Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food for many, and it's easy to make. The first step is to boil the macaroni, usually in salted water, until it's al dente. This can take anywhere from 5 to 8 minutes, depending on the recipe. Then, you'll make a cheese sauce by combining milk, butter, and cheese, and sometimes flour, to create a creamy texture. Finally, you'll combine the cooked macaroni and cheese sauce, either on the stovetop or by baking it in the oven, resulting in a delicious, gooey dish.
How to Boil Macaroni and Cheese
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Pasta | Elbow macaroni, shells, penne, farfalle |
| Pasta Quantity | 1 pound |
| Pasta Cooking Time | 2 minutes less than package instructions for al dente |
| Water Quantity | 4 quarts |
| Water Type | Cold |
| Salt Quantity | 1 pinch |
| Stovetop Cooking Time | 6-8 minutes |
| Oven Temperature | 350-450 degrees Fahrenheit |
| Baking Time | 10-40 minutes |
| Sauce Base | Butter |
| Butter Quantity | 3-6 tablespoons |
| Flour Quantity | 1/4 cup |
| Milk Type | Whole milk, evaporated milk, half-and-half |
| Milk Quantity | 5-6 cups |
| Cheese Type | Cheddar, Fontina, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby, Bleu d'Auvergne |
| Cheese Quantity | 1.5-6 cups |
| Additional Seasonings | Paprika, salt, pepper, hot sauce, mustard powder, breadcrumbs |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the pasta
First, get a large pot and fill it with water. The water should be heavily salted to add flavour to the pasta. The general rule is to use one gallon of water for every pound of pasta. So, for a pound of pasta, fill your pot with one gallon of water and add about two tablespoons of salt.
Next, place the pot on a stove burner and turn the heat to high. Leave the water to heat up until it reaches a rolling boil. This should take about 10 minutes, depending on the strength of your stove.
Once the water is boiling, it's time to add the pasta. For macaroni and cheese, you'll typically want to use elbow macaroni, but other types of pasta such as farfalle, penne, shells, or any pasta with a good shape for holding sauce can also be used. Take the amount of pasta you want to use and carefully drop it into the pot of boiling water. Be careful not to splash the hot water on yourself.
Now that the pasta is in the pot, you'll want to cook it until it's al dente, which means it should be slightly firm to the bite. The cooking time will depend on the type and brand of pasta you're using, so refer to the package instructions for the recommended cooking time. Set a timer for about two minutes less than the package instructions, as the pasta will continue to cook in the oven later. Stir the pasta occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
When the timer goes off, your pasta should be perfectly al dente. Turn off the heat and carefully drain the water from the pot using a colander or strainer. You now have perfectly cooked pasta that is ready to be combined with a delicious cheese sauce to make mouth-watering macaroni and cheese!
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Making the cheese sauce
First, melt some butter in a saucepan over medium heat. The amount of butter used can vary, but a common amount is 3 tablespoons or 6 tablespoons for a larger batch. Once melted, add an equal amount of flour and stir until the mixture turns golden brown. This combination of butter and flour is called a roux, which serves as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Next, slowly add milk to the roux and stir until well combined. The amount of milk can vary depending on the desired consistency of the sauce, but typically 1 to 2 cups of milk are used. It is important to whisk the milk vigorously to prevent lumps from forming. For an even creamier sauce, consider using evaporated milk, which has a higher concentration of milk proteins that act as emulsifying agents.
Once the milk is incorporated, bring the sauce to a boil and cook until it thickens. This may take around 3 to 7 minutes, depending on the heat level and desired consistency. Keep in mind that you may need to reduce the heat to prevent the milk from boiling over.
Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and add shredded cheese to the sauce. The type and amount of cheese can vary according to preference, but a good melting cheese such as cheddar, Fontina, Gruyère, or Jack cheese is recommended. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and combined with the sauce.
At this point, you have a delicious cheese sauce ready to be combined with your cooked macaroni. Simply pour the sauce over the macaroni, stir until well combined, and serve immediately for a warm and comforting meal.
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Combining the pasta and sauce
Preparing the Pasta:
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. The amount of salt added can vary according to personal preference, but it typically ranges from a pinch to a generous amount. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, carefully add the desired amount of macaroni. It is recommended to cook the pasta for about 2 minutes less than the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. This is because the pasta will continue cooking in the oven or as it mixes with the sauce. Drain the pasta once it reaches the desired consistency, making sure to remove all excess water. Set the cooked pasta aside temporarily.
Creating the Cheese Sauce:
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt a few tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add an equal amount of flour and stir continuously until the mixture turns golden brown. This combination creates a delicious thickening agent known as a roux. To transform the roux into a béchamel sauce, slowly pour in cold milk, whisking continuously. Whole milk is typically used, but you can also experiment with evaporated milk, which has a higher concentration of milk proteins and creates an especially creamy sauce. Continue whisking until the sauce reaches the desired consistency, similar to that of gravy. At this point, you have a béchamel sauce.
Now it's time to bring the dish together. Reduce the heat to low and slowly stir in shredded cheese of your choice. A classic option is cheddar, but you can also use fontina, gruyère, jack, or any good melting cheese. Keep stirring until the cheese melts and blends smoothly with the sauce. You can adjust the amount of cheese to your taste, but a generous amount ensures a creamy and gooey texture. Once the cheese sauce is ready, combine it with the cooked pasta in a large bowl. Mix thoroughly until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
Baking the Dish:
After combining the pasta and sauce, it's time to transfer the mixture to a baking dish. You can choose to add additional layers of cheese and sauce for an extra indulgent touch. Sprinkle the top with a layer of parmesan cheese and breadcrumbs for a crispy, golden finish. Finally, bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven at a temperature between 350°F and 450°F for about 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling around the edges.
Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, spices, and herbs to create your unique version of this classic comfort food!
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Baking the macaroni and cheese
To bake macaroni and cheese, you'll first need to cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the pasta and cook until it is al dente, usually around 6-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Next, you'll want to make the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a saucepan, then sprinkle in flour and stir until it turns golden and gives off a toasted aroma. Slowly whisk in milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce thickens. Remove the saucepan from the heat and whisk in the shredded cheese. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, fontina, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby, or a soft blue cheese.
Now it's time to assemble the dish. Layer half of the cooked macaroni into a greased baking dish. Pour in half of the cheese sauce and spread it evenly. Repeat these layers, ending with a layer of cheese sauce on top. You can also sprinkle some shredded cheese on top, as well as paprika for added colour and flavour.
Finally, bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven. The baking time and temperature may vary depending on the recipe, but generally, you'll bake it uncovered for around 30-40 minutes, or until the top is browned and the cheese is melted and bubbly. For a crispier top, you can start by baking it covered for 10 minutes, then uncover it for the remaining time.
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Serving suggestions
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your macaroni and cheese:
Baked Macaroni and Cheese:
This is a classic way to serve macaroni and cheese. After boiling the macaroni, you can combine it with a cheese sauce and bake it in the oven. This method gives the dish a golden crust and a bubbly texture. You can top it with breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, or crushed crackers before baking for added flavour and texture.
Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese:
For a quicker option, you can simply prepare the macaroni and cheese on the stovetop. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it is al dente. You can then combine it with a cheese sauce made on the stovetop. This method creates a creamy and chewy texture that is perfect for a weeknight meal.
Extra Cheesy Macaroni and Cheese:
For cheese lovers, you can never have enough cheese in your macaroni. You can increase the amount of cheese in the sauce or sprinkle extra cheese on top before serving. Try mixing different types of cheese such as Colby, Monterey Jack, mild cheddar, or even a little Gruyère for a more indulgent dish.
Mix-ins and Toppings:
To elevate your macaroni and cheese, you can add various mix-ins or toppings. Some options include cooked bacon, ham, onions, peas, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower. You can also experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or onion powder to enhance the flavour.
Side Dishes:
Macaroni and cheese can be served as a main course or a side dish. If you're serving it as a side, consider pairing it with a fresh tossed salad, garlic bread, or roasted broccoli. It also goes well with proteins such as meatloaf, seared salmon, or lamb chops.
Leftovers and Storage:
Macaroni and cheese can be stored and enjoyed as leftovers. It can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to three to four days and reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream. You can also freeze macaroni and cheese for up to six months. Simply thaw it and reheat it when you're ready to enjoy it again.
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Frequently asked questions
Use a large pot and add about 4 quarts of salted water to boil over high heat.
Boil the macaroni for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente.
You can use mild or medium cheddar cheese, or any good melting cheese, such as Fontina, Gruyère, Monterey Jack, Colby, or Bleu d'Auvergne.
To make the cheese sauce, start by melting butter in a pan. Whisk in an equal amount of flour and stir until it turns golden brown. Slowly pour in milk and whisk until the sauce thickens. Remove from heat and whisk in shredded cheese.
You can add a variety of ingredients to your macaroni and cheese, such as ham, cooked bacon, onions, peas, mushrooms, peppers, broccoli, or cauliflower. You can also sprinkle paprika on top for extra colour and flavour.
