Easy Mac & Cheese Recipe


Easy Mac & Cheese Recipe



30 mins
2-3 people
10 mins




Introduction

 

Hey there, fellow foodies! Chef Ajay Chopra here, ready to tantalize your taste buds with a classic favorite—Mac & Cheese! Let me tell you, there's something truly magical about the combination of creamy cheese sauce and tender macaroni noodles. It's like a warm hug for your stomach on a chilly evening.

 

I remember the first time I tasted homemade Mac & Cheese. I was a kid, and my mom whipped up a batch for dinner one night. As soon as I took that first bite, I was hooked. The gooey cheese, the comforting pasta—it was love at first bite. Since then, I've experimented with different variations, but there's something special about the simplicity of the original recipe.

 

Now, let's dive into the cheesy goodness and make some mouthwatering Mac & Cheese!

 

 

 

Easy Recipe of Mac & Cheese

 

Portions serving: 9-10 pax
Preparation time: 5 mins
Cooking time: 50 mins
Calories: 261 cal per portion

 

 

Ingredients:

 

  • Boiled Macaroni - 2 cups
  • Oil - 2 tbsp
  • Garlic - 2 tbsp
  • Onion - ½ cup
  • Oregano - 1 tbsp
  • Salt - 1 tbsp
  • Refined flour - 2 tbsp
  • Butter - 2 tbsp
  • Milk - 300 ml
  • Black pepper - 1 tsp
  • Cheddar cheese - 40 gms
  • Mozzarella cheese - 40 gms
  • Kurkure - 20 gms

 

 

Method:

 

  1. Prepare White Sauce: Heat a pan over medium heat, add butter and let it melt. Once melted, add refined flour and cook for a few seconds to form a roux. Gradually pour warm milk, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens. Set aside.

  2. Sauté Garlic and Onion: In another pan, heat oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped garlic until fragrant, then add chopped onion and cook until translucent and slightly caramelized.

  3. Seasoning: Sprinkle oregano and salt over garlic and onion. Pour in the prepared white sauce, combining the flavors to create a creamy base.

  4. Incorporate Macaroni: Add boiled macaroni to the pan with the sauce and toss gently to coat evenly.

  5. Cheesy Goodness: Grate cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, then add to the pan with macaroni mixture. Cook until cheeses melt and create a gooey texture.

  6. Prepare Kurkure Topping: Crush kurkure to a coarse texture.

  7. Transfer and Bake: Preheat oven. Transfer macaroni mixture to a baking bowl. Sprinkle grated cheese on top, then crushed kurkure.

  8. Bake to Perfection: Bake for 8-9 minutes or until cheese is melted and kurkure topping is crispy and golden.

  9. Serve and Enjoy: Once baked, let it cool slightly. Serve and relish the delightful combination of creamy, cheesy, and crunchy flavors.

 

 

 

About the Recipe

 

In this recipe, we'll be making the ultimate comfort food—Mac & Cheese! This beloved dish features tender macaroni noodles smothered in a creamy cheese sauce and baked to golden perfection. It's a classic favorite that's sure to please both kids and adults alike.

 

The key to a delicious Mac & Cheese lies in the cheese sauce. We start by sautéing onions and garlic until they're fragrant and translucent. Then, we create a roux by mixing butter and flour, which serves as the base for our sauce. Warm milk is slowly added to the roux, creating a velvety smooth sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.

 

Once the sauce is ready, we mix it with cooked macaroni and an indulgent blend of cheddar and pizza cheese. The pasta is then topped with a generous amount of cheese and baked in the oven until bubbly and golden brown. It's comfort food at its finest—creamy, cheesy, and utterly satisfying.

 

 

Cooking Tips

 

  1. Boil the Macaroni Just Right: Cook the macaroni until it's al dente—tender but still slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta can turn mushy in the final dish.
  2. Prevent Lumpy Sauce: To prevent lumps in the cheese sauce, gradually add the warm milk to the roux while whisking continuously.
  3. Mix Up the Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese to customize the flavor of your Mac & Cheese. Gouda, mozzarella, or gruyere can add delicious depth to the dish.
  4. Add Flavorful Enhancements: Enhance the flavor of your Mac & Cheese by adding herbs, spices, or other flavorings like oregano, paprika, or mustard powder to the cheese sauce.
  5. Top with Crunchy Toppings: For extra texture, top your Mac & Cheese with breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or crispy bacon before baking.

 

 

Pairing Guide

 

Mac & Cheese pairs well with a variety of sides and accompaniments. Here are some delicious pairing suggestions:

  • Green Salad: Serve Mac & Cheese alongside a fresh green salad tossed with vinaigrette for a light and refreshing contrast.
  • Garlic Bread: Crusty garlic bread or garlic knots are the perfect accompaniment to soak up the cheesy goodness of Mac & Cheese.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or carrots add a pop of color and nutrients to your meal.

 

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

 

  1. Can I use any type of pasta for Mac & Cheese? While macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta shape like penne, fusilli, or rotini for your Mac & Cheese.

  2. Can I make Mac & Cheese ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the dish ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Simply cover with foil and bake until heated through.

  3. Can I freeze Mac & Cheese? Yes, Mac & Cheese freezes well. Transfer leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

  4. How do I reheat Mac & Cheese? To reheat Mac & Cheese, place it in a baking dish, cover with foil, and bake at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, about 20-30 minutes.

  5. Can I make Mac & Cheese without baking it? Yes, you can skip the baking step if you prefer a stovetop version. Simply mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and serve immediately.

  6. Is Mac & Cheese suitable for vegetarians? Yes, Mac & Cheese is a vegetarian dish. However, be sure to use vegetarian-friendly cheeses and omit any non-vegetarian toppings like bacon.

  7. Can I make Mac & Cheese gluten-free? Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free all-purpose flour to make Mac & Cheese gluten-free.

  8. What can I substitute for cheese in Mac & Cheese? If you're lactose intolerant or vegan, you can use dairy-free cheese alternatives made from soy, nuts, or coconut milk.

  9. How can I make Mac & Cheese creamier? To make Mac & Cheese creamier, add a splash of milk or cream to the cheese sauce and stir until smooth and creamy.

  10. Can I add additional toppings to Mac & Cheese? Yes, feel free to get creative with toppings like crispy bacon, chopped herbs, diced tomatoes, or caramelized onions for added flavor and texture.