Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese
The Ultimate Beer Snack: Making Flavorful Mac and Cheese at Home
Mac and Cheese, a quintessential American comfort food and a beloved soul food! While it might be high in calories, its irresistible creaminess and rich flavor are something we crave from time to time. Here’s a recipe to make delicious Mac and Cheese using simple ingredients you likely have at home. The luxurious cheese and smooth creamy sauce create a perfect harmony with the macaroni.
Ingredients
- 150g Macaroni
- 3 slices Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Milk
- 1 handful Mozzarella or Pizza Cheese (approx. 50g)
- 1/2 Onion, finely chopped
- 2 strips Bacon, chopped
- 2 tbsp Unsalted Butter
- 2 tbsp All-purpose Flour
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Let’s gather all the ingredients for our ‘Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese’. You’ll need 150g of macaroni, 3 slices of cheddar cheese, 1 cup (200ml) of milk, a handful (about 50g) of mozzarella or pizza cheese, and half an onion, finely chopped. Also, chop 2 strips of bacon into bite-sized pieces. For extra flavor, prepare 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour to create our smooth sauce.
Step 2
First, we’ll cook the macaroni. In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt (about 1/2 teaspoon) for flavor. Once boiling, add the 150g of macaroni and cook for about 10-12 minutes, or 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions. It’s important not to overcook it so it’s perfectly al dente.
Step 3
While the macaroni is cooking, let’s prepare the other ingredients. Finely chop the onion and bacon that you prepared earlier. Chopping them small will help them blend better with the sauce and improve the texture.
Step 4
Heat a pan over medium heat and melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter is melted, add the chopped bacon and cook until golden brown and crispy, rendering out its delicious fat.
Step 5
Once the bacon is nicely browned, add the chopped onion to the pan. Sauté together for about 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent. This process will release the natural sweetness of the onion, deepening the sauce’s flavor.
Step 6
When the onions are translucent, add 2 tablespoons of flour to the pan. Stir constantly and cook for about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. This step is called making a ‘roux’, and it helps create a smooth, lump-free sauce by binding the flour and butter. Keep stirring with a spatula to prevent lumps.
Step 7
Once the butter and flour are well combined and you can smell a nutty aroma, it’s time to add the milk. Gradually pour in the 1 cup (200ml) of milk, about 2-3 additions at a time, whisking vigorously with a whisk or spatula after each addition. This ensures a super smooth, creamy sauce without any lumps.
Step 8
As the milk is incorporated and the sauce begins to thicken, add the 3 slices of cheddar cheese and the handful of mozzarella (or pizza) cheese. Stir gently over low heat until the cheeses are completely melted and you have a thick, luscious cheese sauce.
Step 9
By now, your macaroni should be perfectly cooked. Drain the macaroni in a colander. Crucially, do NOT rinse the macaroni with cold water! Rinsing washes away the starch, which helps the sauce cling to the pasta. Keep it hot and ready to use.
Step 10
Add the drained, hot macaroni to the rich cheese sauce and toss well to coat every piece. Mix thoroughly so that each strand of pasta is covered in the cheesy goodness. Your delicious Mac and Cheese is almost ready!
Step 11
Finally, taste the Mac and Cheese and adjust the seasoning. If it tastes a bit bland, add a pinch of salt and pepper to your preference. It’s best enjoyed immediately while it’s warm!
