Randy Chandler
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customised with various toppings to elevate its flavour and texture. The addition of toppings allows you to create a unique version of this classic comfort food. Whether you prefer a crunchy texture, a spicy kick, or a combination of cheeses, there are endless possibilities to explore when deciding what to put on top of your macaroni and cheese.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Meat | Bacon, Speck, Pancetta, Ground Beef |
| Spices | Cayenne Pepper, Paprika, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Black Pepper, Ground Thyme |
| Vegetables | Broccoli, Butternut Squash, Kale, Chard, Spinach, Asparagus, Cauliflower, Romanesco, Beans, Sweet Potato |
| Nuts | Pine Nuts |
| Seeds | Pumpkin Seeds |
| Cheese | Colby, Monterey Jack, Fontina, Mild Cheddar, Pepper Jack, Gruyère, Cheshire, Camembert, Hard Cheese |
| Other | Breadcrumbs, Ritz Crackers, Bread Cubes, Spring Onions, Mustard, Nutmeg, Egg, Olive Oil |
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What You'll Learn
Breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit different tastes and occasions. While it's delicious on its own, adding a topping can take it to the next level. A topping of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and olive oil can add a golden, crispy texture to the soft, cheesy pasta, creating a delightful contrast.
To make this topping, start by preparing your breadcrumbs. You can use panko breadcrumbs, a fluffy Japanese variety, or get creative and make your own. For instance, you could tear a French stick or baguette into chunks, drizzle them with melted butter, season, and bake until crisp. Alternatively, for a healthier option, drizzle the chunks with olive oil instead of butter. Once cooled, blend or process the chunks into breadcrumbs.
Next, combine your breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan cheese. The ratio can be adjusted to taste, but a good starting point is half a cup of Parmesan to one cup of breadcrumbs. Mix in a small amount of olive oil to help bind the topping together. Sprinkle this mixture generously over your macaroni and cheese, which should be sitting in a casserole dish or individual ovenproof dishes.
Finally, bake your macaroni and cheese in a preheated oven until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is melted and bubbly. The exact temperature and baking time may vary depending on your oven and the amount of macaroni and cheese you're preparing. As a guide, aim for around 350 degrees Fahrenheit (177 degrees Celsius) for about 15-20 minutes.
This topping adds a crunchy, buttery texture and a salty, cheesy flavour that complements the creamy pasta. It's a simple way to elevate your macaroni and cheese, making it perfect for everything from family meals to elegant dinners. Enjoy experimenting with this classic comfort food!
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Crushed crackers
For a more indulgent version, a blend of four cheeses is used, including gruyere, extra sharp white cheddar, sharp cheddar, and cream cheese. The crackers are crushed and mixed with melted butter, and then sprinkled over the macaroni and cheese before baking. This creates a rich and creamy dish with a buttery crispy crust.
Another variation includes adding yellow mustard to the macaroni and cheese, and topping it with crushed Ritz crackers. This adds a simple, creamy, and basic flavor to the dish.
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Bacon, pancetta, or speck
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be adapted to suit many tastes. One way to elevate this classic comfort food is by adding bacon, pancetta, or speck to the recipe. These ingredients can add a rich and crispy texture, as well as a smoky, salty, or earthy flavour.
Bacon is a popular meat product made from pork that can be used in a variety of dishes. When it comes to macaroni and cheese, adding bacon pieces can provide a salty and crispy element to the dish. The bacon can be cooked until crisp and then mixed into the macaroni and cheese, or it can be used as a topping.
Pancetta is a type of Italian cured meat that is similar to bacon. It has a smoky, earthy flavour and is often used in pasta dishes. When adding pancetta to macaroni and cheese, it can be cooked until crisp and then mixed into the dish, or used as a topping. Bon Appétit has a recipe for Mac and Cheese with Pancetta that involves cooking the pancetta in butter until crisp, then adding onion, red pepper, garlic, and butter, before gradually whisking in milk to create a sauce. The sauce is then seasoned and mixed with the pasta before being baked in the oven.
Speck is another type of Italian cured meat that is similar to prosciutto. It is made from pork belly and has a smoky flavour. Speck can be used as a topping for macaroni and cheese, providing a salty and crispy element. It can also be used as a replacement for bacon or pancetta in the dish.
By incorporating bacon, pancetta, or speck, you can take your macaroni and cheese to the next level, creating a heartier and more flavourful dish. These ingredients add a depth of flavour and texture that complements the creamy cheesiness of the macaroni and cheese.
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Vegetables, such as broccoli, butternut squash, or kale
Vegetables are a great way to add some extra nutrition to your macaroni and cheese. Broccoli, butternut squash, and kale are all delicious options that can be added to this comfort food classic.
Broccoli is a popular choice, as it is loaded with Vitamin C and can be easily steamed and spooned on top of the macaroni and cheese. You can also mix cooked, chopped broccoli directly into the macaroni and cheese sauce.
Butternut squash is another tasty option, adding a touch of sweetness and richness to the dish. It can be roasted and added as a topping or mixed into the sauce for a fall-inspired twist on the classic recipe.
Kale, along with other leafy greens such as spinach or Swiss chard, can be chopped and mixed into the macaroni and cheese sauce. This boosts the nutritional content of the dish while also adding some colour and flavour.
Additionally, you can experiment with combinations of these vegetables. For example, you could mix steamed broccoli with roasted butternut squash and sprinkle it on top of your macaroni and cheese, creating a colourful and nutritious finish to your meal.
So, the next time you're craving macaroni and cheese, don't be afraid to add a vegetable twist and enjoy a delicious and slightly healthier version of this classic comfort food.
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Cayenne pepper, paprika, or ground thyme
Cayenne pepper, paprika, and ground thyme are all popular spices to add to macaroni and cheese. When making macaroni and cheese, it is important to avoid undersalting the dish, as ample salt enhances the flavour. Playing with different ground spices such as cayenne pepper, paprika, and ground thyme can also enhance the flavour of the dish.
Paprika is a popular spice to include in macaroni and cheese. Smoked paprika lends a smoky note to the dish, and can be added to the roux, or butter and flour mixture, that forms the base of the sauce. Alternatively, regular paprika can be used to add a subtle peppery flavour.
Cayenne pepper can also be added to macaroni and cheese for a spicy kick. When using cayenne pepper, it is important to taste the dish as you go to ensure that the spice level is to your preference.
Ground thyme can add an earthy, slightly citrusy flavour to macaroni and cheese. When using ground thyme, it is important to use a light hand, as too much can overpower the other flavours in the dish.
In addition to spices, other popular toppings for macaroni and cheese include breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, and additional cheese. These toppings provide texture and flavour, and can take the dish to the next level.
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Frequently asked questions
Some topping options for macaroni and cheese include breadcrumbs, Parmesan, crushed crackers, bacon bits, pumpkin seeds, and extra cheese.
Yes, you can use any type of cheese for the topping. Popular options include cheddar, mozzarella, American cheese, and Parmesan.
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on personal preference. However, a general rule of thumb is to use enough cheese to cover the top layer of the macaroni and cheese.
If you are baking your macaroni and cheese, add the topping before placing it in the oven. If you are not baking it, you can add the topping just before serving.
