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Mac and Cheese

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Mac and cheese was probably my favourite childhood dinner. It’s crazy to think I still have fond memories of it so many years later. Here I am going to share with you, near of enough the exact recipes I loved for so many years.

The only difference is we will be making the béchamel sauce as I am a believer in cooking in house when possible (this way you avoid all the preservatives that are used to keep food lasting longer).

Mac and Cheese in ovenproof dish

This mac and cheese recipe is highly adaptable. You can make it taste completely different more than a hundred different ways. Even when keeping the method the same.

Below in this recipe guide I am going to share with you ways and ideas on how to be creative with your mac and cheese. I will also share with you some of my tasty combinations.

Where did mac and cheese originate?

Mac and cheese originates from the United Kingdom, with a recipe dating back to the 14th century that featured pasta, cheese & butter. This developed in the 17th century to what we know now as mac and cheese. The recipe included macaroni mixed with, a cheese sauce made from a béchamel and cheddar, then baked in the oven with parmesan cheese.

Creating your own cheese sauce

When it comes to cheese sauces you can make them taste delicious and unique in thousands of different ways. There are literally competitions with cash prizes for the best cheese sauces.

When creating a sauce its all about taste, balance & texture. Below I have created a ratio guide for mix and matching your cheese for your cheese sauce. This will help give you a rough estimation and let you be more creative & confident to create your own mac and cheese recipes.

A guide showing you how much of each cheese to put into your cheese sauce

The rule of thumb

If you take out a type of cheese distribute the quantity evenly across the ones you are using left.

Example

  • If you are not using a soft & hard cheese, you would use 25% blue & 75% semi hard cheese.

Adding your own seasonings

Some people underestimate the importance of using the right seasoning. This is a crucial step to enhance your recipe and take it to the next level.

Below is a seasoning guideline. This will give you some seasoning ideas and an idea of how much to add. When it comes to seasoning its all about your taste preference. I recommend adding 50%-75% of the quantities, then taste and adjust accordingly.

A guide showing you what types of seasonings I recommend to put into your cheese sauce

Mustard – The amount of mustard you use will greatly depend on the type of mustard. Dijon mustard would generally be around 2-3 tbsp, and a stronger mustard like english would be around 1tbsp.

Tabasco – There are many different flavours, my favourite for cheese sauce is chipotle. If you have any recommendations comment at the bottom!

Hot Sauce – Make sure to use a high quality one! My favourites for mac and cheese are chipotle hot sauces and smokey jalapeño sauces.

Lemon – Many people are probably wondering why lemon is on the list. It sounds a bit unusual for some. Lemon is a secret ingredient. The acidity in the lemon helps cut through the fat which enhances the overall flavour.

Truffle Oil – Truffle oil should be used sparingly. It’s so powerful that it can easily overpower and ruin any dish. Add a small dash, mix, taste and adjust accordingly. I recommend a good quality white truffle oil like this.

Bacon mac and cheese served on a white plate

You don’t need to bake it

Mac and cheese doesn’t need to be baked, half the time it is more delicious non baked. It all depends on the recipe and your preference. If you don’t want to bake your mac and cheese skip just step 4. This will also save you 30 minutes.

Tasty mac and cheese combinations

Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Roquefort, plain cream cheese, cheddar, manchego, dijon mustard, onion powder & cooked bacon
  • Gryue, mature cheddar, mustard powder, paprika, garlic powder, white pepper & cooked bacon – served with sriracha
  • Goats cheese, gouda, cooked bacon, chipotle sauce, paprika, freshly grated nutmeg & white pepper

Non Baked Mac and Cheese

  • Cheddar, parmesan, mascarpone & white truffle oil
  • Mature cheddar, monterey jack, mature gruyere, chipotle tabasco & smoked paprika
  • Blue cheese, mascarpone, mild gouda, lemon & white pepper

More Recipes You May Like…

If you like this mac and cheese recipe, why not try this smoked mac and cheese or tuna mac and cheese. They’re both delicious! And did you know you can even make crock pot mac and cheese!

Mac and Cheese in ovenproof dish

Mac and Cheese

Jack Slobodian
This homemade Mac and Cheese is the perfect quick & easy comfort food for any lunch or dinner.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Baking Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine British
Servings 5 people
Calories 1028 kcal

Equipment

  • 2 Large Pots
  • Ovenproof Dish (If baking)

Ingredients
 
 

  • 500 g Macaroni
  • 100 g Breadcrumbs preferable panko

Cheese Sauce

  • 75 g Butter
  • 75 g Plain flour
  • 750 ml Whole milk
  • 400 g Mature cheddar grated
  • 20 g Dijon mustard
  • ½ tbsp Paprika
  • White pepper
  • Sea salt

Instructions
 

  • Bring a pot of generously salted water to the boil. Cook the macaroni until al dente. Drain the pasta and run it under cold water until cool, set to the side for later. Preheat the oven to 200c.
  • Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the flour and mix to make the roux, cook for 2-3 minutes mixing slowly but constantly, making sure there are no lumps. Add 1 quarter of the milk and whisk rigorously, once the sauce begins to thicken whisk in a little more milk. Keep doing this until you have incorporated all the milk. Gently bring the béchamel sauce to boil, whilst slowly stirring. When it starts to bubble, turn the heat down to very low.
  • Gently stir in 4/5th of cheese, adding a little at a time. Once the sauce is smooth, stir in the mustard & paprika. Taste and season with salt & white pepper. Add the macaroni and mix.
  • Transfer to an ovenproof dish, sprinkle a layer of cheese then a layer of breadcrumbs on top and bake for 30 minutes or until the top is golden brown.
  • Serve fresh from the dish/pot.

Notes

  • Pick & choice your favourite cheese to add to this replace
  • Try baking sliced tomatoes on top of the breadcrumbs
  • Try serving with sriracha or sweet chilli sauce.

Nutrition

Calories: 1028kcalCarbohydrates: 109gProtein: 42gFat: 46gSaturated Fat: 28gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 131mgSodium: 850mgPotassium: 567mgFiber: 5gSugar: 12gVitamin A: 890IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 535mgIron: 3mg
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