**Macaroni and cheese**, also known as mac and cheese, is a classic comfort food dish made with macaroni pasta, a cheese sauce, and often other ingredients such as bread crumbs, bacon, or vegetables. It is a popular dish in many countries and is often served as a main course or side dish. There are many different variations of mac and cheese, but the basic recipe typically involves boiling the macaroni, making a cheese sauce, and then combining the two. The cheese sauce is usually made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, and it can be seasoned with various herbs and spices. Mac and cheese can be baked in the oven, cooked on the stovetop, or even made in a slow cooker. It is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
This article includes several different recipes for mac and cheese, each with its own unique flavor and ingredients. The first recipe is for a classic mac and cheese made with cheddar cheese, butter, flour, and milk. The second recipe is for a more decadent mac and cheese made with Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses, as well as heavy cream and white wine. The third recipe is for a vegetarian mac and cheese made with roasted butternut squash, goat cheese, and a creamy sauce made with almond milk. The fourth recipe is for a spicy mac and cheese made with jalapeños, pepper Jack cheese, and a smoky chipotle sauce. Finally, the fifth recipe is for a kid-friendly mac and cheese made with mild cheddar cheese, whole wheat pasta, and a creamy sauce made with evaporated milk.
LOBSTER MAC & CHEESE
Using lobster and crab makes this macaroni cheese really special - perfect for an indulgent weekend meal. Top with garlic breadcrumbs for a crispy finish
Provided by Elena Silcock
Categories Dinner, Main course, Supper
Time 1h10m
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Take the lobster and twist the claws off, then use a rolling pin to crack the claws and pick the meat out. Peel the tail, exposing and removing the fleshy meat. Roughly chop all of the meat, then cover and set aside in a bowl in the fridge. Bash all the pieces of shell with the rolling pin to break them up a bit.
- Heat the oil in large frying pan over a high heat, add the onion and a large pinch of salt and cook for around five minutes until softened and well coloured, then add the lobster shell and fry for a couple of minutes more. Add the cayenne pepper and tomato purée and stir to coat everything, the turn the heat down to medium and add the milk. Stir well, then remove from the heat when it is just coming to a simmer and set aside for 30 mins to infuse. Meanwhile, mix the garlic, olive oil and lemon zest together with some seasoning to make the breadcrumb topping, then set aside. Strain the milk mixture into a jug and discard the shell.
- Heat oven to 180C/160C fan/gas 4. Boil the macaroni in salted water until it has a slight bite (around two minutes less than on the packet instructions), drain and set aside. Melt the butter in a large frying pan over a medium heat until foaming, then add the wine and cook for 5 minutes until the wine has reduced by half, then whisk in the flour to make a sandy paste. Turn down the heat and pour the strained milk into the pan a little at a time, whisking constantly and allowing each addition of milk to be fully absorbed before adding any more.
- Add the chopped lobster meat, mustard, crab and cheese. Stir well until the cheese has melted, then season to taste. Tip in the macaroni and stir to coat everything in the sauce. Tip into an ovenproof baking dish (or six small ones) and top with a sprinkling of grated cheese and the garlic breadcrumbs. Bake for 20 mins until golden and bubbling, then allow to cool a little before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 731 calories, Fat 32 grams fat, SaturatedFat 15 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 71 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 12 grams sugar, Fiber 4 grams fiber, Protein 34 grams protein, Sodium 1.5 milligram of sodium
WILSON'S OWN MAC N' CHEESE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
- Bring water, salt, and oil to boil over high heat Add pasta, bring back to a boil and cook until al dente, 8 to 9 minutes. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a large bowl, mix together eggs, evaporated milk, melted butter and salt and pepper, to taste. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese and add the pasta. Spray an 8 by 8-inch baking pan with nonstick spray and add the pasta mixture. Top with remaining cheese and dust with paprika.
- Bake until the cheese is golden and bubbly, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.
TOMATO MAC 'N' CHEESE
White cheddar cheese and tomatoes add a new dimension to macaroni and cheese.
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 30m
Yield 6 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour until smooth; gradually add the milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. , Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the cheese, salt, mustard and pepper. Cook and stir until cheese is melted. Drain pasta; stir into cheese sauce. Cook and stir for 3 minutes or until heated through. Stir in tomatoes just until combined.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 655 calories, Fat 36g fat (22g saturated fat), Cholesterol 111mg cholesterol, Sodium 789mg sodium, Carbohydrate 52g carbohydrate (9g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 31g protein.
WORLD'S BEST MAC AND CHEESE
It's a bold claim, but this mac and cheese from Kurt Beecher Dammeier's "Pure Flavor" cookbook is that good. Three types of cheese-cheddar, Gruyere, and Jack-add plenty of richness, while a touch of chipotle-chile powder imbues the dish with a subtle smoky flavor.
Provided by Martha Stewart
Categories Food & Cooking Ingredients Pasta and Grains
Time 45m
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter or oil an 8-inch baking dish; set aside.
- Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 2 minutes less than package directions. Drain into a colander and rinse under cold water until cool, then drain again.
- Stir together pasta and cheese sauce until well combined. Pour into prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with cheeses and chile powder. Bake, uncovered, until lightly browned in places, about 20 minutes. Let stand at least 5 minutes before serving.
CRAB MAC 'N' CHEESE BAKE
A seafood twist on a family favourite that's packed with sustainable shellfish. Serve with a lemony rocket salad
Provided by Tim Bouget
Categories Dinner, Main course, Pasta, Supper
Time 55m
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Heat oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6 and grease a medium baking dish. Cook the macaroni following pack instructions.
- Meanwhile, melt the butter in a thick-bottomed pan and add the flour to make a thick paste, stirring frequently with a wooden spoon. Add the milk, little by little, to the paste, mixing until smooth. Cook over a medium heat, stirring continuously until the mixture thickens.
- Remove from the heat, add 150g cheese and whisk until smooth. Mix in the mustard, ketchup and cayenne. Drain the macaroni and return to the pan. Stir the cheese sauce into the cooked pasta, fold in the brown crabmeat and season.
- Spoon the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 50g cheese on top and bake in the oven for 25-30 mins until heated through. Remove from the oven and stand for 10 mins.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, combine all the ingredients for the crab topping with some seasoning. Serve a big spoonful on top of each portion of the bake, then scatter over the dressed rocket (see 'Goes well with'). If making ahead, cool completely and leave in the fridge overnight. The next day, cut into slabs and reheat (covered in foil) for 10 mins in the oven at 200C/180C fan/gas 6.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 623 calories, Fat 29 grams fat, SaturatedFat 17 grams saturated fat, Carbohydrate 61 grams carbohydrates, Sugar 8 grams sugar, Fiber 3 grams fiber, Protein 28 grams protein, Sodium 1.4 milligram of sodium
Tips:
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
- Make a roux with butter and flour to thicken the sauce. This will help to prevent the cheese from curdling.
- Use a combination of cheeses for a more complex flavor. Cheddar and Parmesan are a classic combination, but you can also try Gruyère, Fontina, or Asiago.
- Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and mustard powder to taste.
- Top the macaroni and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for a crispy topping.
- Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is bubbly and golden brown.
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 made with a variety of different ingredients and flavors. Whether you like your macaroni and cheese simple or cheesy, baked or fried, there is a recipe out there that is sure to please you. So next time you are looking for a delicious and satisfying meal, give macaroni and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!
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