Patrick Oconnell
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved comfort food, and there are many ways to make it deluxe. The key to a great mac and cheese is a combination of cheeses, with some recipes calling for cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, Colby, Fontina, Gruyère, and more. To avoid a grainy sauce, it's best to use freshly grated cheese and add it a handful at a time. The pasta should be undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the sauce and in the oven. For a creamy sauce, a roux of butter and flour is cooked until bubbly, and then whisked with milk. The cheese is then added to the sauce, and finally, the pasta is stirred in until coated. For a crispy topping, breadcrumbs can be sprinkled on top and baked until golden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cheese | Cheddar, Colby, Monterey Jack, Fontina, Pepper Jack, Mozzarella, Gruyère, Cream Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Parmesan |
| Other ingredients | Macaroni, Butter, Flour, Milk, Mustard Powder, Sour Cream, Egg, Salt, Garlic Salt, Paprika, Breadcrumbs |
| Preparation | Undercook macaroni, mix cheese sauce with macaroni, bake in oven |
| Baking temperature | 350°F |
| Baking time | 25-40 minutes |
| Toppings | Breadcrumbs, Parmesan |
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What You'll Learn
How to cook the macaroni
To cook the macaroni for a deluxe macaroni and cheese, follow these steps:
First, preheat your oven to 375° Fahrenheit. Grease a 13"x9" baking dish with butter. Next, in a large pot, boil salted water and cook the macaroni, stirring occasionally. The pasta should be cooked until al dente, which should take around 5 to 7 minutes. You want the pasta to be slightly undercooked as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
In a separate large saucepan over medium heat, melt a stick of butter. Sprinkle flour over the melted butter and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture turns slightly golden, which should take around 2 to 3 minutes. Pour milk into the saucepan and whisk until combined. You can use cold milk or heat it to room temperature beforehand to speed up the process. Add mustard powder and season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring the mixture to a simmer and continue cooking and stirring until the sauce starts to thicken, which should take about 2 minutes.
Remove the pan from the heat and add the cheese. It is important to take the pan off the heat before adding the cheese to prevent the sauce from separating. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as cheddar, Gruyère, Colby, Monterey Jack, fontina, or pepper jack. Stir the cheese into the sauce until it is melted and smooth. Finally, stir in the cooked macaroni until each noodle is coated with the cheese sauce.
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How to make a béchamel sauce
To make a béchamel sauce, also known as a simple milk sauce, you will need butter, flour, and milk. Start by melting butter in a large pot or saucepan over medium heat. Sprinkle in an equal amount of flour and whisk together until the mixture becomes bubbly and golden. This mixture of butter and flour is called a roux, which is essential for achieving a creamy sauce. Keep whisking and cooking the roux for about 2 to 5 minutes.
Next, slowly pour in the milk and keep whisking until everything is well combined. It is important to use cold milk to prevent the flour from clumping. Add a pinch of mustard powder and season with salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce starts to thicken. This should take about 2 minutes.
Once the sauce has thickened, reduce the heat to low. Take about a quarter cup of the sauce and slowly pour it into a beaten egg, whisking constantly to avoid cooking the egg. This step is optional but helps to stabilize the sauce and give it a richer texture. Finally, slowly add your choice of grated cheese to the sauce and stir until it is melted and smooth.
The béchamel sauce is now ready to be mixed with the cooked macaroni. Stir until every noodle is coated with the creamy sauce. You can adjust the consistency of the sauce by adding more milk if it becomes too thick. For a deluxe macaroni and cheese, transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish and top with breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Bake in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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Which cheeses to use
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be made with a variety of cheeses. While some recipes call for a single type of cheese, such as cheddar, others suggest using a combination of cheeses to create a more complex and flavourful dish. Here are some options for cheeses to use when making deluxe macaroni and cheese:
Cheddar cheese is a popular choice for macaroni and cheese, as it has a sharp, tangy flavour and melts well. It is a versatile cheese that can be used on its own or in combination with other cheeses. When using cheddar, it is best to grate it yourself rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as this will ensure a smoother melt.
Monterey Jack cheese is another option that can be used alone or in combination with cheddar. It has a mild, creamy flavour and melts easily, making it a good choice for macaroni and cheese. Other similar options include Mozzarella, which has a similar mild flavour and melting properties, and Colby, which has a slightly stronger flavour.
For those who enjoy a little spice, Pepper Jack cheese is a great option. It adds a zip of heat to the dish without being overwhelming. Fontina cheese is another option for those who want a more robust flavour. It has a strong, nutty flavour that can enhance the taste of the dish.
Gruyère cheese is a favourite among many macaroni and cheese enthusiasts. It has a unique, slightly sweet and nutty flavour that elevates the dish. However, it can be expensive, so a good substitute for Gruyère is Jarlsberg Swiss cheese, which has a similar flavour profile.
When choosing cheeses for macaroni and cheese, it is important to consider the flavour profile you want to create. Using a combination of cheeses can add depth and complexity to the dish. Additionally, freshly grating the cheese and adding it in small amounts while stirring constantly can help create a smooth, creamy sauce.
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How to assemble the dish
To assemble a deluxe macaroni and cheese, you'll need to start by cooking your macaroni. Boil the pasta until it's still quite firm, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the macaroni and set it aside.
Next, make the cheese sauce. Start by creating a roux with butter and flour, cooking it until it's golden and bubbly. Then, slowly whisk in cold milk to prevent the flour from clumping. Cook this mixture until it bubbles, then add your cheese. Take the pan off the heat before adding your cheese to prevent the sauce from separating. You can use a variety of cheeses, such as sharp cheddar, Gruyere, Colby, Monterey Jack, fontina, or pepper jack. Stir the cheese in a handful at a time until it's fully melted and combined. You can also add mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
Now, it's time to combine the macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every noodle is coated. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
Finally, add your toppings. Breadcrumbs, a Panko-Parmesan mixture, or additional grated cheese can be sprinkled on top. You can also add bacon or paprika for extra flavour.
Bake your deluxe macaroni and cheese in the oven until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Enjoy!
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How to store leftovers
Deluxe macaroni and cheese is a hearty and indulgent dish, and it's likely you'll be left with leftovers. To ensure your leftovers don't spoil, it's important to store them correctly. Here's a detailed guide on how to store, reheat, and even transform your deluxe macaroni and cheese leftovers:
Storing Leftovers:
- Firstly, do not let the macaroni and cheese sit at room temperature for more than two hours, as it may start to spoil.
- When storing, portion out the leftovers into individual servings. This will make reheating easier and more convenient.
- Place each portion into a glass or silicone container with a tight-fitting lid that fully seals. Alternatively, you can use aluminium foil or plastic wrap to tightly seal the container.
- If you wish to freeze your leftovers, transfer them to a freezer-safe container with a lid that seals tightly to prevent freezer burn.
- Always label the containers with the date, so you know how long the leftovers have been stored.
Refrigerator Storage:
- Leftover deluxe macaroni and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to five days when properly stored.
- To maintain freshness and flavour, keep the container airtight.
Freezer Storage:
- If you cannot consume the leftovers within the refrigerator storage timeframe, transfer them to the freezer, where they will last for an extended period.
- The freezer should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
Reheating Leftovers:
- When reheating, only take out the portion you intend to consume.
- Leftovers can be reheated in the microwave or on the stovetop.
- For microwave reheating, place the desired portion in a microwave-safe bowl and cover with an inverted plate. Heat in short intervals, stirring occasionally, until the desired temperature is reached.
- For stovetop reheating, you can use a saucepan or skillet over medium heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating.
- If the pasta appears dry, you can add a splash of milk or a pat of butter to enhance moisture and creaminess.
- Additionally, you can sprinkle in some extra shredded cheese to boost the cheesiness of your deluxe macaroni and cheese.
- For frozen leftovers, you can defrost them in the fridge or on the counter first, and then reheat them using either the microwave or stovetop method.
- Remember to consume the leftovers within two hours of removing them from storage to maintain food safety.
Transforming Leftovers:
- If you're feeling creative, you can transform your deluxe macaroni and cheese leftovers into new dishes:
- Mac and Cheese Steak: Caramelize some onion and brown chip steak. Add the leftover macaroni and cheese for a quick and tasty meal.
- Baked Goodness: Try making macaroni and cheese stuffed inside a buttery roasted acorn squash or bake it into pepperoni-topped, noodle-filled skillet goodness.
- Fritters and Bites: Get adventurous and make mac and cheese fritters, air fryer bites, or deep-fried balls—perfect for party appetisers or as a fun side dish.
- Soup: Add leftover macaroni and cheese to chicken stock, diced chicken, and canned green chiles for a hearty and comforting soup.
- Pizza: Yes, macaroni and cheese pizza is a thing! Check out recipes to transform your leftovers into a unique pizza topping.
Remember, when reheating or transforming your deluxe macaroni and cheese leftovers, always ensure the internal temperature reaches a safe level to avoid any foodborne illnesses. Enjoy your deluxe macaroni and cheese to the last bite!
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Frequently asked questions
Deluxe mac and cheese requires a lot of cheese. For the best results, use freshly grated cheese and shred it yourself. You can use a combination of cheeses, such as Colby, Monterey Jack, fontina, mild cheddar, pepper jack, or even a little gruyère.
You will also need macaroni, milk, butter, flour, mustard powder, salt, pepper, and bread crumbs. For an extra special touch, add some paprika or Parmesan.
First, cook the macaroni until it is al dente or slightly less. In a separate pan, melt butter and sprinkle in flour, stirring until golden. Pour in milk and whisk until combined, then add mustard powder, salt, and pepper. Take the pan off the heat and slowly add your cheese, stirring until melted. Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni, then transfer to a greased baking dish. Top with bread crumbs and bake until golden and crispy.
