Mac and cheese, a beloved dish across generations, has its roots firmly planted in American culinary history. This simple yet satisfying combination of macaroni pasta and a creamy, cheesy sauce has captured hearts and taste buds nationwide. In this recipe, we’ll delve into the origins of this iconic dish and explore a classic American recipe that honors its traditional flavors. Get ready to indulge in a bowl of pure comfort food!
WHAT IS MAC AND CHEESE?
Mac and cheese, short for macaroni and cheese, is a classic dish beloved in North America and Great Britain. The dish begins with cooking macaroni pasta, which is then combined with a creamy cheese sauce. A generous amount of cheese is sprinkled on top before the dish is baked, creating a deliciously cheesy and comforting meal. There are many variations of macaroni and cheese, but the key to a flavorful dish is choosing the right cheese, with cheddar being the traditional favorite that adds a rich and savory taste to the pasta.
INGREDIENTS
- 500 g macaroni
- 60 g butter
- 40 g flour
- 750 ml milk
- 350 g strong, spicy cheddar cheese
- Chili powder
- Garlic powder
- Salt
PREPARATION
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, rinse the macaroni with cold water and drain well.
- While the pasta is cooking, finely grate the cheddar cheese. In a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the flour and whisk until a smooth mixture forms. Continue stirring and cook for about 2 minutes until the flour turns golden brown.
- Gradually add the milk to the flour mixture, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. Remove from heat and stir in 300 g of the grated cheese. Once the cheese has melted, season the sauce with chili powder, garlic powder, and salt.
- Mix the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce.
- Preheat the oven to 175°C (fan). Transfer the pasta and cheese mixture into a baking dish, and top with the remaining cheese. Sprinkle with chili powder for extra flavor.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the cheese on top is golden brown and slightly crispy. Enjoy your homemade mac and cheese!
