Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food loved by many, but it can become a bit mundane if you always use the same recipe. This article provides a basic baked mac and cheese recipe with clever variations to add an extra twist. The recipe calls for elbow macaroni, milk, flour, butter, cheddar cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese, which are mixed together to make a creamy sauce. Some creative variations suggested include bacon, green chile, lobster, mushroom, and buffalo chicken mac and cheese, each with a unique taste. Incorporating these ideas will enhance the flavor and make mac and cheese more exciting.
Baked Mac and Cheese with a Twist: Creative Variations to Try
Introduction
Mac and cheese is one of the most beloved comfort foods, but it can also be a bit boring if you’ve been making the same basic recipe for years. If you’re looking to spice up your mac and cheese game, there are lots of fun and creative variations to try. Here’s a step-by-step guide and recipe for a basic baked mac and cheese, along with some clever twists to make it even more delicious.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Add the milk gradually, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Cook for 5-7 minutes, until the mixture has thickened slightly.
- Stir in the grated cheddar cheese and continue to cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well combined.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a 9×13 inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
1. Bacon Mac and Cheese
For a smoky, savory twist on classic mac and cheese, chop up some crispy bacon and stir it into the cheese sauce before adding the pasta.
2. Green Chile Mac and Cheese
For a slightly spicy variation, mix in some chopped green chiles or jalapenos to the cheese sauce, along with some cream cheese for extra richness.
3. Lobster Mac and Cheese
For an extra indulgent version, mix in some cooked lobster meat to the mac and cheese before baking. Top with some breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter for an extra crispy crust.
4. Mushroom Mac and Cheese
Add some sauteed mushrooms and onions to the cheese sauce for a delicious and earthy twist.
5. Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
For a spicy and tangy take on mac and cheese, mix in some shredded rotisserie chicken and buffalo sauce. Top with some blue cheese crumbles for extra flavor.
Conclusion
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be made even more delicious with these creative variations. Whether you prefer savory, spicy, or indulgent flavors, there’s a mac and cheese recipe out there for you. Give these twists a try and see which one becomes your new go-to comfort food.