Bushra Griffith
Macaroni and cheese is a popular comfort food. It is a simple dish to prepare, requiring just a few staple ingredients. The recipe is versatile and can be adapted to suit individual tastes and preferences. For instance, you can add broccoli for extra nutrition, or bacon and hot dogs for a heartier meal. Different types of cheese can be used, such as cheddar, gouda, gruyère, and mozzarella, and the topping can be varied with breadcrumbs, pine nuts, or pumpkin seeds. For a more indulgent dish, you can add an egg to the sauce for a smoother, richer texture.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Comfort food, side dish |
| Main Ingredients | Macaroni, cheese, milk, butter |
| Toppings | Breadcrumbs, cheese, bacon, vegetables, pine nuts, pumpkin seeds |
| Cheese Types | Cheddar, mozzarella, gouda, gruyère, parmesan, fontina, colby, monterey jack, pepper jack |
| Other Ingredients | Eggs, mustard powder, breadcrumbs, pancetta, spring onions, broccoli |
| Texture | Crispy top, creamy and soft bottom |
| Baking Time | 20-25 minutes |
| Baking Temperature | 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) or 375° |
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What You'll Learn
Macaroni and cheese with broccoli
To make the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and add flour to make a roux. Whisk the mixture until it turns golden brown. Gradually add warm milk to the mixture and whisk until it thickens. Season with salt and pepper, and spices such as mustard, garlic powder, or nutmeg.
For the pasta, opt for a short cut variety like elbow macaroni or mini shells, as they provide more surface area for the cheese sauce to cover. Cook the pasta al dente, as it will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce. If you want a crispier texture, you can bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
Finally, add the cooked broccoli and stir everything together. You can also puree the broccoli florets in a food processor to make them finer, so they melt into the sauce. This recipe is a great way to sneak in some extra vegetables and is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
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Macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food. The creamy, cheesy sauce and crispy topping make it a favourite for many. While the traditional recipe is a winner, you can easily create your own variations. Here is a recipe for macaroni and cheese with a breadcrumb topping.
Ingredients
For the pasta:
- 16 oz macaroni pasta
- 2 cups whole milk
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- 6 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp mustard powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- 8 oz cream cheese
For the topping:
- 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3/4 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/2 cup French fried onions, crushed
- 1/4 cup pecorino Romano cheese, grated
- Pinch of salt
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Method
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a baking dish.
- Boil the pasta until one minute before al dente. Drain, drizzle with olive oil, and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 20 seconds.
- Stir in the Dijon mustard and cream cheese, and lower the heat until melted.
- Warm the milk and cream separately. Then, gradually add the milk, cream, and cheeses to the saucepan, stirring continuously.
- Add the cayenne, salt, and pepper, tasting and adjusting as needed.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce and pour into the greased dish.
- To make the topping, melt butter in a frying pan. Add garlic and sauté over low heat for 30 seconds.
- Mix in the breadcrumbs and parsley, cooking until the breadcrumbs are slightly toasted.
- Sprinkle the topping over the macaroni and cheese.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes, until the topping is crispy and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese with a crunchy, buttery breadcrumb topping!
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Macaroni and cheese with bacon and pine nuts
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customised with various ingredients to enhance its flavour and texture. One mouth-watering combination is macaroni and cheese with bacon and pine nuts. This variation offers a delightful contrast of creamy, cheesy pasta with the salty, crispy bacon and the nutty crunch of pine nuts.
To prepare this dish, start by toasting the pine nuts in a dry frying pan over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until lightly browned. Keep a close eye on them as they can burn quickly. Once toasted, transfer the pine nuts to a plate and set them aside. In the same pan, cook your bacon until it reaches your desired level of crispness. Chop the bacon into small pieces or crumble it with your hands once it has cooled down.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your macaroni according to the package instructions, aiming for an al dente texture. Be careful not to overcook the pasta, as it will continue to cook in the oven later. Drain the pasta, reserving some of the starchy cooking water, which can be used later to adjust the sauce's consistency if needed.
For the cheese sauce, combine double cream, crème fraîche, and grated cheese in a saucepan. Gently heat the mixture, stirring occasionally, until the cheese melts, creating a smooth and creamy sauce. Remove the saucepan from the heat and add dry mustard, salt, and pepper to taste. The mustard adds a tangy bite that balances the richness of the sauce. You can adjust the amount of mustard to suit your preference.
Now it's time to assemble the dish. In a large baking dish, combine the cooked macaroni and the prepared cheese sauce, stirring well to ensure every noodle is coated in cheesy goodness. If the mixture seems too dry, add a little of the reserved pasta cooking water to loosen it up. Sprinkle the toasted pine nuts and cooked bacon pieces over the top, followed by a generous layer of grated cheese to create that irresistible crispy topping.
Finally, bake your macaroni and cheese in the oven at 200°C/180°C fan for about 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden, and bubbling. This dish is best served fresh from the oven, paired with a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the macaroni and cheese. Enjoy the ultimate comfort food with a crunchy, nutty twist!
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Macaroni and cheese with butternut squash
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food. It is a creamy, cheesy dish that can be made even more delicious by adding butternut squash. This vegetable gives the dish a subtle sweetness and a nutty flavour, while also making it healthier and less rich.
Ingredients
- Butternut squash
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- Onion powder
- Water
- Salt
- Pasta (macaroni, shells, or pipe rigate)
- Cheese (Gruyère, sharp cheddar, pecorino, Parmesan, or a mix)
- Milk (unsweetened almond, whole, or 2%)
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Black pepper
- Fresh thyme
Method
- Prepare the butternut squash by cutting off the ends, slicing it in half, scooping out the seeds, and roasting it in the oven.
- Make the squash puree by blending the soft roasted squash with olive oil, balsamic vinegar, salt, onion powder, garlic powder, sage, nutmeg, and black pepper.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, making sure not to overcook it.
- Make the cheese sauce by warming the milk in a pot and adding the squash puree. Gradually add the grated cheese, stirring constantly until the sauce is creamy.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce and stir to coat.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs and extra cheese, and bake until bubbly and golden.
- Sprinkle with black pepper and fresh thyme before serving.
Tips
- You can use pre-made butternut squash puree or pumpkin puree to save time.
- Avoid using pre-shredded cheese, as it may not melt smoothly into the sauce.
- Undercook the pasta slightly, as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- This dish can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to two days before baking.
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Macaroni and cheese with ground beef
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni
- Ground beef (lean or higher fat)
- Yellow onion (or onion powder)
- Cheddar cheese (mild or sharp)
- Tomato sauce
- Sour cream
- Garlic
- Seasonings (salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, etc.)
- Olive oil
- Red pepper
Optional Ingredients
- Greek yogurt
- Rotel tomatoes
- Chilli powder or taco seasoning
- Spinach, bell pepper, celery, carrots, or peas
- Bacon
- Jalapeno peppers
- Breadcrumbs
- Mozzarella, American, cream cheese, Monterey Jack, Colby, Gruyère, or other cheeses
Instructions
- Cook the pasta al dente, drain it, and set it aside in a colander or pasta strainer.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef, breaking it up into small pieces with a spatula, and cook until browned.
- Add onion, garlic, and other seasonings, and cook until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in tomato sauce and other liquids (water or beef stock).
- Add the cooked macaroni to the skillet and combine.
- Simmer uncovered for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the macaroni is tender.
- Season to taste and stir in grated cheddar cheese and any other cheeses you're using.
- Turn off the heat, add the rest of the cheese on top, and cover the dish. Let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like chives or basil and serve.
Tips
- If using higher-fat ground beef, drain off the grease after browning.
- Shred your own cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Taste-test the beefy mac and cheese mixture before serving to ensure it's seasoned to your liking.
- For a Mexican-inspired version, add cumin and chilli powder to the ground beef as it cooks, and serve with chopped lettuce, tomato, and salsa.
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Frequently asked questions
Grilled chicken, pulled chicken, fried chicken, ground beef, sliced hot dogs, bratwursts, and traditional British sausages are all good options.
Salads, especially those with a tangy dressing, roasted vegetables, and garlic bread are classic side dishes.
Bacon-wrapped meatloaf, baked potatoes, roasted cherry tomatoes, and bite-sized blooming onions are unique sides.
A green salad, carrot sticks, steamed vegetables, sautéed spinach, and roasted broccoli are healthy sides.
Stir in crispy bacon bits, herbs like parsley and chives, hot sauce, or blue cheese. You can also add fried mushrooms or cook sliced chorizo with butter before adding flour for a spicy kick.
