Kamil Perry
Macaroni and cheese is a beloved dish that has sparked curiosity about what type of mac and cheese one might be. With the growing popularity of boxed mac and cheese, people are intrigued to find out which variety matches their personality. This has led to the creation of quizzes that claim to reveal one's mac and cheese type based on their preferences and choices. The concept has gained attention from various sources, including BuzzFeed and Quizly, inviting individuals to embark on a journey of self-discovery through the lens of this comforting dish.
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What You'll Learn
History of macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese, also known as 'mac and cheese' or 'macaroni cheese', is believed to have originated in Britain and can be traced back to the 14th century. The earliest recorded recipe for a dish resembling mac and cheese can be found in Britain's earliest cookbook, the 1390s 'Forme of Cury', which includes a recipe for pasta made from breadcrumbs cooked in a velouté sauce and topped with a hard cheese similar in taste to brie.
Over the centuries, various recipes for mac and cheese have appeared in cookbooks across Europe and North America. For example, in 1769, a recipe for macaroni and cheese was included in Elizabeth Raffald's book, 'The Experienced English Housekeeper'. Raffald's recipe involves making a Béchamel sauce with cheddar cheese (a Mornay sauce in French cooking), mixing it with macaroni, sprinkling it with Parmesan, and baking it until golden. Another early recipe for mac and cheese can be found in Eliza Acton's 1845 'Modern Cookery in All Its Branches', which includes a dish called "Macaroni a la Reine", made with white cheese, cream, salt, Cayenne pepper, mace, and butter.
In the United States, mac and cheese is often associated with Thomas Jefferson, who is said to have brought the recipe back to America after visiting France. Jefferson is known to have served macaroni and cheese at a state dinner in 1802, and the dish was included in Mary Randolph's influential 1824 cookbook, 'The Virginia House-Wife', which helped to popularize it in the South.
During the Great Depression of the 1930s, mac and cheese became a staple in American culture due to the availability of low-cost, non-perishable dried pasta and processed cheese. Kraft's boxed macaroni and cheese, introduced in 1937, could feed a family of four for just 19 cents, and the company sold over 8 million boxes in its first year.
Today, mac and cheese remains a popular dish in both the United States and Canada, with various regional variations and adaptations. It is commonly served as a side dish at family gatherings and holiday meals and has become a staple in soul food restaurants and other Southern dining establishments.
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Best boxed macaroni and cheese
When it comes to boxed macaroni and cheese, there are numerous options available, but which ones are worth trying? Well, it seems that Kraft's original boxed macaroni and cheese is the one to beat. It has a smooth and creamy appearance, a perfect sauce-to-pasta ratio, and a tangy and salty flavour. Kraft's Deluxe line is also worth mentioning, as it comes with a pre-mixed cheese sauce that you simply squeeze onto the cooked noodles.
While Kraft may be the classic choice, there are other boxed macaroni and cheeses that are giving it a run for its money. Cracker Barrel's Sharp Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese, for example, has a more sophisticated flavour and appearance, with a sauce that is paler and less artificial-looking. The large, ridged macaroni noodles also do a great job of holding onto the cheesy sauce.
If you're looking for something a little different, Cheetos Flamin' Hot Mac 'N Cheese might be up your alley. It brings the wonderful flavour of the Bold & Cheesy variety but with an extra kick. The stovetop version is said to be incomparable, producing some of the best stovetop mac and cheese possible.
For those who are vegan or watching their cholesterol, Upton's vegan boxed mac and cheese is a great option. It won't leave you feeling gross afterwards, and you can always add your own seasonings to give it a kick.
Lastly, while it didn't rank very highly, Kroger's Rich 'N Creamy Macaroni & Cheese is an option for those on a budget. At just $0.89, it's noticeably creamier and has a better cheesy flavour than some of its lower-ranking competitors.
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How to make macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a pasta dish of macaroni covered in cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce. It is often prepared in a casserole dish and baked in the oven but can also be made in a saucepan on a stovetop.
Ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni
- Butter
- Flour
- Milk (whole milk, half-and-half, or a combination of the two)
- Cheddar cheese
- Paprika (optional)
Steps:
- Cook the macaroni: Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions for al dente, as it will continue to cook in the oven. Drain the macaroni and set aside.
- Make the cheese sauce (roux): In a separate saucepan, melt butter and mix in flour, salt, and pepper to create a roux. Cook the butter and flour together first to prevent lumps and build flavor. Slowly pour in the milk and stir until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and bubbling.
- Add cheese: Remove the sauce from the heat and slowly stir in shredded cheddar cheese until it is fully incorporated and melted.
- Assemble: In a buttered baking dish, layer half of the cooked macaroni, followed by a layer of shredded cheese. Top with the remaining macaroni and finish with another layer of cheese.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the oven and bake at 350°F for 10-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, golden-brown, and bubbling around the edges.
- Serve: Sprinkle paprika over the top for color (optional). Serve hot and enjoy your homemade macaroni and cheese!
Tips:
- For a thicker mac and cheese, use more macaroni or add an extra layer of cheese.
- You can substitute a portion of the cheddar with melting cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina.
- If making the dish in advance, refrigerate and increase the baking time to 20-30 minutes, or until heated through.
- For a simpler stovetop version, mix the cooked macaroni directly into the cheese sauce until coated, and serve without baking.
Enjoy the comfort and warmth of a delicious homemade macaroni and cheese!
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Different types of cheese to use
Macaroni and cheese is a simple dish that can be elevated by using your favourite type of cheese. Here are some popular options:
Cheddar
A popular choice for mac and cheese, cheddar has a robust flavour. However, extra-sharp cheddar is not recommended as it doesn't melt well due to its low moisture content. A combination of sharp white cheddar and white cheddar can be used to amplify the flavour.
Parmesan
Parmesan, or Parmigiano Reggiano, adds a salty depth to the dish. It can be incorporated into the cheese sauce or used as a topping. When selecting Parmesan, look for chunks with a slightly crumbly texture and tiny white crystals, which indicate proper aging and contribute to a complex flavour profile.
Gruyère
This Swiss cheese is famous for its exceptional melting properties and sophisticated flavour profile. When heated, it becomes remarkably creamy without becoming greasy. Its sweet, nutty, and earthy notes are enhanced when combined with white cheddar, a pinch of nutmeg, and Dijon mustard.
American Cheese
American cheese is a good option for creating a smooth and cohesive cheese sauce. It contains additives that prevent the sauce from becoming gritty.
Blue Cheese
Blue cheese adds sharpness and a distinct flavour and aroma to mac and cheese.
Gouda
Smoked gouda adds a creamy element to the dish and is a popular choice.
Brie
Brie has a high-fat content that creates a silky sauce. Its subtle mushroom and butter notes add complexity. The rind can be included for extra flavour.
Other Options
Other cheeses that can be used in mac and cheese include Colby Jack, Havarti, Fontina, Emmentaler, Comte, and cream cheese.
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Vegan macaroni and cheese
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food, and it's even better when it's vegan! This dish is irresistibly cheesy and creamy without a hint of dairy. The secret to its creaminess? Raw cashews!
Here's a recipe for vegan macaroni and cheese that's easy to make and will be ready in less than 20 minutes. First, cook the macaroni pasta (12 oz) in salted water according to the package directions. You can use gluten-free or regular macaroni. In a separate pot, melt some vegan butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in gluten-free flour until it forms a smooth paste. You can use regular all-purpose flour if you're not gluten-free. Slowly stream in vegan milk—unsweetened and plain—and whisk until fully incorporated. Oat milk is a good option for its neutral flavor. Let the mixture simmer for a few minutes until it thickens, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. Then, add in salt, pepper, and vegan cheese. Keep stirring over medium heat until the cheese is fully incorporated and you have a thick, smooth, and cheesy sauce. Finally, add in the cooked pasta and stir until it's fully coated.
For an extra touch, top it off with some toasted breadcrumbs for added texture. Simply melt some more vegan butter and toss it with breadcrumbs of your choice. This vegan mac and cheese can be enjoyed as is or baked for a few minutes until the topping is golden brown and crispy.
If you're feeling adventurous, here are some add-ins to elevate your vegan mac and cheese:
- Thawed frozen green peas
- Roasted Brussels sprouts
- Roasted cauliflower or broccoli
- Roasted asparagus
- Cooked kale
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