The Joy Of Cooking Macaroni And Cheese
Description
Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for a cozy night in or an easy weeknight dinner. With its creamy sauce and crunchy topping, macaroni and cheese is sure to please everyone in the family. It's easy to make and requires just a few simple ingredients. Plus, it can be customized to suit your tastes, with the addition of herbs, spices, and other ingredients. Whether you're a mac and cheese purist or looking to experiment, this classic dish will never disappoint.
Ingredients
This macaroni and cheese recipe requires just a few simple ingredients. You'll need:
- 1 pound macaroni noodles
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups grated Cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
To make macaroni and cheese, start by cooking the macaroni noodles according to package directions. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Next, melt the butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the flour and whisk until combined. Slowly add the milk while whisking to prevent lumps. Cook the sauce over medium-low heat until thickened, about 5 minutes.
Add the cheese, salt, pepper, and garlic powder to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted. Finally, add the cooked noodles to the sauce and stir until combined.
Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a 9x13 inch baking dish. Top with more grated cheese, if desired. Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Let cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Equipment
To make macaroni and cheese, you'll need a few pieces of kitchen equipment. You'll need:
- Large pot for boiling the noodles
- Large skillet for making the cheese sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Whisk
- Wooden spoon
Notes
For a creamier macaroni and cheese, you can use half-and-half or heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a can of drained diced tomatoes or some cooked bacon for a heartier dish. For added flavor, try adding some chopped herbs or spices to the cheese sauce.
If you're feeling adventurous, try making a different cheese sauce. To make a béchamel sauce, melt butter and add flour, then slowly add milk while whisking. For a Mornay sauce, add grated Gruyere cheese and a pinch of nutmeg.
Nutrition
This macaroni and cheese recipe is rich and creamy, but also surprisingly healthy. One serving contains approximately 400 calories, 17 grams of fat, and 27 grams of protein. It's also a great source of calcium and other important vitamins and minerals.
While macaroni and cheese is a comfort food, it can also be a nutritious part of a balanced diet. Enjoy it in moderation and feel free to experiment with different ingredients to make it your own.
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