**Macaroni and Cheese: A Classic Comfort Food with a Twist**
Macaroni and cheese, a timeless classic loved by people of all ages, is a dish that brings comfort and nostalgia to the table. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a main course, a side dish, or even as a snack. With its creamy, cheesy sauce and tender macaroni, it's no wonder why it's a favorite among both kids and adults.
Whether you're looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a special dish to impress your guests, macaroni and cheese is always a great choice. And with so many variations and recipes to choose from, you're sure to find one that suits your taste.
This article offers a collection of macaroni and cheese recipes, each with its own unique twist. From the classic Betty Crocker recipe to a healthier baked version and even a gourmet lobster macaroni and cheese, there's something for everyone.
So gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to indulge in a cheesy, delicious macaroni and cheese experience.
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Nothing's as comforting as tender pasta topped with creamy cheese!
Provided by By Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Entree
Time 50m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350°F. Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- While pasta is cooking, in 3-quart saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, seasoned salt, mustard, pepper and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constantly. Boil and stir 1 minute; remove from heat. Using wire whisk, stir in cheese until melted.
- Gently stir pasta into cheese sauce. Spoon into 4 ungreased 8-oz ramekins/gratin dishes or 10-oz custard cups. Place filled cups in shallow baking pan (or cookie sheet with sides).
- Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 630, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 100 mg, Fat 2 1/2, Fiber 2 g, Protein 27 g, SaturatedFat 21 g, ServingSize 1 Serving, Sodium 850 mg, Sugar 8 g, TransFat 1 g
MACARONI AND CHEESE (BETTY CROCKER)
This recipe is from one of the first cookbooks given to me as a young child (back in the 70's). I have come across many recipes but keep coming back to his classic.
Provided by Tee Angel
Categories Cheese
Time 55m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Preheat oven at 350°F.
- Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain.
- For cheese sauce, in a saucepan melt butter. Cook onion in butter till tender but not brown.
- Stir in the flour, salt, and pepper.
- Add milk all at once; cook and stir till thickened and bubbly.
- Cook and stir 1 to 2 minutes more.
- Add cubed cheese; stir till melted.
- Stir macaroni into cheese cause. Turn into a 1 1/2 quart casserole. Arrange tomato slices atop macaroni; sprinkle with a little salt. Bake in a 350°F oven 30 to 45 minutes or until heated through.
EASY MACARONI AND CHEESE
Two steps and 20 minutes is all you need to make this cheesy pasta side dish.
Provided by Betty Crocker Kitchens
Categories Side Dish
Time 20m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Cook and drain pasta as directed on package.
- In 2-quart saucepan, stir remaining ingredients into pasta. Cook over low heat about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted and sauce is desired consistency.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 435, Carbohydrate 54 g, Cholesterol 50 mg, Fiber 2 g, Protein 21 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, ServingSize 1 serving, Sodium 590 mg
BETTY CROCKER'S TRADITIONAL MAC & CHEESE
From bettycrocker.com, this is the one I have always used. I usually sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and use more than one kind of cheese.
Provided by Serah B.
Categories Cheese
Time 40m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350ºF.
- Cook macaroni as directed on package.
- While macaroni is cooking, melt butter in 3-quart saucepan over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, mustard and Worcestershire sauce. Cook over medium low heat, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and bubbly; remove from heat. Stir in milk. Heat to boiling, stirring constanly. Boil and stir 1 minute. Stir in cheese. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cheese is melted.
- Drain macaroni. Gently stir macaroni into cheese sauce. Pour into ungreased 2-quart casserole. Bake uncovered 20 to 25 minutes or until bubbly.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 421.3, Fat 23.7, SaturatedFat 14.8, Cholesterol 71.3, Sodium 539.6, Carbohydrate 34.5, Fiber 1.3, Sugar 1.2, Protein 17.3
Tips:
- Use a good quality cheese: The type of cheese you use will greatly affect the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or try a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor.
- Cook the macaroni al dente: Macaroni that is cooked too soft will become mushy in the sauce. Cook it al dente, so that it still has a slight bite to it.
- Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken sauces. Making a roux will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Use milk and cream: Milk and cream add richness and flavor to the sauce. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even evaporated milk. If you use evaporated milk, be sure to thin it with water.
- Season the sauce: Don't forget to season the sauce with salt, pepper, and other spices. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little bit of heat.
- Top with breadcrumbs: A topping of breadcrumbs adds a nice crunchy texture to macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs, or you can add some grated Parmesan cheese or herbs.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni and cheese that you have ever tasted.
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