Introduction: Can Comfort Food Be Creamy, Cheesy, and Easy?
Craving a dish that’s the ultimate in cheesy, comforting goodness? Macaroni and Cheese, inspired by a classic recipe, delivers a creamy, sharp cheddar sauce over perfectly cooked pasta, with an optional baked finish for a golden top. Rated 4.2 out of 5 stars from 468 reviews, this easy recipe is a family-friendly favorite. Ready to whip up a bowl of cheesy perfection, complete with a sliders bar twist? Let’s dive into this indulgent recipe!
Overview: Why Macaroni and Cheese Shines
Macaroni and Cheese is loved for its creamy texture, bold cheese flavor, and versatility. Here’s what makes it special:
- Time Requirement: 15 minutes prep, 40 minutes cooking (10-15 minutes for pasta and sauce, 20-25 minutes baking if chosen), totaling 55 minutes.
- Difficulty Level: Easy—requires basic boiling, whisking, and optional baking, perfect for all skill levels.
- Why It’s Special: A velvety cheddar sauce coats tender macaroni, with optional spices and toppings like bacon, caramelized onions, or gorgonzola for a customizable twist. This recipe serves 6, ideal for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Perfect for weeknight meals, holiday sides, or a fun sliders bar party setup.
Essential Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese uses simple ingredients for a rich, cheesy result. Here’s what you’ll need for 6 servings:
Macaroni and Cheese
- 4 cups dried macaroni: The pasta base for the dish.
- 1 whole egg: Tempers the sauce for smoothness.
- ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter: Builds a rich roux.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
- 2 ½ cups whole milk: Creates a creamy base.
- 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard: Adds tangy depth.
- 1 pound sharp cheddar, grated (not pre-grated): The star for bold cheese flavor, plus extra for baking.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor.
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt: Adds savory complexity.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides mild spice.
- Optional spices: Cayenne pepper, paprika, or thyme (to taste, about ¼-½ teaspoon each).
Macaroni and Cheese and Sliders Bar (Optional Toppings)
- 1 pound thick-cut peppered bacon: Crispy, savory topping.
- 3 yellow onions, halved and sliced: Caramelized for sweet depth.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For cooking onions.
- 8 ounces gorgonzola, crumbled: Adds bold, tangy flavor.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Macaroni: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Cheddar and Roux: Create a smooth, cheesy sauce with a rich base.
- Mustard: Enhances cheese flavor with a subtle tang.
- Toppings: Bacon, onions, and gorgonzola elevate the dish for a fun, customizable bar.
Substitutions and Variations
- Macaroni: Use elbow pasta, cavatappi, or shells; gluten-free pasta works too.
- Cheddar: Swap with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavors.
- Butter: Replace with plant-based butter for vegan.
- Milk: Use half-and-half for richer sauce or plant-based milk for vegan.
- Egg: Omit for a simpler sauce or use 2 tablespoons cream cheese for creaminess.
- Flour: Use gluten-free 1:1 flour or 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese; omit egg or use vegan egg substitute.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour; ensure seasonings are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce to the sauce.
- Herb Mac and Cheese: Mix in 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Truffle Mac and Cheese: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon truffle oil before serving.
- Broccoli Mac and Cheese: Stir in 2 cups steamed broccoli florets before baking.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Mix bacon into the sauce instead of serving separately.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making Macaroni and Cheese is a straightforward process that yields a creamy, cheesy dish. Let’s get cooking!
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 cups macaroni, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup flour, 2 ½ cups milk, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 1 pound grated cheddar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, optional spices (cayenne, paprika, thyme); for sliders bar, 1 pound bacon, 3 onions, 3 tablespoons butter, 8 ounces gorgonzola.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
- Prepare a large pot for pasta and a buttered baking dish (e.g., 9×13-inch) if baking.
Tip: Grate cheese fresh for better melting; pre-grated cheese may have anti-caking agents.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
- Cook 4 cups macaroni in a large pot of boiling, salted water until slightly firm (al dente), about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook pasta; it will soften further in the sauce or oven.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a small bowl, beat 1 egg.
- In the same large pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat.
- Sprinkle in ¼ cup flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux (don’t let it burn).
- Pour in 2 ½ cups whole milk and add 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard; whisk until smooth.
- Cook until very thick, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Take ¼ cup of the sauce and slowly pour into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to temper (avoid cooking the egg).
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, whisking until smooth.
- Add 1 pound grated sharp cheddar and stir until melted.
- Add ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and optional spices (e.g., ¼ teaspoon cayenne, paprika, or thyme).
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt or seasoned salt if needed.
Tip: Whisk constantly to prevent lumps; temper egg slowly to avoid scrambling.
Step 4: Combine and Serve or Bake
- Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately for a creamy stovetop version, about 1 cup per serving.
- For baked version: Pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra grated cheddar (about ½ cup), and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tip: Stir gently to coat pasta evenly; add extra cheese generously for a crispy baked top.
Step 5: Prepare Optional Sliders Bar Toppings
- Bacon: Fry 1 pound thick-cut peppered bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove, drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Caramelized Onions: In a separate pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add 3 sliced yellow onions and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
- Gorgonzola: Crumble 8 ounces gorgonzola with a fork.
- Serve toppings in separate bowls alongside macaroni and cheese or sliders.
Tip: Cook onions low and slow for sweet caramelization; crumble gorgonzola finely for easy sprinkling.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve macaroni and cheese hot, with toppings on the side for customization.
- Pair with sliders, a green salad, or holiday sides like green bean casserole.
Tip: Offer small bowls or spoons for toppings to create a fun, interactive dining experience.
Assembly: Building the Perfect Macaroni and Cheese
Making Macaroni and Cheese is all about creating a creamy, cheesy dish with optional flair. Here’s how to make it shine:
- Macaroni: Cooked al dente to hold sauce without becoming mushy.
- Cheese Sauce: Velvety and thick, with sharp cheddar and mustard for bold flavor.
- Baking (Optional): Adds a golden, bubbly top for texture.
- Sliders Bar: Bacon, onions, and gorgonzola offer customizable richness and crunch.
Presentation Tips
- Serve in a large bowl for stovetop version or a casserole dish for baked.
- Garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or chopped parsley for color.
- Arrange toppings in small bowls with labels for a fun sliders bar setup.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Macaroni and Cheese is great for make-ahead prep or leftovers.
- Storage:
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freeze baked or unbaked macaroni (without toppings) for up to 3 months; wrap tightly.
- Make-Ahead:
- Prepare sauce and pasta up to 1 day ahead; refrigerate separately and combine before baking or serving.
- Assemble unbaked dish, cover, and refrigerate for up to 1 day; bake fresh.
- Reheating: Reheat in a 350°F oven, covered, for 15-20 minutes with a splash of milk to restore creaminess; or microwave in short bursts, stirring often.
- Tip: Store toppings separately; reheat bacon and onions for best texture.
Recipe Variations
Macaroni and Cheese is versatile and easy to customize. Here are some fun twists:
- Lobster Mac and Cheese: Add 1 cup chopped cooked lobster meat to the sauce.
- Buffalo Mac and Cheese: Mix in 2 tablespoons buffalo sauce and top with blue cheese crumbles.
- Vegan Mac and Cheese: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese; omit egg.
- Gluten-Free Mac and Cheese: Use gluten-free pasta and flour; ensure seasonings are gluten-free.
- Jalapeño Popper Mac and Cheese: Add 2 diced jalapeños and ¼ cup cream cheese to the sauce.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving, Based on 6 Servings)
- Calories: Approximately 500-600 kcal (varies with toppings and baking).
- Protein: Moderate, from cheese.
- Fat: High, from butter, cheese, and optional toppings.
- Carbs: Moderate, from pasta.
- Note: For precise nutrition, calculate based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
Conclusion: Savor the Cheesy Comfort!
Macaroni and Cheese is the dish that brings creamy, cheesy, and comforting perfection to every bite. With its velvety cheddar sauce, tender pasta, and optional sliders bar toppings, it’s perfect for family dinners, holiday sides, or casual parties. Easy to make with a big flavor payoff, this mac and cheese is sure to impress your guests. So, grab your whisk, whip up this classic recipe, and enjoy a crowd favorite. We’d love to hear how your mac and cheese turns out—share your creations in the comments or on social media!
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Macaroni and Cheese
Description
Craving a dish that’s the ultimate in cheesy, comforting goodness? Macaroni and Cheese, inspired by a classic recipe, delivers a creamy, sharp cheddar sauce over perfectly cooked pasta, with an optional baked finish for a golden top
Ingredients
Macaroni and Cheese
- 4 cups dried macaroni: The pasta base for the dish.
- 1 whole egg: Tempers the sauce for smoothness.
- ½ stick (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter: Builds a rich roux.
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
- 2 ½ cups whole milk: Creates a creamy base.
- 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard: Adds tangy depth.
- 1 pound sharp cheddar, grated (not pre-grated): The star for bold cheese flavor, plus extra for baking.
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt: Enhances flavor.
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt: Adds savory complexity.
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper: Provides mild spice.
- Optional spices: Cayenne pepper, paprika, or thyme (to taste, about ¼-½ teaspoon each).
Macaroni and Cheese and Sliders Bar (Optional Toppings)
- 1 pound thick-cut peppered bacon: Crispy, savory topping.
- 3 yellow onions, halved and sliced: Caramelized for sweet depth.
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: For cooking onions.
- 8 ounces gorgonzola, crumbled: Adds bold, tangy flavor.
Why These Ingredients Matter
- Macaroni: Holds the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Cheddar and Roux: Create a smooth, cheesy sauce with a rich base.
- Mustard: Enhances cheese flavor with a subtle tang.
- Toppings: Bacon, onions, and gorgonzola elevate the dish for a fun, customizable bar.
Substitutions and Variations
- Macaroni: Use elbow pasta, cavatappi, or shells; gluten-free pasta works too.
- Cheddar: Swap with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or a blend for different flavors.
- Butter: Replace with plant-based butter for vegan.
- Milk: Use half-and-half for richer sauce or plant-based milk for vegan.
- Egg: Omit for a simpler sauce or use 2 tablespoons cream cheese for creaminess.
- Flour: Use gluten-free 1:1 flour or 2 tablespoons cornstarch dissolved in cold water.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based butter, milk, and cheese; omit egg or use vegan egg substitute.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour; ensure seasonings are gluten-free.
- Flavor Variations:
- Spicy Mac and Cheese: Add ½ teaspoon cayenne or 1 tablespoon hot sauce to the sauce.
- Herb Mac and Cheese: Mix in 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or rosemary.
- Truffle Mac and Cheese: Drizzle with 1 teaspoon truffle oil before serving.
- Broccoli Mac and Cheese: Stir in 2 cups steamed broccoli florets before baking.
- Bacon Mac and Cheese: Mix bacon into the sauce instead of serving separately.
Instructions
Step 1: Gather and Prep
- Gather all ingredients: 4 cups macaroni, 1 egg, 4 tablespoons butter, ¼ cup flour, 2 ½ cups milk, 2 teaspoons dry mustard, 1 pound grated cheddar, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, optional spices (cayenne, paprika, thyme); for sliders bar, 1 pound bacon, 3 onions, 3 tablespoons butter, 8 ounces gorgonzola.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) if baking.
- Prepare a large pot for pasta and a buttered baking dish (e.g., 9×13-inch) if baking.
Tip: Grate cheese fresh for better melting; pre-grated cheese may have anti-caking agents.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
- Cook 4 cups macaroni in a large pot of boiling, salted water until slightly firm (al dente), about 6-8 minutes.
- Drain and set aside.
Tip: Don’t overcook pasta; it will soften further in the sauce or oven.
Step 3: Make the Cheese Sauce
- In a small bowl, beat 1 egg.
- In the same large pot, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat.
- Sprinkle in ¼ cup flour and whisk constantly for 2 minutes to form a roux (don’t let it burn).
- Pour in 2 ½ cups whole milk and add 2 heaping teaspoons dry mustard; whisk until smooth.
- Cook until very thick, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Reduce heat to low.
- Take ¼ cup of the sauce and slowly pour into the beaten egg, whisking constantly to temper (avoid cooking the egg).
- Pour the tempered egg mixture back into the pot, whisking until smooth.
- Add 1 pound grated sharp cheddar and stir until melted.
- Add ½ teaspoon kosher salt, ½ teaspoon seasoned salt, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and optional spices (e.g., ¼ teaspoon cayenne, paprika, or thyme).
- Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more salt or seasoned salt if needed.
Tip: Whisk constantly to prevent lumps; temper egg slowly to avoid scrambling.
Step 4: Combine and Serve or Bake
- Add drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.
- Serve immediately for a creamy stovetop version, about 1 cup per serving.
- For baked version: Pour into a buttered baking dish, top with extra grated cheddar (about ½ cup), and bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden.
Tip: Stir gently to coat pasta evenly; add extra cheese generously for a crispy baked top.
Step 5: Prepare Optional Sliders Bar Toppings
- Bacon: Fry 1 pound thick-cut peppered bacon in a skillet over medium-high heat until slightly crisp, about 8 minutes. Remove, drain, and cut into bite-sized pieces.
- Caramelized Onions: In a separate pan, melt 3 tablespoons butter over low heat. Add 3 sliced yellow onions and cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until caramelized.
- Gorgonzola: Crumble 8 ounces gorgonzola with a fork.
- Serve toppings in separate bowls alongside macaroni and cheese or sliders.
Tip: Cook onions low and slow for sweet caramelization; crumble gorgonzola finely for easy sprinkling.
Step 6: Serve
- Serve macaroni and cheese hot, with toppings on the side for customization.
- Pair with sliders, a green salad, or holiday sides like green bean casserole.
Tip: Offer small bowls or spoons for toppings to create a fun, interactive dining experience.
FAQs
1. Why is my sauce grainy?
Overheating or using pre-grated cheese can cause graininess; use fresh-grated cheese and cook sauce gently.
2. Can I use other pasta shapes?
Yes, shells, cavatappi, or penne work well; ensure al dente cooking.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written; use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version.
4. Can I skip the egg?
Yes, omit for a simpler sauce; add 1-2 tablespoons cream cheese for extra creaminess.
5. Why is my baked mac and cheese dry?
Under-saucing or overbaking can dry it out; use enough sauce and cover with foil if browning too fast.
6. Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes, assemble up to 1 day ahead and refrigerate; bake fresh or reheat with milk.
7. What are the health benefits of this dish?
Cheese provides protein and calcium; high in fat and carbs, so enjoy in moderation.