Macaroni and Cheese Recipes

Filling and Versatile Recipe Variations on a Family Classic

© Catherine Laurenzi-Bridges

Dec 13, 2008

Macaroni and cheese, the ultimate comfort dish, is represented here with ingredients ranging from the classic to the more creative interpretations. By applying quality ingredients and simple cooking methods, cooks at any level of expertise can successfully create this dish with their personal flair.

Classic Macaroni and Cheese

• 4 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups cream
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• Fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups good quality shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs, warmed in butter

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions; set aside.
3. In a large saucepan melt butter.
4. Add flour mixed with salt and pepper, using a whisk to stir until well blended.
5. Pour cream in gradually; stirring constantly.
6. Bring to boiling point and boil 2 minutes (stirring constantly).
7. Reduce heat and cook (stirring constantly) 10 minutes.
8. Add shredded cheddar little by little and simmer an additional 5 minutes, or until cheese melts.
9. Turn off flame.
10. Add macaroni to the saucepan and toss to coat with the cheese sauce.
11. Transfer macaroni to a buttered baking dish.
12. Sprinkle with warm, buttered breadcrumbs.
13. Bake 20 minutes until the top is golden brown.

• 1 (8 ounce) package macaroni, uncooked
• 2 cups hot water
• 3 tbsp. butter, unsalted
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. ground black pepper
• 1 cup milk
• 1 cup cream
• 1/3 c. all-purpose flour
• 18 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded

1. Combine macaroni, butter, water, salt and pepper in microwave dish. Cover and cook 5 1/2 minutes at full power.
2. Continue for 5 minutes more at 1/2 power. Stir 2 times during cooking.
3. Drain and return pasta (only) to baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl mix milk, cream and flour. Mix then, microwave at 1/2 power for 3 minutes.
5. Mix until warmed mixture is smooth and flour completely incorporated into liquid.
6. Add cream mixture to cooked macaroni. Mix gently and thoroughly.
7. Add shredded cheese, toss gently, cover and cook for 20-26 minutes at 1/2 power.
8. Let stand and serve.

Explore a few great variations before baking to expand a classic macaroni and cheese into a more complete meal. Add layers of flavor and interest to a basic recipe and diners will be even more tempted to return for seconds.

• Add 1/2 cup chopped bacon, sausage, or pepperoni.
• Add 1/2 cup grilled, shredded chicken or pork.
• Add 1/2 cup cooked, drained ground beef.
• Add 1/2 cup grilled shrimp or lobster.
• Add 1/4 cup finely diced tomato and 1/4 cup finely diced red and orange bell pepper.
• Add 1/2 cup chopped ham and use swiss cheese instead of cheddar.
• Add 1/2 cup cooked, drained chorizo and substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack.

Variations are endless and only limited by the cook's creativity. Try re-assembling a favorite dinner on the canvas of a basic macaroni and cheese. By creating this dish at home from ingredients at hand, the meal will be healthier and contain less of the sodium and preservatives found in pre-packaged and shelf stable versions of macaroni and cheese.

Wheat Macaroni

Cheddar Cheese

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