Best 2 Megs Magnificent Mac And Cheese Recipes

"Megs Magnificent Mac and Cheese" is not just another mac and cheese recipe; it's a culinary adventure that's sure to leave your taste buds dancing and craving more. Get ready to embark on a journey of rich flavors, gooey textures, and ultimate comfort food satisfaction, as we explore the world of this extraordinary macaroni and cheese recipe. With just a few simple ingredients and a touch of creativity, you can transform a classic dish into a masterpiece that will become a staple in your kitchen. Let's dive into the realm of "Megs Magnificent Mac and Cheese" and discover why it deserves a prominent place on your culinary exploration list.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MAC AND CHEESE

Mac and Cheese image

Raise the volume with Ina Garten's creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, made with Gruyï¿½re, fresh tomatoes and nutmeg for warmth, from Food Network's Barefoot Contessa.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories side-dish

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Ingredients

Kosher salt
Vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 quart milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small)
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.
Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

MAGNIFICENT MACARONI AND CHEESE

Magnificent Macaroni and Cheese image

Another composite recipe sewn together of recipes from my grandmother, mother, celebrity chefs, dear friends, and random dips into the online well. Finally years of baked failures and "pretty good" recipes has come together into a Cheesy Mac that can only be described as "Magnificent."

Provided by PeteVenk

Categories One Dish Meal

Time 1h

Yield 1 casserole, 10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

Ingredients

1/2 lb elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 egg
2 1/2 cups 1% low-fat milk
1/2 cup half-and-half
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon mustard powder
1 medium onion
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt
12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
3 tablespoons butter (for topping)
1 cup breadcrumbs (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (for topping)
1/2 teaspoon paprika (for topping)

Steps:

Cook pasta, slightly tougher than al dente, remove from pot, set aside.
Preheat oven to 325.
Melt butter.
Combine butter, flour, and mustard. Whisk to incorporate into butter over medium low heat. Be careful not to brown the flour and whisk enough to eliminate lumps.
Add milk, half and half, paprika, onion, salt, and bay leaf.
Bring just to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Simmer approximately 8 minutes.
Remove bay leaf.
Temper the egg (http://www.ehow.com/how_4731920_temper-an-egg.html).
Incorporate cheese, one third at a time, ensuring it is all melted before adding the next wave. Reserve about 2 cups for on top.
Carefully fold in macaroni.
Move to casserole.
Top with remaining cheese.
Combine dry topping ingredients.
Melt butter in small skillet.
Toss dry mixture in skillet until coated.
Top casserole with topping.
Bake 45 minutes.
Allow to rest for ten minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 395.6, Fat 22.2, SaturatedFat 12.6, Cholesterol 79.7, Sodium 604.5, Carbohydrate 32.4, Fiber 1.7, Sugar 5.1, Protein 16.7

Tips:

For a creamy and smooth macaroni and cheese, use a high-quality cheddar cheese that melts well.
Use a variety of cheeses to create a more complex flavor. Try using a combination of sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, and Parmesan cheese.
Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be cooked al dente, so that it still has a slight bite to it.
Make sure to add enough milk or cream to the cheese sauce. The sauce should be thick and creamy, but not too runny.
Season the macaroni and cheese to taste with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
Top the macaroni and cheese with bread crumbs or crushed crackers before baking it. This will give the dish a golden brown crust.
Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately, while it is still hot and bubbly.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a versatile dish that can be easily customized to suit your own tastes. Whether you like it simple or cheesy, baked or fried, there is a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give macaroni and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!