Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup crumbled blue cheese
- 1/2 cup hot sauce
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2 cups cooked and shredded chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Baking dish for baking mac and cheese
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk until smooth.
4. Gradually add milk, whisking constantly until mixture is smooth and thickened.
5. Add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
6. Stir in hot sauce, diced celery, diced onion, and shredded chicken. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
8. Pour mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish.
9. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 25 minutes
Temperature:
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
Serving size:
- Serves 6-8 people
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 550
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Use any type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni.
- Use any type of cheese instead of cheddar and blue cheese.
- Use any type of hot sauce instead of the recommended amount.
Variations:
- Add diced jalapeños for extra spice.
- Use ground beef instead of chicken.
- Add bacon bits for extra flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Cook the macaroni al dente to prevent it from becoming too soft when baked.
- Use a rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking and shredding the chicken.
- Add breadcrumbs to the top of the mac and cheese before baking for a crispy topping.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat mac and cheese in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Top with chopped green onions or parsley for a pop of color.
Garnishes:
- Chopped green onions or parsley.
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the mac and cheese is too dry, add a splash of milk to the cheese sauce before baking.
- If the mac and cheese is too saucy, add more cooked pasta to the mixture.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness.
Food history:
- Buffalo wings were invented in Buffalo, New York in 1964.
Flavor profiles:
- Spicy, cheesy, tangy.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and enjoy as a main dish.
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