World’s Greatest Mac and Cheese Recipe

The BEST Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese

Table of Contents

·         What is Mac and Cheese?

·         What Makes a Great Mac and Cheese?

·         Ingredients for the World’s Greatest Mac and Cheese Recipe

·         How to Make the World’s Greatest Mac and Cheese Recipe

·         Tips and Tricks for the World’s Greatest Mac and Cheese Recipe

·         Conclusion

Meta Description

Tags

mac and cheese, cheese, pasta, comfort food, easy, recipe

Category Name

Food

What is Mac and Cheese?

Mac and cheese, also known as macaroni and cheese, is a dish that consists of cooked macaroni pasta and a cheese sauce. It is usually baked in the oven, but it can also be made on the stovetop or in the microwave. Mac and cheese is a popular dish in the United States, Canada, and the United Kingdom, where it is often considered a staple of home cooking. Mac and cheese can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, and it can be customized with various toppings, seasonings, and add-ins.

What Makes a Great Mac and Cheese?

There are many factors that contribute to making a great mac and cheese, but here are some of the most important ones:

·         The cheese: The cheese is the star of the show, so you want to use a good quality cheese that melts well and has a strong flavor. You can use one type of cheese or a combination of different cheeses, depending on your preference. Some of the best cheeses for mac and cheese are cheddar, gruyere, gouda, parmesan, and fontina.

·         The sauce: The sauce is what binds the pasta and the cheese together, and it should be creamy, smooth, and thick. The sauce is usually made with butter, flour, milk, and cheese, but you can also add other ingredients, such as cream, cream cheese, sour cream, or mustard, to enhance the flavor and texture.

·         The pasta: The pasta is the base of the dish, and it should be cooked al dente, meaning firm to the bite. You can use any shape of pasta, but the best ones are those that have ridges or holes, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or shells, as they can hold more sauce and cheese.

·         The topping: The topping is optional, but it can add some crunch, color, and contrast to the dish. The most common topping for mac and cheese is breadcrumbs, which are mixed with butter and cheese and sprinkled over the top before baking. You can also use other toppings, such as bacon, ham, broccoli, tomatoes, or jalapenos, to add some extra flavor and texture.

Ingredients for the World’s Greatest Mac and Cheese Recipe

To make the world’s greatest mac and cheese recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

·         1 pound of macaroni pasta

·         1/4 cup of butter

·         1/4 cup of all-purpose flour

·         4 cups of whole milk

·         4 cups of shredded cheddar cheese

·         2 cups of shredded gruyere cheese

·         1/4 teaspoon of salt

·         1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

·         1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg

·         1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese

·         1/4 cup of panko breadcrumbs

·         2 tablespoons of melted butter

·         2 tablespoons of chopped parsley

How to Make the World’s Greatest Mac and Cheese Recipe

To make the world’s greatest mac and cheese recipe, you will need to follow these steps:

1.    Preheat the oven to 375°F and grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

2.    Cook the macaroni pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water, according to the package directions, until al dente. Drain and return to the pot.

3.    In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour. Cook, stirring constantly, for about 2 minutes, until smooth and bubbly.

4.    Gradually whisk in the milk and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, for about 15 minutes, until thickened.

5.    Stir in 3 cups of cheddar cheese, 1 cup of gruyere cheese, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

6.    Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni pasta and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish and spread it evenly.

7.    In a small bowl, toss the remaining cheese, parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.

8.    Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until golden and bubbly.

9.    Sprinkle with parsley and serve hot.

Tips and Tricks for the World’s Greatest Mac and Cheese Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks to make the world’s greatest mac and cheese recipe even better:

·         You can use any type of cheese you like, as long as it melts well and has a strong flavor. You can also experiment with different combinations of cheese, such as mozzarella, provolone, Monterey jack, or blue cheese.

·         You can add some extra flavor and spice to the cheese sauce by adding some garlic, onion, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, or cayenne pepper. You can also add some herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or sage, for some freshness and aroma.

·         You can add some protein and veggies to the mac and cheese to make it more hearty and nutritious. You can use cooked chicken, beef, pork, or seafood, such as bacon, ham, sausage, shrimp, or lobster. You can also use cooked broccoli, cauliflower, carrots, peas, spinach, or mushrooms.

·         You can make the mac and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate or freeze it until ready to bake. Just cover the baking dish with foil and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and bake as directed, adding some extra time if needed.

Conclusion

Mac and cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that can be enjoyed by everyone. By following this recipe, you can make the world’s greatest mac and cheese that is creamy, cheesy, and crunchy. You can also customize it with your favorite cheese, toppings, and add-ins. Try this recipe today and see for yourself why it is the world’s greatest mac and cheese!