Best 2 Super Simple Macaroni And Cheese Recipes
Macaroni and cheese, a classic comfort food loved by people of all ages, is a delectable dish made with macaroni pasta, a creamy cheese sauce, and often additional ingredients like breadcrumbs or bacon. This versatile dish can be prepared in various ways, each offering a unique flavor profile. From the classic stovetop method to the convenience of a slow cooker or the indulgence of a baked macaroni and cheese, there's a recipe to suit every taste and occasion. Whether you prefer a simple, cheesy sauce or one enhanced with herbs, spices, or vegetables, the possibilities are endless. So, grab your apron and let's embark on a culinary journey to explore the world of macaroni and cheese, with three mouthwatering recipes that will satisfy your cravings and bring joy to your table.
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 a good quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will greatly impact the flavor of your macaroni and cheese. Use a sharp cheddar cheese for a classic flavor, or experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère, Parmesan, or Gouda.
- Cook the macaroni al dente. Macaroni that is cooked too soft will become mushy and unpleasant. Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, or until it is just tender.
- Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. It also adds a rich flavor to the sauce.
- Use milk or cream. Milk or cream will help to make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy. You can use whole milk, skim milk, or even heavy cream, depending on how rich you want the sauce to be.
- Season the cheese sauce. Salt and pepper are essential seasonings for macaroni and cheese, but you can also add other spices and herbs to taste. Some popular additions include garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
- Top with breadcrumbs. Buttered breadcrumbs add a nice crunchy texture to macaroni and cheese. You can use plain breadcrumbs or flavored breadcrumbs, such as Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs.
Conclusion:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and loved by people of all ages. With a few simple tips, you can make a delicious macaroni and cheese that will be a hit with your family and friends. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give this super simple macaroni and cheese recipe a try.
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