I would guess macaroni and cheese is one of the most popular comfort foods here in the US. There are so many recipes and variations it boggles the mind. The one pictured above is one I made with the addition of cauliflower and bacon. I make mac & cheese all the time, sometimes just the classic, sometimes with additions like chili or maybe some broccoli. Heck, you could even say my regular version of tuna casserole is basically mac & cheese with tuna and green beans. It’s all about that cheese sauce! I’m in the bechamel camp when it comes to making baked mac & cheese. It all starts with a good bechamel/white sauce. What cheese you decide to use is up to you. Some swear by a mix of Gruyere, Cheddar, and Parmesan. Others will prefer a creamy melting cheese such as Velveeta so you don’t have to bother with the bechamel. Either way, luscious creamy cheese coating those little elbows is heaven in a bowl.
My basic recipe is to cook 16 oz of pasta and make about 2-3 cups of bechamel while the pasta is cooking. Then I grease a large baking dish or casserole and dump in the drained pasta. I’ll add a good cup or so of a blend of shredded cheddar (I like to use a medium cheddar and a sharp cheddar blend) and a handful or two of grated parm to the bechamel and let that melt off the heat. Then I’ll sprinkle another couple of handfuls of shredded cheddar over the pasta. Then I just slowly pour the bechamel over it all, letting it slowly sink down into the pasta. I like to top mine with more shredded cheese and some panko bread crumbs to get a nice little crisp on top. Sometimes I add a sprinkling of smoked paprika for a bit of kick. Cover with foil and bake for 30 minutes at 375° then take off the foil and bake for another 15 minutes until the top gets lightly browned.
If you’re short on time, or just prefer a creamier mac & cheese there are lots of good stovetop versions you can make:
Ultra Gooey Stovetop Mac and Cheese Recipe
Have no fear vegans and other lactose intolerant friends, we’ve got you covered:
Vegan Stovetop Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
And if you’re curious here is a taste test of the box varieties. (Spoiler: the familiar blue box seems to have come out on top)
Taste Test: The Best Boxed Macaroni and Cheese
So what’s your favorite mac & cheese? What’s your favorite cheese to use? Share recipes in the comments if you have one.
Thanks for stopping by and what’s for dinner at your house tonight?