Andy Montoya
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and there are endless ways to make it your own. Whether you're a fan of sharp cheddar, gouda, or gruyere, the key to a great mac and cheese is a creamy, cheesy sauce and a crispy topping. But what if you want to take your mac and cheese to the next level? Enter: macaroni and cheese breaded patties. By shaping your mac and cheese into patties and breading them before frying, you create a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to a gooey, cheesy interior. But how do you make them?
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What You'll Learn
Macaroni preparation
The first step in preparing macaroni and cheese breaded patties is, of course, preparing the macaroni.
To begin, you'll want to cook the macaroni until it is very firm, or slightly less than al dente. This is important because the macaroni will continue to cook in the oven when combined with the cheese sauce, and you don't want it to become overcooked and mushy. Boil the macaroni in a pot of salted water, testing a noodle after about five minutes. If it is too firm to eat, drain the water.
Next, you'll prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk in flour until the mixture is bubbly and golden. This is called a roux, which is a simple milk sauce thickened with flour and butter. You can also add mustard at this stage for added flavour. Gradually whisk in milk (and heavy cream, if you like) until smooth. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens and bubbles, then remove from the heat.
Now it's time to combine the macaroni and cheese sauce. Pour the sauce over the macaroni and stir until well combined and every noodle is coated. You can eat it like this, but for the best results, it's recommended to bake it.
To prepare the breaded topping, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat and add breadcrumbs, stirring until they are well coated and browned. Spread the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese, then sprinkle with paprika for added colour and flavour.
Finally, bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until the topping is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is bubbling, which should take about 30-45 minutes.
And there you have it—delicious, cheesy, breaded macaroni and cheese!
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Cheese sauce
The cheese sauce is the key component of macaroni and cheese breaded patties. A good cheese sauce should be smooth, rich, and creamy, coating every inch of the macaroni. Here is a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect cheese sauce:
Ingredients
Firstly, gather your ingredients. For a simple cheese sauce, you will need butter, flour, milk, and cheese. The cheese is the star of the show, so it is important to choose a good quality block of cheese and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese often contains additives to prevent clumping and does not melt as smoothly. You can use a variety of cheeses, but a good combination is mild or sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Colby for a nutty flavour. You could also add some Gruyere or Fontina for a more complex flavour profile.
Roux
Start by making a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour cooked together. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add an equal amount of flour. Whisk or stir the mixture until it becomes bubbly and golden. This is the base of your sauce and will help to create a smooth and creamy texture.
Milk
The next step is to slowly add the milk. Gradually whisk in cold milk to prevent the flour from clumping. Keep stirring continuously to avoid lumps. Continue cooking the mixture until it becomes smooth and bubbly. Ensure the heat is not too high, as this can cause the sauce to separate and become grainy.
Cheese
Now it's time to add the cheese! Remove the saucepan from the heat before adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from separating. Gradually add the grated cheese, stirring constantly until it melts. Keep adding handfuls of cheese until you achieve the desired consistency and cheesiness. You can also add some Parmesan for extra saltiness and depth of flavour.
Seasoning
Finally, season your cheese sauce to taste. You can add salt and pepper, as well as garlic powder for some extra flavour. If you want a tangier sauce, add a teaspoon of dry mustard.
Combining with Macaroni
Once your cheese sauce is ready, it's time to combine it with the macaroni. Drain your cooked macaroni and pour the sauce over it. Stir until the macaroni is well coated, ensuring every noodle is covered in cheesy goodness.
Now you have the perfect macaroni and cheese base for your breaded patties! Simply follow the rest of the recipe to form the mixture into patties, coat them with breadcrumbs, and bake until golden. Enjoy your delicious, cheesy creation!
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Breadcrumbs
To make the breadcrumb topping, melt butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, until they are well coated and browned. You can also add spices such as paprika to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.
Once the breadcrumbs are toasted, spread them evenly over the macaroni and cheese in a baking dish. Bake in the oven until the topping is golden brown and the macaroni and cheese is bubbling, which usually takes about 30 minutes.
For a more complex flavour, you can mix different types of cheese with the breadcrumbs. Some popular choices include sharp Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyere, Monterey Jack, and Gouda. Freshly grated cheese is recommended over pre-shredded cheese as it melts better and provides a creamier texture.
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Baking
The baking method for macaroni and cheese involves creating a crispy top layer, which hides a creamy, soft bottom layer. This extra layer of cheese helps retain moisture during the baking process. It is important not to bake it for too long, to avoid drying out the macaroni. The bake time should be just enough for the cheese to melt and become bubbly.
To achieve the crispy topping, breadcrumbs are typically used. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice, as they provide a crunchier texture compared to regular breadcrumbs due to their larger, shard-like shape. The breadcrumbs are mixed with butter and sometimes additional ingredients like cheese, before being sprinkled on top of the macaroni.
For the cheese sauce, a béchamel or roux base is often used, which involves cooking butter and flour together until bubbly and golden. Milk is then added and whisked until smooth. The sauce is seasoned with salt and pepper, and sometimes additional ingredients like mustard, onion, bay leaf, or paprika are added for flavour.
When baking, it is recommended to preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. The macaroni and cheese is then baked for around 30 minutes, or until the topping turns golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Some recipes suggest using multiple types of cheese for added flavour. Cheddar, Parmesan, Gouda, and Monterey Jack are commonly used cheeses, though other options like Colby, fontina, and Gruyère can also be used. Freshly grated cheese is recommended over pre-shredded cheese to ensure a smooth melt and better overall texture.
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Serving
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or side. It can be a comforting and indulgent meal, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends.
When serving macaroni and cheese, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure the best experience. Firstly, it is essential to serve it while it is still hot and bubbly. This dish is all about that creamy, cheesy texture, so make sure it is served immediately after baking to enjoy it at its best.
You can also offer a variety of toppings or sides to enhance the dish. Here are some ideas:
- Crunchy Toppings: The crispy, golden topping is a signature part of baked macaroni and cheese. To elevate this, you can offer additional crunchy toppings such as extra breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even chopped nuts.
- Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs can brighten up the dish and provide a pop of colour. Chopped parsley, chives, or thyme can be offered on the side for those who want to add a fresh, herbal note to their meal.
- Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of spice, offering hot sauce, chilli flakes, or freshly ground black pepper on the side can take the dish to the next level.
- Veggie Sides: Macaroni and cheese can be a hearty dish, so serving it with a side of steamed vegetables like broccoli or a fresh salad can provide a balanced meal.
- Extra Cheese: For the ultimate cheesy experience, offer a variety of shredded cheeses on the side, such as cheddar, gouda, or parmesan, allowing your guests to sprinkle on even more cheese to their liking.
Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply place the desired portion in the oven and bake until heated through, ensuring it doesn't dry out.
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Frequently asked questions
Boil the pasta until it is slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Make a cheese sauce by melting butter and flour together (a roux) and whisking in milk. Add cheese to the sauce, then stir the cheese sauce into the pasta.
Combine breadcrumbs with olive oil and Parmesan, then spread this mixture on top of the macaroni and cheese.
Bake the macaroni and cheese at 350°F for around 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown.
Cheddar and Parmesan are a classic combination, but you can also use Gruyere, Monterey Jack, Colby, Fontina, Gouda, or Pepper Jack.
