Easy Dinner Recipes for Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that is loved by people of all ages. It is a simple dish to make, but it can be difficult to find a recipe that is both easy and delicious. This article will provide you with a few easy dinner recipes for mac and cheese that your family will love.
Details
Ingredients
For the basic mac and cheese recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup of butter
- 1/2 cup of flour
- 1 cup of milk
- 1/2 cup of grated cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon of salt
- 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper
Instructions
To make the basic mac and cheese recipe, follow these steps:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to the package directions.
- While the macaroni is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Slowly whisk in the milk until the mixture is thick and creamy.
- Add the cheddar cheese and Parmesan cheese to the saucepan and stir until melted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the macaroni and add it to the saucepan with the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a greased 9×13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle with additional Parmesan cheese, if desired.
- Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 20-25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
FAQ
Q: What are some common mistakes people make when making mac and cheese?
A: There are a few common mistakes people make when making mac and cheese. Here are a few tips to avoid these mistakes:
- Don’t overcook the macaroni. The macaroni should be cooked until it is al dente, not mushy.
- Don’t add too much cheese. A little cheese goes a long way. Too much cheese can make the mac and cheese greasy and heavy.
- Don’t overbake the mac and cheese. The mac and cheese should be baked until the cheese is melted and bubbly, but not browned.
Q: What are some variations on the basic mac and cheese recipe?
A: There are endless variations on the basic mac and cheese recipe. Here are a few ideas:
- Add some vegetables to the mac and cheese, such as broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots.
- Use a different type of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, or goat cheese.
- Add some protein to the mac and cheese, such as chicken, bacon, or ham.
- Top the mac and cheese with some breadcrumbs or crushed crackers before baking.
Pros
There are many pros to making mac and cheese. Here are a few of the benefits:
- Mac and cheese is a very affordable dish to make.
- Mac and cheese is a very versatile dish. You can use different types of cheese, vegetables, and proteins to create your own unique dish.
- Mac and cheese is a very comforting dish. It is the perfect dish to make on a cold winter day.
Tips
Here are a few tips for making mac and cheese:
- Use a good quality cheese. The type of cheese you use will make a big difference in the flavor of the mac and
easy dinner recipes mac and cheese
Boil water and cook macaroni according to package directions. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and whisk in flour. Cook for 1 minute, then whisk in milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Stir in cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and stir in cooked macaroni. Serve immediately.
Cheddar cheese is the most common cheese used in mac and cheese.
Add some spices to the cheese sauce, such as cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or onion powder. You can also add some vegetables to the dish, such as broccoli or cauliflower.
Shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses are all delicious in mac and cheese.
A sharp cheddar cheese is the best type of cheese to use for mac and cheese.
Cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack
Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).