How Long Does Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon Last?
Storage Guidelines and Shelf Life
Searching for information on how long Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon lasts? You've come to the right place. This delectable frozen meal, known for its creamy cheese sauce and savory bacon, boasts a comforting taste that's hard to resist. Typically, frozen meals like Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon can last up to 18 months in the freezer when stored properly.
Whether you're planning a quick weeknight dinner or stocking up for future cravings, it's essential to note the importance of proper storage. Keeping the meal in a consistently cold environment ensures you can enjoy its rich flavors whenever you decide to dig in. And while the hearty combination of gemelli pasta, cheese sauce, and bacon can be a convenient meal option, it's crucial to check the expiration date on the packaging for the best taste and texture.
Product Overview
Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon is a popular frozen meal known for its rich flavor and easy preparation.
The meal combines tender enriched pasta with a creamy garlic Alfredo sauce, which forms the base of the dish.
Bacon adds a savory touch, providing crispy texture and saltiness.
Cheese Sauce enhances the overall creaminess, making each bite indulgent.
This meal packs a hearty flavor profile, ensuring satisfaction for those with big appetites.
Ingredients typically include:
Enriched pasta
Bacon
Cheese sauce (with various cheeses)
Creamy Alfredo sauce
The combination of these elements results in a dish that's both flavorful and satisfying.
These meals come in microwavable trays, facilitating easy cooking and minimal cleanup, making it a convenient option for a quick meal.
Nutritional Information
Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon is a savory and indulgent meal. This section breaks down its caloric content, macronutrients, vitamins, and minerals.
Calories and Macronutrients
A serving size of Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon typically contains around 390 calories. It’s composed of both macronutrients and essential ingredients. The majority of these calories come from fats and carbohydrates. Specifically, it contains approximately 110 calories from fat.
Macronutrient Breakdown:
Total Fat: 12 grams
Saturated Fat: 5 grams
Protein: 14 grams
Total Carbohydrates: 39 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Sugars: 4 grams
This balance of macronutrients provides a filling but calorie-dense meal, which includes saturated fats from milkfat and enriched carbohydrates.
Vitamins and Minerals
This dish contains several essential vitamins and minerals, although in moderate quantities. Sodium levels are notably high at 990 mg per serving, making it a meal that those monitoring their salt intake should be cautious about.
Key Vitamins and Minerals:
Niacin: Important for energy production and enzyme function.
Ferrous Sulfate: Provides iron, which is vital for oxygen transport in blood.
Riboflavin: Helps in energy production and skin health.
Folic Acid: Crucial for DNA synthesis and repair.
Additional ingredients like Whey Protein Concentrate and Sodium Phosphate are used to enhance texture and flavor. These elements, while necessary for savory taste and consistency, should be considered by individuals with dietary restrictions.
Shelf Life and Storage
Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon has varying shelf lives depending on whether the package is opened, unopened, or stored in the freezer. Proper storage ensures the meal retains its quality for as long as possible.
Unopened Package
An unopened package of Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon typically has a shelf life of several months, up to the expiration date printed on the package. This is due to the preservatives used in the frozen meal. It’s essential to store the unopened package in a freezer at a consistent temperature of 0°F (-18°C) or lower. For the best quality, consume the meal before the expiration date.
After Opening
Once the package is opened, the shelf life decreases significantly. It is important to keep any unused portions tightly sealed and stored in the refrigerator. Refrigerate at or below 40°F (4°C) and ensure that the leftover portion is consumed within 3-5 days. While refrigeration helps in extending freshness, the quality might not be as high as when it's initially opened.
Freezer Guidelines
For extended storage, keeping the meal in the freezer is ideal. A frozen package, if kept unopened, can last up to the manufacturer’s specified date, usually ranging from several months to over a year. When storing in the freezer, it's crucial to maintain a steady temperature. For convenience, make sure to store the meal flat to ensure even freezing and defrosting, which helps in maintaining the meal’s texture and taste.
Proper storage and handling extend the shelf life of Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon, ensuring it remains delicious and safe to eat.
Preparation Instructions
To enjoy Devour’s Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon, follow these specified cooking methods for optimal taste and texture. Each method ensures a creamy sauce with flavorful bacon bits in every bite.
Microwave Cooking
Remove Packaging: Take out the meal from its packaging. Do not remove or vent the film.
Microwave: Place the meal in the microwave. Cook on high for 4 minutes.
Stir: Carefully remove the film and stir the ingredients well to evenly distribute the sauce and bacon bits.
Continue Cooking: Replace the film and microwave for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Rest and Serve: Let the meal stand for 1-2 minutes in the microwave before serving. This helps the creamy sauce thicken appropriately.
Conventional Oven
Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Cook on Stovetop (Optional): Cook the macaroni and cheese on the stovetop according to package instructions if desired for a quicker preparation time.
Transfer to Baking Dish: Once cooked, transfer the mac and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish. Spread evenly.
Optional Toppings: For added flavor and texture, sprinkle shredded cheese over the top.
Bake: Place the dish in the preheated oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly.
Serve: Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving to enhance the thick and creamy texture.
By using either the microwave or conventional oven methods, enjoy a deliciously rich and satisfying Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon.
Key Ingredients and Flavors
Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon is a rich dish, featuring a variety of cheeses, proteins, and seasonings that create a flavorful experience. The combination of creamy alfredo sauce, mixed cheeses, and savory meats form the heart of this meal.
Cheese Variety and Quality
The dish features a blend of mozzarella, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses. Each cheese adds its unique taste and texture:
Mozzarella provides a smooth, stretchy texture that enhances the creaminess of the sauce.
Cheddar brings a sharp, tangy flavor, adding depth to the dish.
Parmesan offers a slightly nutty and salty flavor, complementing the overall richness.
These cheeses together create a luscious and indulgent mac and cheese.
Protein Additions
This meal includes grilled chicken breast and applewood smoked bacon, adding substantial protein and a variety of textures:
Grilled chicken breast: Tender and juicy, the chicken is a standout component, offering a hearty bite to the dish.
Applewood smoked bacon: Crispy and smoky, the bacon introduces a savory, rich flavor that pairs well with the creamy sauce.
These proteins not only enhance the flavor but also contribute to a satisfying eating experience.
Seasonings and Spices
The rich flavor profile of the dish is further elevated by the seasonings and spices used:
Creamy garlic alfredo sauce is the base, delivering a robust and creamy texture.
Roasted garlic enhances the sauce with a deeper, aromatic essence.
Various spices: A blend of spices adds complexity, ensuring that the pasta, cheeses, and proteins are well-seasoned.
This thoughtful combination of garlic and spices ensures each bite is flavorful and memorable.
Food Safety Information
Storing Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon properly is essential for maintaining its quality and safety.
When kept frozen, the meal can last up to several months. Always check the expiration date on the package and ensure it stays frozen until you are ready to prepare it.
Once prepared, any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is recommended to consume these leftovers within 3-4 days to maintain safety and taste.
Ingredients such as Sodium Ascorbate, Sodium Nitrite, and Sodium Erythorbate are used in some frozen foods to preserve freshness and enhance flavors. While these additives help in extending shelf life, it's still essential to handle and store the meal properly.
Sodium Ascorbate: An antioxidant added to prevent spoilage.
Sodium Nitrite: Used for preservation, especially in bacon.
Sodium Erythorbate: Helps retain color and flavor in processed meats.
Follow these guidelines to enjoy Devour Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon safely.
Brand Information
Devour Brand is known for delivering indulgent, ready-to-eat frozen meals. They utilize a combination of gooey cheeses, tender meats, and crispy crusts to offer high-quality dining experiences at home.
Their Creamy Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Bacon features a savory garlic alfredo sauce, combined with tender pasta. The dish is enhanced with applewood smoked bacon, adding a rich, smoky flavor.
Devour meals are designed to be both mouth-watering and easy to prepare. They can typically be cooked in a microwave in just a few minutes, making them an ideal choice for quick lunches or dinners.
Additional Product Lines
Devour offers a variety of frozen meal options that cater to diverse taste preferences.
Besides Frozen Mac and Cheese varieties, there are dishes like Creamy Bacon Alfredo Mac & Cheese with Chicken. This meal includes grilled white meat chicken for added protein.
The Cheese Flavor Blend in these meals often features rich, creamy cheeses combined with different seasonings to enhance the taste experience.
High-protein options are available for those looking to increase their protein intake. Meals regularly include combinations of pasta, cheese, and your favorite toppings.
Common features include hearty pasta, rich sauces, and flavorful additions like crispy bacon or grilled chicken.
These meals are designed for convenience, offering quick and easy preparation without sacrificing quality.
