Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Baking dish for baking mac and cheese
- Whisk for making cheese sauce
- Oven for baking mac and cheese
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns golden brown.
5. Slowly whisk in whole milk and heavy cream until mixture is smooth.
6. Add garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until combined.
7. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until it thickens.
8. Remove from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, and grated Parmesan cheese until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
9. Add cooked elbow macaroni to cheese sauce and stir until macaroni is coated in sauce.
10. Pour mac and cheese into a baking dish and sprinkle breadcrumbs on top.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown and mac and cheese is heated through.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 600
Fat: 36g
Saturated Fat: 22g
Cholesterol: 120mg
Sodium: 900mg
Carbohydrates: 43g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Elbow macaroni can be substituted with any pasta shape.
- Whole milk can be substituted with 2% or skim milk.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half.
- Cheddar cheese can be substituted with any type of cheese.
- Mozzarella cheese can be substituted with any type of cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Romano cheese.
- Breadcrumbs can be substituted with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the mac and cheese for a meaty version.
- Add diced tomatoes or spinach to the mac and cheese for a veggie version.
- Add hot sauce or chili flakes to the mac and cheese for a spicy version.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni until al dente so it doesn't become mushy in the cheese sauce.
- Use a whisk to make the cheese sauce smooth and creamy.
- Don't overcook the cheese sauce or it will become too thick.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese sauce to set.
Storage instructions:
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat mac and cheese, place it in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes until heated through. Alternatively, place it in a baking dish and bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation. Top with extra breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese for added texture.
Garnishes:
Garnish mac and cheese with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve mac and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the mac and cheese is too dry, add more cheese sauce or milk to moisten it.
Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni and cheese sauce to the proper temperature to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftover mac and cheese in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
Mac and cheese originated in Italy in the 14th century and was brought to America by Thomas Jefferson. It became popular during the Great Depression as an affordable and filling meal.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, savory
Serving suggestions:
Serve mac and cheese as a main dish or as a side dish to your favorite protein.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Comforting