Andy Montoya
Buttermilk is a popular ingredient in many dishes, but can it be used in macaroni and cheese? The answer is yes! Buttermilk mac and cheese is a thing and it's delicious. It adds a tangy and creamy flavour to the dish. Some recipes suggest mixing buttermilk with eggs, butter, cheese, and seasonings, and then adding cooked pasta and baking it in the oven. Others suggest mixing buttermilk with ricotta and cheese, and then adding uncooked pasta and baking it. The result is a tasty and creamy macaroni and cheese dish that is perfect for a holiday meal or potluck.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Taste | Buttermilk adds a tangy, sour, and creamy taste to macaroni and cheese. |
| Texture | Buttermilk makes macaroni and cheese creamier. |
| Suitability | Buttermilk is suitable for homemade macaroni and cheese but may not be suitable for boxed macaroni and cheese. |
| Ingredients | Buttermilk can be used in place of regular milk in macaroni and cheese. Other ingredients include eggs, butter, cheese, and seasonings. |
| Preparation | Buttermilk macaroni and cheese can be baked in the oven or made on the stovetop. |
| Add-ins | Various ingredients can be added to buttermilk macaroni and cheese, such as herbs, spices, meat, and vegetables. |
Explore related products
What You'll Learn
Buttermilk mac and cheese recipes
Buttermilk can be used in macaroni and cheese to add creaminess and a tangy flavour. The addition of buttermilk also eliminates the need for a flour roux, as it melts beautifully with cheeses such as ricotta, gouda, and cheddar.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup of gouda cheese
- Butter
- Seasonings
- Buttermilk
- Macaroni
Method:
- Mix the macaroni noodles, cheese, butter, and seasonings together in a bowl.
- Pour the mixture into a baking dish.
- Pour buttermilk over the macaroni and stir.
- Top with the remaining cheese.
- Cover and bake for 20 minutes.
- Uncover and bake for another 10 minutes.
You can also experiment with adding other ingredients such as cooked bacon, chopped broccoli florets, baby kale, or herbs like parsley, cilantro, and scallions.
Another recipe variation includes the following steps:
- Whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
- Stir in melted butter, cheese, and salt.
- Add cooked pasta and stir to coat.
- Pour the mixture into a prepared pan.
- Bake, uncovered, for 45-50 minutes.
Cheese Benefits: Boosting Your Immune System
You may want to see also
Baked vs. stovetop mac and cheese
Mac and cheese is a popular dish with two distinct variations: stovetop and oven-baked. Both have their pros and cons, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Stovetop mac and cheese is the quicker and easier option. It involves boiling salted water, cooking the pasta, making a roux, adding cheese, and combining everything in a skillet to form a smooth, rich, and creamy sauce. One of the advantages of stovetop mac and cheese is the level of control you have over the final texture. You can also experiment with different types of cheese and add fillers as per your preference.
On the other hand, baked mac and cheese is a slower process that often evokes a sense of family dinners, Thanksgiving meals, and Christmas Eve get-togethers. It typically involves mixing cooked pasta with a cheese sauce, transferring it to a baking dish, and baking it until it's cooked through. The baking process gives the dish a browned, crispy top, and the option to add toasted breadcrumbs for extra texture and flavour.
Some people prefer the stovetop version for its creaminess and the ability to customise the dish with different cheeses and ingredients. However, others favour the baked version for its heartier texture and the nostalgic, comforting feel it evokes.
Additionally, there are variations and hacks to elevate both stovetop and baked mac and cheese. For instance, you can broil stovetop mac and cheese to achieve a crispy top, or make the topping separately in the oven and sprinkle it on top. As for baked mac and cheese, you can experiment with different cheeses like gouda and smoked paprika, or add ingredients like cooked bacon, chopped broccoli, or baby kale.
Ultimately, the choice between stovetop and baked mac and cheese depends on your taste preferences, the occasion, and the amount of time and effort you're willing to invest in preparing this comfort food classic.
Cheese and Rice: A Delicious Combination?
You may want to see also
Buttermilk as a milk substitute
Buttermilk can be used as a milk substitute when making macaroni and cheese. It is said to add a tangy, sour taste to the dish, which may be preferable to some. However, it is recommended that full-fat butter is used with buttermilk due to its lower fat content.
One recipe for buttermilk macaroni and cheese includes mixing eggs and buttermilk, then stirring in melted butter, shredded sharp cheddar cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cooked pasta is then added to the mixture before being baked in the oven. This recipe uses a combination of buttermilk and butter to create a creamy texture without compromising the flavour of the macaroni and cheese.
Another recipe suggests mixing ricotta cheese and buttermilk in a large bowl, adding spices, and then mixing in grated cheese. The pasta is then added to the mixture and baked in the oven. This recipe also includes breadcrumbs, creating a crispy texture.
Some people suggest that buttermilk macaroni and cheese is best made from scratch rather than using boxed macaroni and cheese. It is also recommended that other ingredients are added to complement the tanginess of the buttermilk, such as herbs, mustard, or horseradish.
Overall, buttermilk can be a good substitute for milk when making macaroni and cheese, adding a unique flavour and creaminess to the dish. It may be worth experimenting with, especially for those who enjoy cooking and trying new flavours.
Cheese Sauce: The Ultimate Broccoli Partner
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Cheese types for buttermilk mac and cheese
Buttermilk mac and cheese is a delicious and creamy variation of the traditional mac and cheese. The addition of buttermilk gives the dish a tangy and unique flavour, while the cheese provides the signature creaminess and sharpness. This recipe is versatile, and you can experiment with different types of cheese to find your favourite combination.
The most popular cheese used in buttermilk mac and cheese is sharp cheddar cheese. Its strong and distinct flavour stands out in the dish, and its sharpness pairs well with the tanginess of buttermilk. When shredded and melted, cheddar cheese adds a creamy texture to the macaroni.
Another excellent option is gouda cheese. Gouda has a milder flavour compared to cheddar, with sweet and nutty notes. It melts beautifully, contributing to the creaminess of the dish. Gouda also has a softer texture, which blends seamlessly with the other ingredients.
If you're feeling adventurous, you can try using a combination of cheeses. For instance, mixing sharp cheddar and gouda creates a complex flavour profile that is both sharp and mellow. You can also experiment with other cheese varieties, such as fontina, gruyere, or smoked gouda, to find your preferred taste.
Additionally, you can enhance the flavour of your buttermilk mac and cheese by adding various seasonings. A pinch of dry mustard or nutmeg can add a subtle kick, while smoked paprika gives the dish a delightful smoky aroma and taste. Fresh or dried herbs like parsley, cilantro, and scallions can also be sprinkled on top for added flavour and colour.
Cheese and Stomach Aches: A Healthy Relationship?
You may want to see also
Add-ins for buttermilk mac and cheese
Buttermilk Mac and Cheese is a delicious and creamy dish that can be made in a variety of ways. The base recipe includes eggs, butter, buttermilk, cheese, and macaroni. You can use any type of cheese you like, such as sharp cheddar, gouda, gruyere, fontina, or smoked gouda. Feel free to experiment with different types of pasta as well, such as elbow macaroni, cavatappi, rigatoni, penne, or bowtie pasta.
- Spices and Herbs: Dry mustard, nutmeg, smoked paprika, parsley, cilantro, and scallions can add a nice flavour to the dish.
- Meat: Cooked bacon or grilled chicken can be a tasty addition to the mac and cheese.
- Vegetables: Try adding some chopped broccoli florets or baby kale for extra nutrition and texture.
- Cheese Combinations: Experiment with different combinations of cheeses, such as gouda and smoked paprika, or ricotta and gouda, to create a unique flavour profile.
- Breadcrumbs: Topping the casserole with breadcrumbs before baking can add a crunchy texture.
- Mustard and Horseradish: For a tangier flavour, stir in some stone-ground mustard or horseradish.
- Sour Cream: Cutting the buttermilk with sour cream can add a creamy texture and a tangy flavour.
Feel free to experiment with different add-ins and create your own unique Buttermilk Mac and Cheese recipe!
Cheese and Lactose Intolerance: What's the Verdict?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Yes, buttermilk is good in macaroni and cheese. It adds to the creaminess and enhances the flavour.
You can use any type of cheese you enjoy. Fontina, gouda, gruyere, sharp white cheddar cheese, and smoked gouda are some options.
You can add cooked bacon, chopped broccoli florets, baby kale, or jalapenos to the pasta mixture. You can also add other spices to the pasta mixture, such as dry mustard or a pinch of nutmeg.
It is not recommended to use boxed macaroni and cheese and add buttermilk to it as it will alter the taste. It is better to make macaroni and cheese from scratch and use buttermilk in place of regular milk.
