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How to make... Mac & Cheese x 3 Ways!

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Donal Skehan
Donal Skehan
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3 recipes

Macaroni and cheese, often simply called mac n cheese, is a beloved comfort food in the United States, with roots tracing back to 18th-century recipes from Europe. Traditionally made with pasta and a creamy cheese sauce, it has become a staple in American households, often served as a side dish or main course. Today, variations abound, including gourmet versions with different cheeses and toppings, but the classic remains a favorite for its simplicity and rich, cheesy flavor.

Ingredients

  • macaroni
  • cheddar cheese
  • milk
  • butter
  • flour
  • bread crumbs
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • mustard powder
  • paprika
  • onion powder
  • garlic powder

Instructions

  1. 1Cook macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
  2. 2Drain the macaroni and set aside.
  3. 3In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until foamy.
  4. 4Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  5. 5Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until smooth and thickened, about 5 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in cheddar cheese until melted and creamy.
  7. 7Season with salt, black pepper, mustard powder, paprika, and onion powder.
  8. 8Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
  9. 9Pour mixture into a greased baking dish.
  10. 10Sprinkle bread crumbs evenly on top.
  11. 11Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F until golden and bubbly, about 20-25 minutes.
  12. 12Let cool for a few minutes before serving.

Ingredient Alternatives

cheddar cheese

Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

milk

Healthier: almond milk

Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while evaporated milk is often cheaper.

butter

Healthier: olive oil

Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often less expensive.

bread crumbs

Healthier: panko

Cheaper: crushed crackers

Panko adds crunch, while crushed crackers are often cheaper.

Techniques

boilingbaking

Equipment

large potsaucepanwhiskbaking dishcolander
🌶️🌶️🌶️Lowdairygluten

Also Known As

Macaroni and CheeseMacaroni Cheese

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 1 cup chorizo, diced
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 cup onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chorizo and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  3. 3Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. 4Sprinkle the flour over the chorizo mixture and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes to remove the raw flour taste.
  5. 5Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
  6. 6Stir in the smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
  7. 7Remove the skillet from heat and add the cheddar and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until melted and smooth.
  8. 8Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix well to combine.
  9. 9Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
  10. 10Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish. Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
  11. 11Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.

Equipment

large potskilletwhiskbaking dishcolander
🌶️🌶️🌶️Low

Ingredients

  • 8 oz elbow macaroni
  • 4 slices bacon
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup milk
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder

Instructions

  1. 1Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. 2In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove the bacon, crumble it, and set aside, leaving the bacon grease in the skillet.
  3. 3In the same skillet, add the milk and heavy cream, and heat over medium heat until warm.
  4. 4Stir in the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese, mixing until melted and smooth.
  5. 5Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring to combine.
  6. 6Add the crumbled bacon, chopped basil, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well.
  7. 7Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
  8. 8Serve hot, garnished with extra basil if desired.

Equipment

large potskilletcolanderspatulameasuring cupsmeasuring spoons

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