Not So Naughty Macaroni Cheese Food

NO-BAKE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• For the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 4 tablespoons of the butter. When foamy, sprinkle in the flour and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine, then continue whisking until flour is cooked, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk, pouring it in a slow, steady stream. Then whisk in the cream. Bring to a simmer. Set aside 3/4 cup of the mild Cheddar; whisk in the remaining mild Cheddar and the sharp Cheddar, smoked Cheddar and Brie. Continue to stir for 2 minutes or until all the cheese is melted, then turn the heat off. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter until melted and incorporated.
• For the macaroni: Fill a large pot halfway with water. Season with salt until it tastes like the sea. Bring to a boil, then add the macaroni. Stir, then simmer until macaroni is al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place cooked macaroni into a heat-proof serving dish. Ladle cheese sauce all over, then sprinkle the reserved mild Cheddar on top. Place in the oven just until all of the Cheddar is melted and everything is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.

BEST EVER MACARONI CHEESE RECIPE

Steps:

• Heat the oven to 200C/180C fan/gas 6. Spread the baguette chunks over a baking sheet, drizzle with the melted butter and season. Bake for 6 mins until crisp, then set aside.
• Boil the pasta for 2 mins less than stated on the pack, then drain. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a saucepan. Add the garlic and English mustard powder, cook for 1 min, then stir in the plain flour.
• Cook for 1 min more, then gradually whisk in the milk until you have a lump-free sauce. Simmer for 5 mins, whisking all the time until thickened. Take off the heat, then stir in the cheddar and half the parmesan.
• Stir the pasta and some seasoning into the cheesy sauce. Tip into a large ovenproof dish, or four individual dishes.
• Scatter over the bread and the remaining parmesan, then bake for 20 mins until crisp and golden. Can be frozen before baking - defrost thoroughly before cooking.

EXTRA RICH-AND-CREAMY MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs. Reserve 1/2 cup cooking water, then drain.
• Combine the evaporated milk, eggs, havarti, Colby jack, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the nutmeg in a large saucepan over medium heat. Cook, whisking constantly, until smooth and thickened, about 8 minutes. Remove from the heat.
• Add the pasta and sour cream to the sauce; toss to coat, then let sit 5 minutes so the sauce thickens slightly. Add the reserved cooking water to loosen, if desired.

NOT-SO-NAUGHTY MACARONI & CHEESE

Steps:

• Boil the macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
• In a large bowl, combine everything except the shredded cheese.
• Microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically, until the butter is melted.
• Stir until smooth.
• Drain the macaroni and add to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
• In a lightly oiled 9x13 pan, layer 1/2 of the macaroni mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
• Repeat with the other half of the noodles, finishing with shredded cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and browned to your liking.
• NOTE: I have experimented with different combinations of cheese. Cheddar is a great standby, but try adding a little pepper jack to the mix, or even a little bit of bleu for some bite.