Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that originated in Europe and was brought to America by Thomas Jefferson, who famously served it at a state dinner in 1802. Today, it is a beloved dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. Whether you're looking for a quick and easy meal or a dish to impress guests, mac and cheese is always a great choice. To make a delicious and nutritious mac and cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
1 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups grated cheddar cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Optional: breadcrumbs for topping
For this recipe, you will need a large pot for cooking the macaroni, a saucepan for making the cheese sauce, and an oven-safe baking dish if you choose to add breadcrumbs to the top. If you are looking for healthy alternatives, you can use whole wheat pasta instead of traditional elbow macaroni, and substitute some or all of the heavy cream for low-fat milk or almond milk. For a lower calorie option, you can reduce the amount of butter and cheese used in the recipe. If you have any allergy concerns, you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the cheese with a vegan cheese alternative. To start, preheat your oven to 375°F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add the macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside. In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is smooth and bubbling. Slowly add the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and thickened. Add the grated cheddar cheese and parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper to the saucepan, and whisk until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is coated evenly. Pour the mixture into an oven-safe baking dish, and top with breadcrumbs if desired. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly. This recipe serves 6-8 people and has a total calorie count of approximately 400 calories per serving.
If you are interested in purchasing any of the ingredients or kitchen equipment for this recipe, you can find them on Amazon using the following links:
Elbow macaroni: https://www.amazon.com/Barilla-Elbows-Pasta-16-oz/dp/B0005ZVGZW/
Unsalted butter: https://www.amazon.com/Challenge-Butter-Unsalted-1lb-Package/dp/B00IM97J88/
All-purpose flour: https://www.amazon.com/Gold-Medal-Unbleached-All-Purpose-Flour/dp/B0176YO9K0/
Whole milk: https://www.amazon.com/Organic-Valley-Whole-Pasteurized-64/dp/B07G9QJSK5/
Heavy cream: https://www.amazon.com/Horizon-Organic-Heavy-Cream-Carton/dp/B07XZ7VCGZ/
Cheddar cheese: https://www.amazon.com/Tillamook-Medium-Cheddar-Cheese-Pound/dp/B01N1Z8WVT/
Parmesan cheese: https://wwwwww.amazon.com/365-Everyday-Value-Organic-Parmesan/dp/B074H1MZTV/
Salt: https://www.amazon.com/Morton-Iodized-Table-Salt-26/dp/B07YB3CS4B/
Black pepper: https://www.amazon.com/McCormick-Black-Pepper-Adjustable-Grinder/dp/B006JWDTZY/
Breadcrumbs: https://www.amazon.com/Panko-Japanese-Style-Bread-Crumbs/dp/B07VNVNJSM/
Large pot: https://www.amazon.com/Cuisinart-Classic-Stainless-14-Inch-Universal/dp/B00008CM68/
Saucepan: https://www.amazon.com/T-fal-Nonstick-Dishwasher-Cookware-3-5-Quart/dp/B000GWG0T2/
Oven-safe baking dish: https://www.amazon.com/Pyrex-3-qt-ObLong-Baking-Dish/dp/B00004S1D6/
If you prefer your mac and cheese to be spicy, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce. This recipe is also easily customizable, so feel free to experiment with different cheeses, add-ins, or toppings to create your own unique version. Overall, this mac and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser that is easy to make and can be customized to fit your dietary preferences and needs. Whether you're cooking for a family dinner or a potluck with friends, this dish is sure to be a hit.