Have you ever had a craving for a macaroni and cheese dish that transports you to a momentary bliss? If so, you’re in the right place. This article is a culinary voyage dedicated to finding the perfect recipe for a macaroni and cheese dish worthy of a standing ovation. From velvety cheese sauces to perfectly cooked macaroni, we will explore the secrets behind crafting the ultimate macaroni and cheese experience. Get ready to embark on a journey where every bite is a symphony of flavors and textures, leaving you with a dish that will forever hold a special place in your culinary memories.
Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!
"TO DIE FOR" BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
I got this recipe from my friend, JoAnne. It is the BEST macaroni and cheese dish I have ever eaten and is pretty simple to make. Try it at your next pot luck. I guarantee people will be asking you for the recipe... I did step by step instructions & photos on my blog for anyone wanting additional help: http://familyfrugalitynfood.blogspot.com/2010/01/place-holder-making-mac-n-cheese-from.html
Provided by Awayfrmitall
Categories Macaroni And Cheese
Time 1h15m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Start by cooking 1 pound of elbow macaroni until "el dente", drain & set aside.
- Cut the crust off of white bread (set crusts aside for later) and line a very large baking dish with them. (I ended up needing one large 9x13 pan and another 8x8 pan to fit it all).
- Melt 8 Tablespoons of butter in Microwave then brush all over the bread. (YES this is one entire cube of butter.).
- Take the crusts & spread on a cookie sheet & put into a 200 degree oven until nice & dry. I deviated from JoAnne's recipe here and sprinked the crusts with a bit of Garlic Powder.
- Put 5 1/2 cups of WHOLE milk into your pot and don't try to make it with skim milk. You just got done brushing all the bread with one cube of butter. Don't you think skim milk is pointless by now? (Also, make the pot a large one).
- On a lower heat setting warm the milk a bit then slowly add 1/2 cup flour as you whisk to prevent lumping (you can also use another thickening agent like corn starch etc).
- Add 1/4 tsp White Pepper (you can use regular black pepper if you don't have white), 1/4 tsp Cayanne Pepper & 1/4 tsp Nutmeg.
- To the milk, flour, spice mixture you add 4 1/2 cups of White Cheddar (I used Tilamook Vintage White). Now I didn't want to shred it all so here was my conversion -- 8 oz to a cup -- so basically I just cubed up an entire two pound block of it and put it into the pot. I could be totally off but it turned out great anyway.
- Add 1 cup Swiss & 1 Cup Romano.
- Keep stirring over low to medium heat until the cheese is melted & everything is mixed creamy together.
- When it's all mixed and creamy mix in your elbow macaroni.
- Pour the mixture into the white bread lined baking dish (or dishes).
- Crumble up your dried out bread crusts to make coarse bread crumbs.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the macaroni mixture.
- Put pans into a 350 degree oven for 30 to 45 minutes until bubbly & browned on top.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 647.9, Fat 36.5, SaturatedFat 22.5, Cholesterol 111.5, Sodium 755.1, Carbohydrate 48, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 7.9, Protein 31.1
STAR JONE'S FAMOUS TO DIE FOR MAC AND CHEESE
This is the best mac and cheese I have ever eaten and fattening and scrumptious. So forget about the calories and sink your fork into this fabulicious comfort for the soul dish! Star Jone's "All Star Macaroni and Cheese! Serves 8.
Provided by HotPepperRosemaryJe
Categories Cheese
Time 40m
Yield 1 large casserole, 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Directions:.
- Pre-heat oven to 350°.
- Pour milk and butter into a medium sauce pan and heat over a low flame. Slowly add each kind of cheese (except 1 oz of Sharp Cheddar and a ½ oz of Blue Cheese) and allow it to melt. Be sure to cook over a low flame and stir constantly to prevent clumping and sticking.
- While the cheese is melting, in a separate pot, cook the macaroni according to the directions (do not overcook) with a dash of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
- Drain macaroni and pour ½ into a large baking or casserole dish. Add salt and pepper to taste then slowly add half of the cheese/milk mixture and stir together thoroughly. Pour remaining macaroni and cheese/milk mixture into the a 2 quart baking dish and stir well.
- Sprinkle remaining Sharp Cheddar and Blue Cheese on top of the macaroni and place in the oven. Bake until a light golden brown (approximately 20 - 30 minutes). Let stand a half hour and serve.
- You have just died and gone to heaven!
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese. This is the most important ingredient in macaroni and cheese, so don't skimp. A good cheddar cheese will give you the best flavor.
- Use a variety of cheeses. Don't just use one type of cheese. Using a blend of cheeses will give you a more complex and flavorful macaroni and cheese.
- Use a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. This will help to keep your macaroni and cheese from being too runny.
- Add some extras. Feel free to add other ingredients to your macaroni and cheese, such as bacon, diced tomatoes, or cooked vegetables.
- Don't overcook the macaroni. The macaroni should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. If you overcook it, it will become mushy.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. With so many different recipes to choose from, there's sure to be a macaroni and cheese recipe that everyone will love. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give one of these macaroni and cheese recipes a try. You won't be disappointed.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love