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Mac and Cheese
By Snejana Andreeva
on Sep 29, 2023
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with my favorite 20 minute Mac and Cheese🧀recipe. This classic dish is a go-to option for many because it’s not only delicious but also easy to make. With my recipe, you can whip up a batch in 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. When it comes to Thanksgiving , mac and cheese can be a delightful addition to your holiday spread, offering a warm and familiar side dish that complements the traditional dishes on the table.
- Why You’ll Love Mac and Cheese
- How to Prepare
- Nonna’s Tip
- Variations and Substitutions
- Other Thanksgiving Recipes
- Common Questions
- Mac and Cheese Recipe
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Why You’ll Love Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a favorite dish for a reason. Its appeal lies in the perfect combination of creamy cheese sauce and pasta 🍝. Whether you’re a kid or an adult, the comforting flavors and simplicity of mac and cheese are hard to resist. It’s a reliable go-to meal that brings a smile to everyone’s face. During Thanksgiving, this classic comfort food can provide a sense of familiarity alongside your turkey and stuffing.
How to Prepare
In a saucepan or a stovetop pan, melt the butter and incorporate the flour, giving it a quick stir. Next, you can choose to add either raw or roasted garlic. Gradually whisk in the milk (or a combination of milk and cream) until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
Then, gently fold in a blend of cheeses. I used Parmesan and cheddar. Meanwhile, cook the elbow pasta separately until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once ready, add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, pouring a splash of pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Finish by seasoning the dish to your taste with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper.
Nonna’s Tip
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it will not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. Using freshly grated cheese will give your mac and cheese a creamier texture and the best overall taste.
Variations and Substitutions
Customize your mac and cheese experience with these creative twists and ingredient substitutions. If you’re looking to cater to dietary preferences or simply want to try something new, we’ll provide suggestions for gluten-free options, different cheese combinations, and exciting mix-ins like crispy bacon or sautéed vegetables.
- Make this macaroni and cheese baked; top it with breadcrumbs or additional cheese and bake until golden and bubbly for a crispy texture.
- Boost the nutrition by adding sautéed vegetables like broccoli , spinach, or peas.
- If you’re gluten-intolerant, opt for gluten-free pasta and 1-1 gluten-free flour for the sauce.
- Try other cheese combinations, like gouda , Swiss, or mozzarella.
- Add cooked bacon bits or crumbled sausage to your mac and cheese.
Other Thanksgiving Recipes
- Stuffing
- Cranberry Sauce
- Easy Juicy Turkey
- Gravy
- Sweet Potato Donuts
- Pumpkin Pie
- Brussels Sprouts
- Sweet Potatoes
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes
- Roasted Squash
- Turkey Noodle Soup
- Butternut Squash Pasta
- Baked Apples
- Mushrooms
- Green Beans
- Whole Roasted Sweet Potato
Common Questions
Yes, you can certainly make mac and cheese ahead of time, and then store it covered in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, bake it until it’s heated through.
Reheat mac and cheese in the microwave, in an oven at a low temperature, or on the stovetop. If it’s too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to maintain creaminess.
Elbow macaroni is the classic choice for mac and cheese due to its small size and ability to hold the cheese sauce. However, other pasta shapes like penne, shells, or rotini work well too.
While pre-shredded cheese is convenient, it will not melt as smoothly as freshly grated cheese. Using freshly grated cheese will give your mac and cheese a creamier texture and the best overall taste.
If it’s too thick, add more milk gradually until you reach the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, simmer it uncovered to allow some moisture to evaporate or mix in a slurry of cornstarch and cold water to thicken it.
Experiment with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or mustard. Adding a dash of hot sauce or Worcestershire sauce can also enhance the flavor.
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Video
Equipment
- ▢ 2 Medium Pot
- ▢ Rotary Grater
- ▢ Redmond Real Salt
- ▢ Garlic Press
Ingredients
- ▢ 1 tablespoon butter , 22 grams
- ▢ 3 cloves garlic , minced
- ▢ 1 tablespoon flour , 12 grams
- ▢ ½ teaspoon salt , to taste
- ▢ ¼ teaspoon pepper , to taste
- ▢ 1.5 cups milk , 375ml
- ▢ ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese , 40 grams
- ▢ 1 cup cheddar cheese , 50 grams
- ▢ 200 grams pasta , I used elbow pasta
Instructions
- ▢ In a saucepan or a stovetop pan, melt the butter and incorporate the garlic. Add the flour, giving it a quick stir.
- ▢ Gradually whisk in the milk (or a combination of milk and cream) until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- ▢ Then, gently fold in a blend of cheeses. I used grated Parmigiano Reggiano and cheddar.
- ▢ Meanwhile, cook the elbow pasta separately until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once ready, add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, pouring a splash of pasta water (if needed) to reach your desired consistency.
- ▢ Finish by seasoning the dish to your taste with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Enjoy!
My Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Mac and Cheese
Equipment
- 2 Medium Pot
- Rotary Grater
- Redmond Real Salt
- Garlic Press
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon butter 22 grams
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon flour 12 grams
- ½ teaspoon salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper to taste
- 1.5 cups milk 375ml
- ½ cup Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese 40 grams
- 1 cup cheddar cheese 50 grams
- 200 grams pasta I used elbow pasta
Instructions
- In a saucepan or a stovetop pan, melt the butter and incorporate the garlic. Add the flour, giving it a quick stir.
- Gradually whisk in the milk (or a combination of milk and cream) until the mixture becomes smooth and creamy.
- Then, gently fold in a blend of cheeses. I used grated Parmigiano Reggiano and cheddar.
- Meanwhile, cook the elbow pasta separately until it reaches the perfect al dente texture. Once ready, add the cooked pasta to the creamy sauce, pouring a splash of pasta water (if needed) to reach your desired consistency.
- Finish by seasoning the dish to your taste with a pinch of salt and a dash of pepper. Enjoy!
Video
Nutrition
Mac and Cheese https://themodernnonna.com/mac-and-cheese/ September 29, 2023
