Macaroni and cheese, a classic comfort food, is adored by individuals of all ages. Its creamy, cheesy goodness and simple preparation make it a go-to dish for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With various recipes available, finding the perfect one can be overwhelming. To simplify your search, we have compiled a guide to assist you in selecting the best recipe for a super simple macaroni and cheese. We will explore different cooking methods, cheese combinations, and unique ingredient additions to elevate your mac and cheese experience. This comprehensive guide will provide you with all the information you need to prepare a delicious and satisfying macaroni and cheese dish that will become a family favorite.
Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!
SUPER SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
Make and share this Super Simple Macaroni and Cheese recipe from Food.com.
Provided by firefly68
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 1h30m
Yield 8 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 11
Steps:
- Melt butter in largish, heavy-bottomed saucepan over low-medium heat.
- Add flour, stirring with whisk or spatula until it bubbles; cook, stirring constantly, 1 minute.
- Do NOT let it brown. [If it browns, save it for brown gravy and start again.].
- Remove from heat and mix in mustard, pepper, cayenne, and Worcestershire; blend well, then add milk APPROXIMATELY ONE TABLESPOON AT A TIME until it is soupy or gloppy. This method prevents lumps.
- Return to medium heat and gradually add the rest of the milk, and the salt.
- Stir or whisk constantly until it comes to a boil (a wooden spatula is a handy tool for this); simmer one minute, always stirring.
- Remove from heat and add cheese; stir occasionally until all lumps of cheese disappear.
- This takes 5-10 minutes, but you can return it to very low heat if necessary.
- Note: Removing it from the heat is not absolutely necessary with Velveeta; but with natural cheese, it is best to melt it this way to avoid clumping and stringiness. Natural cheese will blend much better if it melts into the sauce off the heat, something about how the protein reacts to heat.
- Meanwhile, slightly undercook cook elbows in salted water in large pot and drain and return to large pot.
- Add sauce and mix gently with a lifting motion so the pasta isn't smashed.
- Place in buttered or Pammed casserole dish; I like to use an 11x15 so I get lots of surface area for the crust, but if you don't like crusty mac&cheese use a smaller, deeper pan.
- [At this point, or after mixing in large pot, you can refrigerate it for a couple of days if desired. Let it return to room temp or cook longer. You can also freeze, thaw, and spread in pan.] Top with bread crumbs if desired.
- Bake at 350F for 1 hour or until it's bubbling well and top is browned the way you like it. Mmmm.
SUPER SIMPLE AND DELICIOUS BAKED MACARONI & CHEESE
This macaroni & cheese dish was a hit at Thanksgiving and Christmas. It is so simple to make and can be made in big batches for a big group. Once you try it, this recipe will become a family favorite!
Provided by Miranda Roderick
Categories Pasta Sides
Time 1h20m
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- 2. Grease a 13x9 baking sheet.
- 3. Mix together all of the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- 4. Pour mixture into grease baking pan and cover with foil.
- 5. Bake for 30 minutes. Uncover, stir, and bake for approximately 30 minutes more or until pasta is fully cooked.
- 6. Let cool for 5-10 minutes and enjoy! Told you it was simple :-)
Tips:
- Use high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. Look for a sharp cheddar cheese that melts well and a creamy milk or cream.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package directions. Al dente pasta is best for macaroni and cheese, as it will hold its shape and not become mushy.
- Make a roux to thicken the cheese sauce. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is cooked until it is smooth and bubbly. This will help to thicken the cheese sauce and prevent it from becoming watery.
- Add the cheese to the sauce gradually, stirring constantly. This will help to prevent the cheese from curdling.
- Season the macaroni and cheese to taste. Salt, pepper, and garlic powder are all good options.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese before baking. This will give it a golden brown crust.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender macaroni, it's the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Whether you like it simple or loaded with toppings, there's a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for everyone. So next time you're looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give macaroni and cheese a try!
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 »
#time-to-make #course #main-ingredient #preparation #occasion #main-dish #side-dishes #eggs-dairy #pasta #oven #easy #dinner-party #kid-friendly #cheese #dietary #one-dish-meal #oamc-freezer-make-ahead #egg-free #free-of-something #pasta-rice-and-grains #elbow-macaroni #equipment #number-of-servings #4-hours-or-less
You'll also love