Macaroni Masterpiece: Which Cheeses Melt Best?

Baked macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be made with various types of cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, Swiss, and pepper jack. The key to a good mac and cheese is to use freshly grated cheese and avoid pre-shredded varieties, as they contain anti-caking agents that can affect the texture of the sauce. The pasta should also be cooked al dente or slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook in the oven.

The best cheeses for baked macaroni

Baked macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to your taste preferences and dietary needs. While there is no one "right" way to make it, there are some tips and tricks to ensure your mac and cheese is delicious and has a good texture.

Cheese selection

When it comes to choosing the cheese for your baked macaroni, the world is your oyster! However, it's important to select a cheese that melts well and has a good flavour. Here are some popular options:

• Sharp cheddar
• Gruyere
• Mozzarella
• Gouda
• Smoked gouda
• Swiss
• Monterey jack
• Colby jack
• Colby
• Pepper jack
• American
• Velveeta
• Jarlsberg Swiss
• Fontina
• Provolone
• Parmesan
• Muenster

Other considerations

For the best results, it is recommended to shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as the pre-shredded variety often contains anti-caking agents that can affect the melting and texture of your sauce.

Additionally, it's important not to overcook your pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Aim to cook your pasta until it is al dente or slightly less done.

When making your cheese sauce, it's crucial to constantly stir your milk once it hits the pan to avoid scorching the sauce. You should also add the milk slowly while stirring to prevent lumps from forming.

Lastly, don't be afraid to taste your sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. A dash of red wine vinegar or hot sauce can add some extra zing to your dish.

How to make a cheese sauce

A good cheese sauce is the key to a great macaroni and cheese bake. Here is a step-by-step guide to making a delicious cheese sauce:

Ingredients

• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, mozzarella, gouda, swiss, monterey jack, colby jack, colby, parmesan, or a combination of these)
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: spices (paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder), breadcrumbs, or vinegar

Method

• Start by making a roux, which is a mixture of butter and flour. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then add an equal amount of flour. Whisk this together until it forms a thick paste.
• Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking until the mixture is smooth.
• Cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring regularly, until it thickens. You want it to be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
• Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in your chosen cheese. You can also add spices like paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, or mustard powder for extra flavour. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add salt and pepper to taste.
• If you want a crunchy topping, mix together breadcrumbs, melted butter, and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture over the macaroni and cheese before baking.
• For a tangy flavour, you can also add a dash of red wine vinegar or another type of vinegar to the sauce.

Now you have a delicious, creamy cheese sauce ready to be mixed with your cooked macaroni! Simply combine the sauce and pasta, transfer to a baking dish, and bake until bubbly and golden. Enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese!

Why you shouldn't use pre-shredded cheese

There are several reasons why you might want to avoid using pre-shredded cheese when making a baked macaroni cheese. Firstly, pre-shredded cheese is often coated in a starchy substance to prevent clumping, and this can prohibit the cheese from melting properly. This can result in a grainy sauce or a less creamy dish overall.

Secondly, pre-shredded cheese can have an off-putting, powdery taste or stale flavour. This is likely due to the anti-caking agents used, which can include cellulose powder, calcium sulphate, or potato starch. These additives can also give the cheese a dry, crumbly texture, which is not ideal for creating a smooth, creamy sauce.

Thirdly, pre-shredded cheese is often more expensive than buying a block of cheese and grating it yourself. By buying a block of cheese, you can also ensure you're using the best quality cheese for your dish, as pre-shredded cheese is usually made from lower-quality cheese.

Finally, grating your own cheese allows you to choose the exact blend of cheeses you want to include in your macaroni. While you can buy pre-shredded blends, they may not include the cheeses you want, and you're limited to the combinations provided by the manufacturer. By grating your own cheese, you have complete control over the flavour and can create a unique blend tailored to your taste.

In conclusion, while using pre-shredded cheese for baked macaroni may be convenient, it can compromise the taste and texture of your dish. By taking the time to grate your own cheese, you'll end up with a superior macaroni cheese that's worth the extra effort.

How to make baked macaroni and cheese

Ingredients:

• Pasta (macaroni, shells, or any tubular pasta)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk (preferably whole milk)
• Cheese (cheddar, gruyere, gouda, fontina, mozzarella, jack, pepper jack, American, Swiss, parmesan, or cream cheese)
• Eggs (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Salt
• Pepper
• Spices (optional)

Utensils:

• Large pot
• Large saucepan or skillet
• Baking dish
• Whisk

Method:

First, preheat your oven to around 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish and set it aside.

Next, cook your pasta according to the package instructions, but be careful not to overcook it. Drain the pasta, drizzle with a little olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.

Now, it's time to make the cheese sauce. Melt some butter in a large saucepan or skillet. Add an equal amount of flour and whisk to combine. Cook this mixture for about a minute, whisking constantly.

Gradually add in milk, whisking continuously, until the mixture is smooth. Continue cooking and whisking until the sauce thickens. You can also add spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, and mustard powder for extra flavor.

Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in your choice of shredded cheese. A combination of cheddar and gruyere is a popular choice, but you can get creative and use cheeses like gouda, mozzarella, or Swiss. Keep stirring until the cheese is fully melted and combined.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is fully coated. Transfer half of this mixture to your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with more shredded cheese, then top with the remaining pasta mixture.

For an extra crispy topping, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle over the pasta. You can also add spices like smoked paprika and parmesan cheese to the topping.

Finally, bake your macaroni and cheese in the preheated oven for about 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Enjoy your homemade baked macaroni and cheese!

How to make baked macaroni and cheese ahead of time

Baked macaroni and cheese is a delicious, comforting meal that can be made ahead of time for convenience. Here's a step-by-step guide to preparing this dish in advance:

Ingredients:

• Macaroni
• Cheese (cheddar, Gruyere, or a combination of your favourites)
• Butter
• Flour
• Milk
• Salt and pepper
• Optional: egg, breadcrumbs, spices

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling your macaroni in a large pot of salted water for a little less time than instructed on the package—around 4 to 5 minutes. You want the pasta to be slightly undercooked as it will continue cooking in the oven later. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

To make the cheese sauce, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat. Add an equal amount of flour and whisk together until it forms a thick paste. Gradually whisk in milk, continuing until the mixture is smooth and thickened. You can add cream for a richer sauce. Stir in your chosen cheeses—a combination of cheddar and Gruyere is a popular choice—and season with salt and pepper to taste. You can also add spices like smoked paprika, garlic powder, or onion powder for extra flavour. Keep stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and thick.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Sauce

In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained pasta with the prepared cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure the pasta is fully coated.

Step 4: Assembly

Grease a baking dish and transfer half of the macaroni and cheese mixture into it. Sprinkle shredded cheese over this layer, followed by the remaining pasta mixture. For an extra cheesy treat, top with more shredded cheese.

Step 5: Refrigerate

At this point, cover the baking dish tightly with foil and place it in the refrigerator. You can prepare the dish up to this stage 1-2 days ahead of time.

Step 6: Baking

When you're ready to bake and serve the macaroni and cheese, preheat your oven to 325-350°F. Let the dish sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before baking. Then, bake for 25-35 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.

Tips:

• If you want a crispy topping, combine breadcrumbs or crushed crackers with melted butter and sprinkle this over the macaroni and cheese before baking.
• For a more decadent dish, add crispy bacon bits to the topping or mix them into the macaroni and cheese.
• Remember to shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese, as the pre-shredded variety often contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting.
• If you're making this dish specifically for leftovers, consider increasing the amount of sauce slightly, as baked macaroni and cheese tends to dry out a little when made ahead.

Enjoy your homemade baked macaroni and cheese!

Frequently asked questions