**Macaroni and cheese**, a classic dish loved by people of all ages, is a delightful combination of pasta, cheese sauce, and often other flavorful ingredients. This versatile dish can be prepared in various ways, ranging from simple and quick recipes to more elaborate and gourmet creations. In this article, we present a collection of macaroni and cheese recipes that cater to different preferences and skill levels. From the classic stovetop method to baked versions with crispy toppings, and even a no-boil option, these recipes offer a range of options to satisfy your mac and cheese cravings.
**The "Too-EZ Mac 'n' Cheese"** recipe provides a quick and easy solution for busy weeknights or when you're short on time. With just a few pantry staples and a microwave, you can whip up a creamy and satisfying mac and cheese in minutes. For those who prefer a more traditional approach, the **"Classic Stovetop Mac 'n' Cheese"** recipe takes you through the steps of making a velvety cheese sauce from scratch, ensuring a rich and flavorful result.
If you're a fan of baked mac and cheese, the **"Baked Mac 'n' Cheese with Crispy Cheddar Crust"** recipe is a must-try. This recipe features a crispy cheddar cheese crust that adds an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dish. Alternatively, the **"No-Boil Baked Mac 'n' Cheese"** recipe offers a convenient option for those who want to skip the boiling step. Simply mix the ingredients, pour them into a baking dish, and bake until golden brown.
For a more upscale take on mac and cheese, the **"Lobster Mac 'n' Cheese"** recipe combines luxurious lobster meat with a creamy cheese sauce, resulting in a decadent and special occasion-worthy dish. And if you're looking for a vegetarian option, the **"Roasted Vegetable Mac 'n' Cheese"** recipe incorporates a variety of roasted vegetables into the cheese sauce, creating a colorful and nutritious meal.
No matter your preference, this collection of macaroni and cheese recipes has something for everyone. With detailed instructions and helpful tips, these recipes will guide you in creating delicious and comforting mac and cheese dishes that will become family favorites.
TWO-CHEESE MAC 'N CHEESE
A lot of stories claim that mac and cheese was created by Thomas Jefferson, Marco Polo or the cooks of China. My favorite theory? An Italian housewife invented it to introduce non-Italian Americans to macaroni. -Stephanie Sorbie, Glendale, Arizona
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Side Dishes
Time 1h5m
Yield 15 servings.
Number Of Ingredients 9
Steps:
- In a Dutch oven, cook pasta according to package directions. , Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic if desired; cook and stir for 1 minute. Stir in flour, pepper and salt until blended; cook and stir until golden brown, about 5 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk, stirring until smooth. Bring to a boil; cook 2 minutes longer or until thickened. , Remove from heat. Stir in 4 cups cheddar cheese and Asiago cheese until melted. Mixture will thicken. , Preheat oven to 350°. Drain pasta; stir in cheese sauce. Transfer to a greased 13x9-in. baking dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheddar cheese., Bake, uncovered, 35-40 minutes or until golden brown. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 331 calories, Fat 17g fat (12g saturated fat), Cholesterol 58mg cholesterol, Sodium 306mg sodium, Carbohydrate 28g carbohydrate (4g sugars, Fiber 1g fiber), Protein 16g protein.
SIMPLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
A very quick and easy fix to a tasty side-dish. Fancy, designer mac and cheese often costs forty or fifty dollars to prepare when you have so many exotic and expensive cheeses, but they aren't always the best tasting. This recipe is cheap and tasty.
Provided by g0dluvsugly
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 30m
Yield 4
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally until cooked through but firm to the bite, 8 minutes. Drain.
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat; stir in flour, salt, and pepper until smooth, about 5 minutes. Slowly pour milk into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling, about 5 minutes. Add Cheddar cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted, 2 to 4 minutes.
- Fold macaroni into cheese sauce until coated.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 630.2 calories, Carbohydrate 55 g, Cholesterol 99.6 mg, Fat 33.6 g, Fiber 2.1 g, Protein 26.5 g, SaturatedFat 20.9 g, Sodium 777 mg, Sugar 7.6 g
NEXT DAY MAC AND CHEESE "TOAST"
Provided by Alton Brown
Categories appetizer
Time 25m
Yield varies according to amount of
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Cut refrigerated macaroni and cheese into slices or bite size pieces.
- Season the flour with salt, pepper and cayenne. Dredge each piece through the flour and gently tap off excess. Dip in the egg wash and then coat with the bread crumbs. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes so the crust can set. Very carefully drop into the oil and fry until golden brown. Remove to a baking sheet fitted with a rack and rest for 2 minutes before serving.
HG'S TOO-EZ MAC 'N CHEESE - WW POINTS = 4
Please Cheese Me - Our mac 'n cheese doesn't need to be a fluorescent shade of orange to stand up to the competition. It tastes AMAZING, and it's as simple as A-B-C, 1-2-3, Do-Re-Mi. (P.S. The cheesy cauliflower works perfectly here -- trust us!) Serving Size: 1 cup Calories: 202 Fat: 4.5g Sodium: 825mg Carbs: 36g Fiber: 5g Sugars: 6g Protein: 8.5g POINTS® value 4*
Provided by senseicheryl
Categories Cheese
Time 30m
Yield 4 cups, 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 4
Steps:
- Prepare pasta according to the instructions on the box, and then drain well and set aside. While pasta is cooking, place contents of the cauliflower & sauce package in a large microwave-safe bowl. Cover and microwave for 12 - 16 minutes, until sauce has melted and cauliflower is hot.
- Once the bowl is cool enough to handle, remove it from the microwave and add cooked pasta. Set aside. Unwrap cheese wedges and place in a small microwave-safe dish. Microwave for 30 seconds. Stir until smooth, and then add to the bowl.
- Mix thoroughly, ensuring that the Laughing Cow cheese is evenly distributed and the pasta and cauliflower are coated in cheese sauce. If you like, season to taste with salt and pepper. Enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 441.4, Fat 19.6, SaturatedFat 8.7, Cholesterol 41.1, Sodium 1176.3, Carbohydrate 48.9, Fiber 2.4, Sugar 1.5, Protein 16.4
Tips:
- Choose the right macaroni. Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese, but you can use any type of pasta you like. Some other good options include penne, shells, and rotini.
- Use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese contains additives that can prevent it from melting smoothly. For the best results, grate your own cheese.
- Cook the macaroni al dente. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and won't hold its shape in the mac and cheese.
- Make a roux. A roux is a mixture of melted butter and flour that helps to thicken the cheese sauce. Don't skip this step, or your cheese sauce will be thin and runny.
- Use whole milk. Whole milk will give your cheese sauce a richer flavor and creamier texture than low-fat or skim milk.
- Add some spices. A little bit of salt, pepper, and garlic powder can go a long way in flavoring your mac and cheese.
- Don't be afraid to experiment. There are endless ways to customize your mac and cheese. Try adding different types of cheese, vegetables, or meat. You can also bake it in the oven for a cheesy crust.
Conclusion:
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It's a simple dish to make, but there are a few tips and tricks that can help you make the best mac and cheese possible. With a little practice, you'll be able to make a mac and cheese that your family and friends will love.
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