United States | Pastas & Noodles | Cheese

Macaroni & Cheese

(United States pasta with cheese)

Yield: 4-6 servings


INGREDIENTS PREP AMOUNT
Macaroni 1/2 lb
 
Butter 2 Tbsp
Flour 3 Tbsp
Milk 2 cups
Sharp cheddar cheese shredded 2-3 cups
Salt & white pepper to taste

METHOD

  1. Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water till done. Drain, toss with a little butter and set aside.
  2. Preheat oven to 350º. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and let cook and bubble for 1-2 minutes. Do not brown or burn. Whisk in the cold milk all at once. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer till thickened, 10-15 minutes.
  3. Remove sauce from heat. Stir in the cheese till melted. Season to taste with salt and white pepper.
  4. Mix the sauce and the macaroni. Pour into a buttered baking dish and bake, uncovered for 20-25 minutes..

VARIATIONS

  • Try using a mixture of cheeses - cheddar, jack, Parmesan, gouda. Some cooks swear by Velveeta®.
  • Top with extra shredded cheese before baking if you like.
  • Substitute half the milk with half-and-half for a creamier result.
  • Top the macaroni and cheese with about 1/2 cup of fresh bread crumbs. Dot with 1T of butter and bake.
  • Use different varieties of pasta for a texture change.
  • Stir in some chopped ham, chopped tomatoes or minced herbs (parsley, thyme) before baking. Sprinkle the top with a little paprika. Add a splash of Worcestershire sauce or 1-2 tsp of dried ground mustard. Use your imagination
  • Stir in 1/4 cup mayonnaise before baking to add creaminess.

NOTES

  • Macaroni and cheese is an old American favorite that dates back almost to the time of the American Revolution. Always a Southern favorite, its popularity really took off after Kraft® introduced a boxed version in the 1930s. This became so popular that some people now prefer the packaged version to the homemade.