Patrick Oconnell
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. When it comes to serving sizes, a cup of macaroni and cheese is typically considered a generous side dish serving. For a main course, the serving size may be larger, depending on individual preferences. When cooking for a crowd, the serving size can be adjusted to accommodate the number of people, with larger batches requiring some tweaks to ensure consistent seasoning and taste.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of people served | 10-12 (side dish), 8-10 (main dish), 20-25 (large batch), 50-60 (double batch) |
| Type of dish | Main or side dish |
| Type of pasta | Elbow macaroni |
| Pasta quantity | 1 cup (side dish), 4 cups (main dish), 64-80 oz (50 people) |
| Baking dish | 2-quart, 9 x 13 pan, 13 x 9-inch pan, 12 x 20-inch hotel pan |
| Baking temperature | 350°F |
| Baking time | 20-25 minutes |
| Cheese quantity | 1 pound |
| Cheese types | Cheddar, American, Colby, Monterey Jack, Fontina, Mild Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Gruyère |
| Cheese sauce ingredients | Eggs, salt, seasoned salt, pepper |
| Additional ingredients | Butter, all-purpose flour, whole milk, dry mustard, breadcrumbs, Worcestershire sauce |
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What You'll Learn
Macaroni and cheese as a main or side dish
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or a side dish. When served as a main dish, macaroni and cheese can be a filling and satisfying option, while as a side dish, it can complement a variety of main courses.
As a main dish, macaroni and cheese can be a great option for vegetarians or those who want a meat-free meal. It can be made in large batches, making it ideal for feeding a crowd or a large family. One pound of pasta, or about four cups of dried macaroni, can serve at least four people as a main course. For a group of 20 to 25 people, the recipe can be scaled up, and for 50 to 60 people, even more so.
However, when served as a side dish, macaroni and cheese can be a delicious and creamy addition to a meal. A single cup of macaroni and cheese can be a generous side serving, and this quantity generally comes from three-quarters of a cup of dried pasta. For a group of 10 to 12 people, a recipe that serves 20 to 25 people can be halved, ensuring everyone gets a generous scoop.
When serving macaroni and cheese as a side dish, it can be paired with a variety of main courses. Meat options such as pulled chicken, roast pork loin, meatloaf, and chicken quarters are all popular choices to serve alongside macaroni and cheese. The creamy and cheesy pasta also goes well with sides like buttered corn and homemade coleslaw.
In conclusion, macaroni and cheese can be a versatile dish that can be adapted to serve as a main course or a side dish. By adjusting the quantity and pairing it with complementary main courses, this comforting dish can be a crowd-pleaser for all ages and dietary preferences.
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How much macaroni and cheese per person
The amount of macaroni and cheese served per person depends on whether it is a main dish or a side, as well as the age of the people being served. For example, a recipe that serves 10-12 people as a side dish will only serve 8-10 people as a main. Similarly, a recipe that serves 20-25 people may only serve 50-60 older people but could serve a crowd of 50-60 teens or families.
As a general rule, 1 cup of macaroni and cheese is considered a generous side dish per person. For a main dish, a good rule of thumb is to use 1/4 cup of dry macaroni per person and then multiply this by the number of people you are serving. So, for 11 people, you would need 9.75 cups of dry macaroni. This would fill two rectangular Pyrex dishes.
If you are serving a large crowd, you can make macaroni and cheese in hotel pans, which are the large pans used in buffets and are generally 12 x 20 inches in dimension and 2.5 to 4 inches deep. You will need two hotel pans for 50 people, using 64 to 80 ounces of dry pasta. If you do not have access to hotel pans, you can divide the macaroni and cheese between two 13 x 9-inch pans or baking dishes.
Finally, when making macaroni and cheese, it is important to remember to undercook the pasta as it will continue to cook when baked.
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Scaling the recipe for a large group
When making macaroni and cheese for a large group, it's important to consider the serving size and the number of people you plan to serve. A typical serving size of macaroni and cheese is about 1 cup, which can be a generous side dish. If you're serving it as a main course, you may need to increase the serving size or provide additional sides.
To scale the recipe, start by determining the total amount of dry pasta needed for the group. For example, if you're serving 20 to 25 people, you'll need about 64 to 80 ounces of dry pasta, depending on the age group and serving size. This amount can be adjusted if you're serving a smaller or larger crowd. It's always a good idea to have a little extra pasta on hand in case of unexpected guests or larger appetites.
Once you have the dry pasta measurement, you can calculate the amount of cheese and other ingredients required. Remember that the cheese forms the creamy sauce that coats the pasta, so you'll need enough to ensure each noodle is covered. As a guide, use 3/4 cup of dry pasta to make 1 cup of cooked macaroni, and then adjust the cheese and sauce ingredients accordingly.
When cooking for a large group, it's recommended to cook the pasta in batches to ensure even cooking and proper seasoning. Undercooking the pasta slightly is also advisable, as it will continue to cook when baked with the cheese sauce. Additionally, consider using larger pots or hotel pans, which are typically 12 x 20 inches in dimension and 2.5 to 4 inches deep. If you don't have access to such large pots, you can divide the macaroni and cheese between multiple smaller baking dishes.
Finally, consider the cooking and baking time when scaling up the recipe. Larger batches may require longer cooking times, and baking times may vary depending on the number of dishes used. It's always a good idea to taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving.
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Best type of cheese to use
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side dish. When preparing this dish for a large group, it is essential to consider the serving size. For a crowd of 20 to 25 people, a large batch of macaroni and cheese can be made, and this quantity can be doubled to feed 50 to 60 people. One cup of macaroni and cheese is typically considered a generous side dish serving.
Now, let's delve into the best types of cheese to use for this comforting dish:
Cheddar Cheese
Cheddar cheese is a popular and versatile choice for macaroni and cheese. It strikes a perfect balance between meltability and flavor. Sharp cheddar, in particular, adds a distinct cheesy taste to the dish. However, it's important to avoid pre-shredded cheddar as it often contains additives like cornstarch that can interfere with a smooth melt. Medium cheddar is also a good option as it has more moisture, making it melt more easily than sharp cheddar for an ultra-creamy sauce.
Gouda
Gouda is another cheese that works well in macaroni and cheese. It blends nicely with other cheeses, such as pepper jack and Havarti, creating a delicious combination. However, if using a mild gouda, consider pairing it with stronger cheeses to enhance the flavor.
Gruyère
Gruyère cheese is known for its nutty flavor and excellent melting properties. It adds a touch of sophistication to the dish while remaining mild and creamy, making it a hit with picky eaters and kids.
Smoked Cheeses
For a unique twist, consider incorporating smoked cheeses into your macaroni and cheese. Smoked cheddar and smoked provolone can add a delightful depth of flavor. Smoked gouda is also a fantastic option that balances the sharpness of cheddar beautifully.
Asiago
When using hard cheeses like asiago, exercise caution as they can make the sauce oily if used in excess. However, when paired with other cheeses, they can contribute a sharp and complex flavor to the dish.
Creative Combinations
Don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and create your own unique combinations. Try collecting various cheese leftovers and storing them in your freezer. When you have enough, blend them together to create an eclectic and flavorful macaroni and cheese dish.
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Baking time and temperature
Once the desired temperature is reached, the baking time can range from 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the specific recipe and desired consistency. For a shorter baking time, 20 to 30 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended, resulting in a creamy and cheesy dish. This shorter baking time is often followed by broiling for 2 to 5 minutes to achieve a golden brown, crunchy top.
Alternatively, baking uncovered for 30 to 40 minutes at 350 degrees Fahrenheit yields a similar creamy and bubbly dish. For an even shorter baking time, 10 minutes at 450 degrees Fahrenheit is suggested, followed by an additional 10 minutes of uncovered baking to crisp up the top.
It is worth noting that the baking time and temperature can be adjusted based on personal preferences and the desired consistency of the macaroni and cheese. Some recipes recommend increasing the baking time to 45 minutes for a more decadent and creamy result. Additionally, the type of cheese used, the ratio of cheese to pasta, and individual oven characteristics can all influence the baking time and temperature requirements.
In summary, the baking time and temperature for macaroni and cheese can vary, but by following the recommended guidelines and making adjustments as needed, one can achieve the desired consistency and taste for this comforting and delicious dish.
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Frequently asked questions
A serving size of macaroni and cheese can vary depending on whether it is being served as a main dish or a side dish. As a main dish, a serving size of macaroni and cheese is typically around 1 cup, which equates to about 3/4 cup of dry macaroni. As a side dish, a smaller portion of 1/2 cup to 3/4 cup may be more appropriate.
If you're making macaroni and cheese for a large group, the amount you need to make will depend on the number of people you're serving. For a group of 10 to 12 people, you'll need enough macaroni and cheese to serve as a side dish, with generous scoops for everyone. This typically requires a recipe that serves 8 to 10 people as a main course. For a group of 20 to 25 people, you'll need a larger batch that can be adjusted to accommodate the number of servings.
To adjust the serving size of macaroni and cheese for a larger group, you can double the recipe. For example, if you're making macaroni and cheese for 50 people, you'll need to double the recipe for 20-25 people. This means using 64 to 80 ounces of dry pasta, depending on the age group. You may also need to adjust the cooking time and use larger pans to accommodate the increased volume.
