    • Add the Elbow Macaroni and the entire package of Hillshire Farm Little Smokies to your Instant Pot.

    • Pour in the 4 cups of water.

    • Place the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring that the valve is set to the "sealing" position.

    • Select the "Pressure Cook" or "Manual" setting and set the timer for 12 minutes on high pressure.

    • Once the cooking cycle is complete, perform a quick release of the pressure by carefully turning the valve to the "venting" position. Be cautious of the hot steam.

  2. Cheese Melting:

    • Open the Instant Pot and add the cubed mini block of Velveeta Cheese and the Fiesta Shredded Cheese to the cooked macaroni and smokies.

    • Stir well to combine, allowing the cheeses to melt and create a creamy base.

  3. Adding Creaminess:

    • Pour in the heavy cream and sprinkle in the salt and pepper.

    • Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the cheese sauce is well incorporated and creamy.

  4. Serve and Enjoy:

    • Once the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy, your Instant Pot Cheesy Smokies Mac and Cheese is ready to be enjoyed.

    • Dish out the delicious cheesy mac and cheese into serving bowls.

  5. Garnish and Variations:

    • For an extra touch, consider garnishing your mac and cheese with chopped fresh herbs, a drizzle of hot sauce, or even some crumbled crispy bacon.

    • Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends or variations based on your preferences.

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This recipe provides a quick and comforting meal that combines the smoky flavor of Little Smokies with creamy and cheesy macaroni. 

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Stove Top Directions

  1. Cooking the Macaroni and Smokies:

  2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add a pinch of salt to the boiling water.

  3. Add the Elbow Macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.

  4. Drain the cooked macaroni and set aside.

  5. Preparing the Cheese Sauce:

  6. In a large pot or skillet over medium heat, add the cubed mini block of Velveeta Cheese and the Fiesta Shredded Cheese.

  7. Stir occasionally as the cheeses melt and combine into a creamy sauce.

  8. Adding Creaminess:

  9. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine.

  10. Sprinkle in the salt and pepper, continuing to stir until the sauce is smooth and well mixed.

  11. Combining Macaroni and Sauce:

  12. Gently add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, using a spatula to fold them together.

  13. Carefully add the Hillshire Farm Little Smokies, distributing them evenly throughout the macaroni and cheese mixture.

  14. Heating and Serving:

  15. Continue to cook the mixture on low heat, stirring gently, until the smokies are heated through and the macaroni is well coated with the cheese sauce.

  16. Serve and Enjoy:

  17. Once the macaroni and cheese mixture is heated and well combined, it's ready to be served.

  18. Portion out the delicious and cheesy mac and cheese into serving bowls.

  19. Garnish and Variations:

  20. Consider adding a sprinkle of breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping, or chopped fresh herbs for added freshness and flavor.

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Here are some tips to make the Stovetop Cheesy Smokies Mac and Cheese even more delicious and enjoyable:

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  1. Prep  your ingredients:

  2. Before you start cooking, gather all your ingredients and equipment. This will help streamline the cooking process and prevent any last-minute rushes.

  3. Cheese Selection:

  4. While the recipe suggests using Fiesta Shredded Cheese, feel free to experiment with different cheese blends to suit your taste. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or even a bit of Gouda can add interesting flavors.

  5. Cooking Elbow Macaroni:

  6. Cook the macaroni just until al dente. Overcooking can lead to mushy mac and cheese. Don't forget to add a pinch of salt to the boiling water for flavor.

  7. Velveeta and Shredded Cheese:

  8. Cube the Velveeta cheese into small pieces for faster melting. Stir the cheese continuously while it melts to avoid sticking to the bottom of the pot.

  9. Creaminess:

  10. Use heavy cream to achieve a rich and creamy texture. For a slightly lighter version, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the cream adds a luxurious touch.

  11. Seasoning:

  12. Taste the cheese sauce before adding additional salt. Velveeta and shredded cheese can be quite salty on their own, so adjust the salt accordingly.

  13. Little Smokies:

  14. If you prefer, you can sear the Little Smokies in a separate skillet before adding them to the mac and cheese. This step adds extra flavor and a slightly crispy texture to the smokies.

  15. Heating:

  16. Heat the mac and cheese mixture on low to medium-low heat to prevent the cheese from overheating and becoming too thick or grainy.

  17. Consistency:

  18. If the mac and cheese sauce becomes too thick, you can add a splash of milk or cream to achieve your desired consistency.

  19. Garnishes:

  20. Feel free to get creative with garnishes. Fresh chopped herbs like parsley or chives, a sprinkle of grated Parmesan, or even a drizzle of truffle oil can elevate the dish.

  21. Serving:

  22. Serve the mac and cheese while it's still hot for the best creamy texture. The cheese sauce can thicken as it cools.

  23. Leftovers:

  24. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream while gently reheating on the stovetop to bring back the creamy consistency.

 

Remember, cooking is all about experimentation and making adjustments to suit your preferences. Enjoy the process and the delicious outcome!

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