Frederic Melton
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish that can be made in a variety of ways to suit different tastes and dietary preferences. Whether you're looking for a simple, cheap, and tasty weeknight meal or a more indulgent and decadent option for a special occasion, there's a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for you. This comforting dish can be made on the stovetop, baked in the oven, or even zapped in the microwave, and it can be customised with different cheeses, toppings, and mix-ins to create a heartier main course.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Type of Dish | Side dish, Main course |
| Texture | Creamy, Crispy, Crunchy, Smooth, Velvety, Rich, Bubbly |
| Taste | Cheesy, Tangy, Spicy, Savory, Sweet |
| Ingredients | Macaroni, Cheese, Butter, Whole milk, Egg, Dry mustard, Bread crumbs, Parmesan, Olive oil, Bread, Bacon, Chicken, Peas, Ham, Green onions, Ground beef, Bell pepper, Tomatoes, Corn, Andouille sausage, Cajun seasonings, Broccoli, Beans, Butternut squash |
| Recipe | Boil macaroni, Drain, Stir into cheese sauce, Bake, Refrigerate, Reheat |
| Time | 4 minutes, 8 minutes, 15 minutes, 20 minutes, 25 minutes |
| Temperature | 350 degrees F (177 degrees C), 200C/180C fan/gas 6 |
| Variations | Stovetop, Oven-baked, Microwave, Multicooker, Slow cooker, One-pot, Vegan, Broccoli Caesar salad, Butternut squash mac & cheese, Queso mac & cheese |
Explore related products
$3.12
What You'll Learn
Macaroni and cheese recipes
Macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be made in a variety of ways, from stovetop to oven-baked and even microwave versions. Here are some mouth-watering recipes to try:
Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese
This recipe is all about a creamy cheese sauce and a crunchy topping. Start by making a roux and creating a creamy béchamel sauce. You can use a blend of cheeses such as cheddar, American, or cream cheese. For an extra creamy texture, add an egg to the sauce. To assemble, stir cooked macaroni into the sauce until coated, then pour it into a baking dish. For the topping, combine breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Sprinkle this mixture on top of the macaroni and cheese, and bake until golden and bubbling.
Three-Cheese Baked Macaroni
This decadent version uses three kinds of cheese, such as cheddar, American, and cream cheese. It's baked like a casserole, resulting in a crispy, golden top. To make it even richer, add an egg to the mixture, creating a custard-like texture. Simply combine the cheeses, egg, and cooked macaroni, then bake until golden.
Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese
This quick and easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights. Boil elbow macaroni until al dente, about 8 minutes. For the sauce, melt butter in a saucepan and add milk, stirring continuously. Add shredded cheddar cheese gradually, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with dry mustard for a tangy bite. Finally, stir the cooked macaroni into the sauce until coated. For a thicker consistency, use more macaroni or add extra cheese.
Butternut Squash Macaroni and Cheese
For a fall-inspired twist, add butternut squash to your macaroni and cheese. This recipe starts by creating a creamy queso sauce using the pasta water. Simply cook the macaroni, then use the same pot to make the sauce. The butternut squash adds sweetness and richness to the dish. Finish it off with a breadcrumb topping for a crunchy texture.
Taco Cheeseburger Macaroni
A fun and easy twist on the classic, this recipe uses cheddar cheese soup as the base. Simply prepare a box of macaroni and cheese dinner, and add taco spices to taste. For a heartier meal, you can include ground beef, bell peppers, tomatoes, and corn. This dish is sure to be a hit with the entire family.
Chick-fil-A's Mac and Cheese: A Universal Menu Item?
You may want to see also
Stovetop mac and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish worldwide, and for good reason! It's a simple, tasty, and comforting meal that can be made on a stovetop in just 15 to 30 minutes. Here's a step-by-step guide to making stovetop mac and cheese:
Ingredients:
- Macaroni
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk (preferably whole milk)
- Cheese (a block of cheese, shredded yourself, is best)
- Seasonings (salt, garlic powder, mustard powder, hot sauce, etc.)
- Optional add-ins: meat (chicken, ham, bacon, sausage, etc.), vegetables (onions, peas, mushrooms, broccoli, etc.), or extra spices
Instructions:
- Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain the water and set the macaroni aside.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes, stirring continuously.
- Slowly add milk, stirring continuously. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Add seasonings and hot sauce, if using.
- Reduce the heat to low and gradually add shredded cheese, stirring continuously until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce, stirring until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while hot.
Tips and Variations:
- For a thicker sauce, add more cheese or reduce the amount of milk.
- For a thinner sauce, add more milk.
- Use a variety of cheeses for a more complex flavour. Sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, Colby, Smoked Gouda, Gruyere, and Mozzarella are all great options.
- Add an egg to the sauce for an even richer, smoother texture.
- To avoid a grainy sauce, freshly grate the cheese, add it gradually, and stir continuously over low heat.
- For a bubbly, baked version, transfer the stovetop mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 350°F for about 15-20 minutes, or until golden.
Mac and Cheese: Wheat-Based Comfort Food
You may want to see also
Baked mac and cheese
Ingredients
The main ingredients are pasta, cheese, butter, and milk. For the pasta, elbow macaroni is a popular choice, but any tubular pasta will work. It's important not to overcook the pasta as it will continue to cook in the oven; boil for 2-5 minutes less than the packet instructions for al dente.
For the cheese, you can use a combination of cheeses. Cheddar is a popular choice, and medium cheddar is recommended as it has more moisture and melts more easily. Other options include Gruyere, Jarlsberg Swiss cheese, mozzarella, jack cheese, pepper jack, smoked gouda, American, and gouda. You can also add Parmesan to the topping. The cheese should be freshly grated for the best results.
Cheese Sauce
The cheese sauce is made by creating a roux, which is a mixture of equal parts butter and flour cooked together to thicken the sauce. Whisk the roux until bubbly and golden, then whisk in cold milk to prevent the flour from clumping. Cook until the sauce boils and thickens, then remove from the heat and whisk in the shredded cheese.
Assembly
Grease a baking dish with butter. The amount of pasta and cheese you use will depend on your preference and the size of your dish, but a general guide is to use half of the cooked pasta, top with shredded cheese, then add the remaining pasta and more cheese.
Toppings
You can simply top the mac and cheese with more shredded cheese, or you can create a crunchy topping by mixing panko crumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, and paprika. You could also use crushed Ritz crackers with butter, or a simple breadcrumb topping.
Baking
Bake at 350°F for 25-35 minutes, until hot, bubbly, and golden brown. If you have prepared the dish ahead of time and refrigerated it, bake for 20-30 minutes.
Tips and Tricks
- To prevent the mac and cheese from drying out, toss the cooked pasta in butter before adding the sauce.
- Add more sauce than you think you need to prevent the pasta from becoming dry.
- If you like a spicy kick, add some hot chile or chipotle chile with adobo sauce, and top with crumbled tortilla chips instead of breadcrumbs.
- For added protein, mix in shredded chicken, bacon, or hot dogs.
- For some extra vegetables, add sautéed onion and bell peppers.
Macaroni, Cheese, and Chicken: A Tasty Trio
You may want to see also
Explore related products
Toppings for mac and cheese
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be topped with a variety of ingredients to elevate the flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for toppings to take your mac and cheese to the next level:
Crunchy Toppings
For a crunchy contrast to the rich, creamy macaroni, consider adding a crispy topping or crust. This can be achieved by using breadcrumbs, which is a classic mac and cheese topping. Buttery toasted breadcrumbs are a popular choice, and you can use Japanese panko crumbs for extra crunch and texture. Seasoned breadcrumbs are also an option, and you can easily make your own by using stale bread and adding your desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, Parmesan, or cayenne for a spicy kick.
Other crunchy toppings include crushed cheese sticks, crisps, or crackers. Potato chips, cheese crisps, or crackers can be crushed and sprinkled on top for added texture and flavour. Oyster crackers and saltines are a classic choice for Southern macaroni and cheese recipes.
Meaty Toppings
Adding meat to your mac and cheese can transform it into a hearty and savoury dish. Bacon is a popular choice, and it can be cooked separately and then crumbled or chopped into bits to add a crunchy texture. You can also incorporate the bacon flavour throughout by using the bacon grease as the fat in your roux or bechamel sauce.
Other meat options include meatballs, which can be baked and slathered in barbecue sauce for a tasty treat. Pulled pork, shredded rotisserie chicken, fried chicken, and diced ham are also excellent additions to your mac and cheese. For a more gourmet option, consider adding lobster or crawfish to your dish.
Veggie Toppings
Vegetables can add a nutritious and flavourful boost to your mac and cheese. Roasted Brussels sprouts pair well with the creamy cheese sauce, and bean sprouts are a superfood option that can be blended into the sauce for added nutrition. Tomatoes are a sweet and tasty addition, and they go well with the creaminess of the cheese.
Mushrooms are another vegetable that blends seamlessly into the rich cheese sauce. Sautéed mushrooms can be a delicious and healthy topping. Onions are also a popular choice, and they can be fried, caramelized, or thinly sliced to add a crunchy texture and a subtle oniony flavour to your mac and cheese.
Cheesy Toppings
For the ultimate cheese lover's experience, extra cheese can be added as a topping to take your mac and cheese to the next level. Shredded Parmesan, blue cheese crumbles, feta cheese, and Monterey Jack are just a few options for adding a cheesy twist. You can also create a crunchy cheese topping by using crushed cheese sticks or crisps.
A combination of shredded cheeses, such as mozzarella and Gruyere, can be sprinkled on top for a gooey and decadent finish. For a spicy kick, you can add shredded pepper jack cheese to your mac and cheese.
These are just a few ideas to get you started, but the possibilities for toppings are endless! Get creative and experiment with different combinations to find your favourite way to elevate your mac and cheese.
The Origin Story of Mac and Cheese
You may want to see also
Mac and cheese with meat
Mac and cheese is a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a main course. Here are some ideas for adding meat to your mac and cheese to make it a hearty and satisfying meal:
Cheesy Beefy Mac and Cheese
This is a simple and comforting one-skillet meal where you cook ground beef and onions in a large pan, then add cooked elbow macaroni, tomato sauce, sour cream, garlic, parsley, seasonings, and shredded cheddar cheese. You can also experiment with this flexible recipe by adding chili powder, ground turkey or chicken, shallots, cumin, or curry powder.
Taco Cheeseburger Macaroni
A fun twist on the classic, this version uses cheddar cheese soup as the creamy base and adds taco spices. It's super easy to make and perfect for a busy family dinner.
Steak and Cheddar Mac and Cheese
For a more sophisticated option, try adding steak to your mac and cheese. Simply cook the pasta, stir it into a cheese sauce, and add the steak. You can also stir in some extra water or broth to adjust the consistency, and season with salt and pepper. For an extra indulgent touch, drizzle truffle oil over the dish and serve it with a glass of red wine.
BBQ Chicken or Pork Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic side dish for BBQ meats. Try pairing it with BBQ chicken or pork, or go for fried chicken or grilled chicken. You can also mix things up by adding some BBQ sauce to your mac and cheese.
Chili Mac
For a hearty and spicy option, mix your mac and cheese with chili. This combination can be absolutely delicious if made well, but it's important to start with a good chili as the base.
Mac and Cheese: The Ultimate Vegetable?
You may want to see also
Frequently asked questions
Some good side dishes to serve with macaroni and cheese include a green salad, roasted vegetables, carrot sticks, or a protein like BBQ ribs or fried chicken.
A mix of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan creates a rich and flavorful macaroni and cheese. However, you can use any type of cheese you like!
To make a creamy sauce for macaroni and cheese, start by melting butter in a saucepan. Then, sprinkle in flour and cook until slightly golden. Next, pour in milk and whisk until combined. Finally, add your cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Yes, you can make macaroni and cheese up until the final baking step, then cover and refrigerate or freeze. When ready to serve, add your topping and bake as usual.
Some fun twists on classic macaroni and cheese include adding taco spices, ham and green onions, or ground beef, bell pepper, tomatoes, and corn for a Tex-Mex flavor. You can also add bacon, pine nuts, or even make it vegan with a golden crunch crumb topping.
