Indulge in the creamy decadence of American comfort food with our Mac and Cheese Extravaganza. Originating from humble roots and also known like Macaroni and cheese, this dish has become a symbol of cheesy goodness worldwide.
| Country | United States |
| Degree of Difficulty | Easy |
| Type of Food | Main Course |
| Cooking Time | 1 hour and 10 minutes |
| Preparation Time | 10 minutes |
| Total Time | 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| Serving Size | 4 people |
Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 3 cups cups cooked ham, diced
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to make a roux. Add milk to roux slowly, stirring constantly. Stir in cheeses, and cook over low heat until cheese is melted and the sauce is a little thick. Put cooked macaroni in large casserole dish, and pour sauce over macaroni. Stir well.
- Melt butter or margarine in a skillet over medium heat. Add breadcrumbs and brown. Spread over the macaroni and cheese to cover. Sprinkle a little paprika over the top to make it look pretty.
- Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) for 30 minutes. Serve. Eat. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information: (per serving)
| Calories | 680 kcal |
| Fat | 36g |
| Protein | 32g |
| Carbohydrates | 55g |
| Sugar | 8g |
| Fiber | 2g |
Optional Additions or Substitutions:
- Add a pinch of cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Try different cheese combinations, such as mozzarella and Gouda.
- Mix in cooked bacon or sautéed mushrooms for extra flavor.
Tips or Variations:
- For extra creaminess, use evaporated milk instead of regular milk.
- Experiment with gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
- Bake in individual ramekins for a stylish presentation.
Other Countries Where They Also Make This Recipe:
- Mac and cheese variations are enjoyed worldwide, with unique twists in Italy, where pasta and cheese combinations are abundant, and in Canada, known for its “Kraft Dinner” culture.
Allergen Checklist:
- Contains dairy and gluten.
- Can be adapted for vegans by omitting ham and using plant-based milk and cheese alternatives. Just omitting ham would be enough for vegeterians
