Comfort Food~~Mac & Cheese!

[cat lover]

Macaroni and Cheese always seems to be THE comfort food most people crave. Each family has their own Special version of making it; let's share those recipes here and see how many different versions we can come up with! This will also give us a "special" place to find all those versions! I myself have several we like so will post them here; what are yours?

Debbie's Mac & Cheese

1 -7 oz pkg. elbow macaroni,cooked as directed on pkg.
2 tbsp margarine
2 tbsp flour
2 tsp hot sauce
1 tbsp dry mustard
2 1/2 cups skim milk
2 cups (8 oz) shredded sharp cheese


Preheat oven to 375 degrees. In medium pan melt margarine and stir in flour, mustard and hot sauce. Gradually stir in milk and cook and stir till mxture thickens slightly ; it shou coat a spoon when done. Remove from heat and add 1 1/2 cups cheese and stir till melted. Stir in cooked macaroni and turn into a greased 1 1/2 qt shallow baking dish. Top with remaining cheese and bake 20 to 25 mninutes or just till bubbly.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

I make a béchamel sauce. Then, I add some Louisiana hot sauce, salt, pepper, and sharp cheddar. I think pour this over cooked and drained noodles that have been cooked al dente, a little on the underside of cooked since they will cook more in the oven. Then, in a greased casserole, I layer the noodle/sauce mixture with more sharp cheddar cheese. I make a topping of butter and bread crumbs. I sprinkle that on top of the cheese of the very top of the casserole. I bake until hot and bubbly. I don't measure anything, sorry.

[Bilby]

We don't have mac and cheese that often but I do a bechemel sauce as well add fresh parsley and pepper and a mix of cheeses. I use any pasta it's nice with fettuccini for a change.
I don't have measurements and I don't think I use the same things twice LOL

[cat lover]

Here'a another good version; what's yours?

Macaroni and Cheese

5 cups cooked macaroni
5 tbsp butter
2 eggs
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
3 cups milk
2 cups shredded mozarella cheese
4 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Cook the macaroni until done as usual. Do not overcook it. Drain macaroni in
strainer.Place macaroni, butter, salt,pepper,milk, mozarella cheese, and 3 cups ofcheddar cheese in casserole dish. Mix eggs in a bowl first and then stir into mixture.Cover everything with aluminum foil andcook for 45 minutes at 350 degrees.Uncover and add extra cup of cheddar cheese across the top. Bake uncovered for another 15 minutes.

[Bilby]

Mac and Cheese Kathys way.

1 tablespoon marg or butter
1 tablespoon pl flour (I use wholemeal but you don't have to)
Approx pint milk (I use skim/no fat)
1 handfull grated cheese (or mix of cheeses) More if you like it extra cheesy
salt, pepper, parsley to taste.

In micro melt marg/butter for 20 (ish) seconds and stir in flour.
Add milk a tiny bit at a time and stir in well each time until all milk is mixed in (it becomes lumpy if you put in to much milk at once)
Cook for 1 min in the micro, take out and stir, repeat the process until the the sauce starts to bubble and add the cheese, then micro in 1 min bursts until sauce bubbles again and is cooked. Alternately ...
You can cook on the stove top with the same ingredients.
Stir in parsley last and season to taste with salt and pepper.

Mix in cooked pasta and pour into oven dish and sprinkle with more cheese, brown the top.
I love this put over a spaghetti bologanise mince sauce.
I love this with cooked vegetables mixed in.
This cheese white sauce is also what I use as the white sauce in between lasagne, pasta sheets, mince sauce, cheesey sauce etc.
Pretty basic sauce I learnt in school

[cat lover]

Sounds good and I like the microwave help!

[cat lover]

Macaroni and Cheese Casserole

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni
4 tbsp butter
2 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
2 large eggs
1/2 cup milk
paprika, for the top

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Grease an 8" square baking pan.Cook macaroni in boiling salted water, following package directions. Drain well and return to pot. Add butter and stir till melted. Add 2 cups of the shredded cheese.In a medium bowl, whisk eggs with the milk. Add the milk mixture to the macaroni. Stir till well combined. Spoon into the greased pan. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup cheese on top. Sprinkle with paprika. Bake, uncovered, for 30 minutes or tillthe cheese has melted and browned and casserole is cooked through.Serves 4 to 6.

[cat lover]

New England Baked Macaroni and Cheese

2 cups uncooked ziti or elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 cup flour
1 3/4 cups milk
10 oz block of Sharp Vermont White Cheddar Cheese, shredded
Paprika

Cook ziti or elbow macaroni as directed.Melt butter in frying pan over medium heat. Stir in salt and pepper. Add flour, and cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until smooth. Remove the frying pan from the stove and add milk.Return the frying pan to the burner and gradually increase heat as you stir constantlyWhen mixture boils, continue to stir for one minute, then remove from heat. Stir in shredded cheddar cheese.Add cheese sauce to the macaroni and stir thoroughly. Bake at 375 degrees for 25 minutes. Remove from oven, sprinkle top with paprika, then bake for another five minutes. Serves 4

[cat lover]

Vertamae's Monticello Macaroni and Cheese


This is a recipe from Ivillage

2 cups macaroni
4 tbsp butter
2 1/4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided
1/4 cup of diced green pepper
2 eggs, beaten
2 cups milk or cream
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp white pepper to taste


Cook macaroni in salted water. In a large bowl mix macaroni with butter, 2 cups of cheese, green pepper, and egg mixed with milk, salt, and pepper. Top with 1/4 cup cheese. Dot with butter.Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or till top is golden brown. Let cool slightly and serve.

[cat lover]

Here's another good version!


3 Cheese Mac & Cheese

12 oz uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups skim milk
2 tbsp all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups shredded 2% sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup fat free cottage cheese
1 tsp dry mustard
1/2 tsp ground cayenne
6 oz baby spinach
2 tbsp breadcrumbs
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Coat a 3 quart cassserole with nonstick cooking spray. Cook pasta according to pkg directions; drain and return to pot. Combine milk and flour in another saucepan and whisk till smooth. Cook over heat whisking constantly till mixture boils and slightly thickens. Remove from heat and add cheddar cheese whisking till smooth; then whisk in cottage cheese, dry mustard, and cayenne. Stir cheese sauce into pasta; fold in spinach. Spoon mixture into prepared casserole. Stir together breadcrumbs and Parmesan chese and sprinkle on top of casserole. Bake 25 to 30 minutes. Makes 6 servings

[cat lover]

This recipe was in Southern Living, a neighbor made it and said it was really good!

8 oz pkg. elbow macaroni (or pasta of your choice)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all purpose flour
2 cups milk
1/2 tsp vpepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
8 oz block sharp cheddar cheese shredded

Prpeare pasta according to pkg. directions. Keep warm. Mel;t butter in a pan and whixk in flour cooking and strirring constantly about 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and cook whixking constantly about 5 minutes or till thickened. Remove from heat and stir in peppers, 1 cup of the shredded cheese and ooked pasta. Spoon pasta mixture into a lightly greased 2 qt baking dish and top with remaining cheese. Bake at 400 degrees for about 20 minutes or till bubbly.

[cat lover]

Crockpot Macaroni and Cheese

Such an easy recipe! Even the pasta cooks in the slow cooker!

4 egg whites, beaten
12 oz. can fat free evaporated milk
1-1/2 cups skim milk
1/2 lb. elbow macaroni
3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded American cheese
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/8 tsp garlic powder

Spray the inside of slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl beat eggs with both milks. Stir in UNCOOKED macaroni and all of the shredded cheeses, pepper, and onion and garlic powders and mix well. Pour into 4 quart crockpot. Cover cook on LOW for 5 to 6 hours. Do NOT stir or remove the lid while this dish is cooking. Serves 4 to 6

[cat lover]

Baked Macaroni and Cheese
recipe from Campbell's Kitchen

1 can (10 3/4 oz.) Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
1/2 soup can milk
1/8 tsp.ground black pepper
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
2 cups hot cooked medium shell pasta
1 tbsp dry bread crumbs
2 tsp margarine, melted


Mix soup, milk, black pepper,cheddar cheese and pasta in 1 qt. baking dish. Mix bread crumbs and margarine and sprinkle over pasta mixture. Bake at 400 degrees. for 20 minutes or till hot. Serves 4.

[cat lover]

Real Easy Mac & Cheese

1 can (14 1/2 oz) fat free chicken broth
1 cup plus 2 tbsp uncooked macaroni
3/4 cup evaporated milk
2 tbsp butter, cut up
2 tsp all purpose flour
1/2 tsp pepper
1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded

Heat oven to 350 degrees. In a 8 x 10" baking dish combine broth, macaroni, evaporated milk, butter, flour, and pepper. Stir to combine. Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 40 minutes. Stir after 15 minutes and again after 30 minutes. Remove from oven and stir in cheese till melted. 4 servings

[cat lover]

This is a recipe that someone had made for a recent cookout we went to; they provided 3 x 5 cards with the recipe on it for anyone that wanted it; it was good!

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tbsp margarine
4 1/2 tbsp all purpose flour
1/4 tsp powdered mustard
3/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
3 cups milk
3/4 tsp worcestershire sauce
1/2 small onion, grated
8 oz sharp cheese, shredded
3 tbsp dry bread crumbs
1 1/2 tbsp melted margarine

Cook macaroni in boiling water according to pkg directions. Drain and put into a greased 2 qt casserole. Melt margarine and blend in flour, mustard, salt & pepper. Remove from heat and gradually add milk. Cook till thickened stirring constantly. Add worcestershire sauce, onion and cheese and stir till cheese begins to melt. Pour over macaroni and sprinkle with crumbs mixed with melted margarine. Bake at 375 degreees for about 30 minutes. Makes 4 servings.

[mamab]

That sounds great, I'll have to give that a try. I don't have powdered mustard, though, and am not even sure I've ever seen any. Where would you find it in the grocery store? I've never seen it in the spice aisle at my stores.

[cat lover]

It is called "dry mustard" most of the time; it is in the spice isle at the groceries. I also use that in my deviled eggs instead of salad mustard.

[cat lover]

Lower Fat Mac & Cheese

2 cups dry pasta
1 cup skim milk
2 tsp cornstarch
1 sprig fresh parsley
1 sprig fresh thyme
1 bay leaf
8 oz low fat cheddar cheese, grated
1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp kosher salt
grated nutmeg
Cayenne pepper
black pepper
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add pasta; cook about 8 minutes and set aside.Mix 1 tablespoon of skim milk with the cornstarch and set aside. Heat the remaining skim milk in a saucepan over medium heat with the parsley, thyme, and bay leaf. When fragrant, whisk in the cornstarch mixture and bring to a boil over high heat and simmer till the milk thickens. Remove the herbs and stir in the cheese till melted. Whisk the butter, mustard, salt, nutmeg, and cayenne into the sauce. Drain the pasta and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with the cheese sauce and season with salt and black pepper.

[SushiMushi]

i absolutely adore mac and cheese. the cheesier the better. thanks to everyone here with the recipes.

[cat lover]

i absolutely adore mac and cheese. the cheesier the better. thanks to everyone here with the recipes.


Do you have some favorite ways of making it that you care to share?:confused:

[cat lover]

I know this belongs in the restaurant recipes, but thought it would have better vews here


Piccadilly Cafeteria's Macaroni & Cheese


2 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all purpose flour
2 1/4 cups milk, warmed
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 eggs
2 cups grated extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided use

Preheat overn to 400 degrees. Cook macaroni according to package directions and drain. Heat butter in a small saucepan over medium low heat. Stir in flourand cook 1 minute. Use a whisk and add milk, stirring constantly, till sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper. Beat eggs slightly and add small amount of sauce to eggs and then add remaining egg mixture to sauce. Set aside 1/3 cup grated cheese for top. Add one third macaroni to buttered 2 quart casserole alternating layers of macaroni and cheese.Pour sauce all over and add reserved cheese. Bake 25 to 30 minutes and serve.

[cat lover]

I was paging through some of my grandmother's recipe books I have and she had this marked as "good" so thought I'd post it here. It was in "A Peek Into Salem's Kitchens" cookbook. It was one of those cookbooks that groups put together; this one was Salem Evangelical And Reformed Church And Chapel from back in 1956!

Macaroni and Cheese

1 1/2 cups elbow macaroni
1/4 cup butter
1 1/2 cups American cheese, cubed
1 1/2 tbsp onion, chopped
1 1/2 tbsp parsley
1 1/2 tbsp pimento, chopped
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp paprika
2 eggs
2 cups milk

Cook macaroni in salt water. Drain and pour cold water through it. Put it in buttered casserole. Add butter, cheese, onion, parsley, pimento and seasonings. Beat the eggs slightly and add the hot milk to them. Pour over the macaroni and bake uncovered at 350 degrees for 50 minutes.

[Love to cook]

Since I have been asked to post, here goes. I find these forums confusing, I never know where to post . Anyway, I have been busy knitting a sweater from a new design and ripping it out until the yarn and I are practically worn out. However, it is finished. I have baked dozens and dozens of Christmas cookies for a nursing home and for a small family celebration tomorrow. ( And some for Christmas Day, at home) I had minor eye surgery on Thursday.
The mac and cheese recipes sound good. Since my oldest grand-daughter was very small she has always asked for mac and cheese at Gramma's house. and over the years still like's Gramma's the best.So here, I am at last.
Tomorrow is Church then a 45 minute drive to the family celebration. Monday I cook for two guests for the Christmas dinner. three cheese lasagna and apple pie being the main items.
So to all, whatever your celebration may be, enjoy!

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Lovetocook, my favorite way to get to know a forum like this is to go to "forums." I go way down to the bottom where it shows "recipe exchange." I click on 'recipe swap" and then look for the type of recipe that I want to share. It is similar to a cookbook. If you have a maindish, a dessert, or whatever, there is a place for it.

Another thing that I always do is click on "new posts" at the top center. That way you can discover what has recently been posted. That is also an excellent place to find out what the popular threads are.

If all else fails, PM a moderate. We aim to please and help you any way that we can!

[barbszy]

I'm trying the first one in this thread tonight. I did make a few modifications: I halved the mustard and only put a tiny bit of hot sauce; I used whole milk (that's all we have), and I put 3/4 cup cubed cooked chicken in there.

I had defrosted the chicken with a different dinner idea in mind, but then I decided I really wanted mac & cheese :)

[Love to cook]

The chicken sounds like a good addition. since I am vegetarian , I don't use it, but can see the benefits of it I basically,go with the chedddar cheese, white sauce and sometimes use a bread crumb topping. No matter how it's made, it seems to be a favorite with all.

[cat lover]

Love to cook, we have a vegetarian forum that I would love to see you post some of your recipe on! Actually any recipes in the correct forum is welcome!

Please private message one of us if you need help to get started! Looking forward to your recipes! Hope you are having a wonderful Holiday Season!

[cat lover]

Here's one with some ham in it!
Cheesy Ham and Macaroni

1 1.8 oz package white sauce mix*
2 cups milk
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup cubed American Cheese
1/8 teaspoon ground pepper
7 ounces macaroni, cooked according to directions, drained
1 1/2 cup fully-cooked ham
1 cup frozen green peas


Thaw the frozen peas. In a large saucepan stir together white sauce mix and milk following package directions, cook until thickened. Stir in cheese and pepper. Add macaroni, ham and peas and cook, stirring until heated through. Serve hot. Serves 6

*If you want to make a white sauce from scratch, melt 3 tablespoons butter in a saucepan. Stir in 1/4 cup flour and cook until mixture bubbles. Stir in 2 cups milk and cook, stirring until thickened.
Serves 6.

[cat lover]

Macaroni & Cheese with Extras


2 tbsp rmargarine
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 (5.5oz) box macaroni & cheese
1/3 cup milk
2 tbsp salad mustard
1 cup frozen peas, thawed & drained

In medium saucepan melt margarine over medium heat. Add onion and cook and stir till tender. Put a pot of water on heat and bring to a boil, add macaroni and cook as package directs. Drain and add powdered cheese mix and remaining ingredients. Stir to mix and serve. Makes 2 generous servings

[cat lover]

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

1 - 10 3/4 oz can condensed reduced fat cream of mushroom soup
1/2 cup milk
1/2 tsp prepared mustard
1/2 tsp black pepper
3 cups cooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
2 cup French Fried onions (the canned type)

In a 1 1/2 qt casserole belnd first four ingredients. Stir in macaroni and 1 12 cups cheese. Bake at 400 degrees about 25 minutes or till hot. Top with onions and remaining cheese and bake 5 minutes more or till cheese melts. Makes about 4 1/2 cups

[cat lover]

Reduced Fat macaroni & cheese

1 13.25 oz whole grain penne pasta
4 cups broccoli florets
1 cup skim milk
1 tbsp all purpose flour
1 tsp Dijon mustard
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
pinch cayenne pepper
8 oz 2% sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Heat a pot of lightly salted water to boiling. Add the pasta and cook 6 minutes. Add the broccoli and cook an additional 4 minutes. Drain. Whisk the milk and flour together in a small pan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and simmer 3 minutes till thickened. Remove from the heat and whisk in mustard, salt, and pepper and cayenne. Add grated cheese whisking till melted. Transfer the pasta and broccoli to a serving bowl. Pour cheese sauce over pasta - broccoli mixture and stir till coated. 6 servings

[sweetnell3]

Has anyone made fry mac & cheese? Ds has bought some from the sonic's here & enjoyed it but they only carry it part time.I do know the mac& cheese is made first then dip in some kind of batter then fried.

[DeBora4BobbyL]

Nell, I would imagine that fried mac and cheese would be like making fried anything else. Scoop you an amount of mac and cheese and dip it in a batter and deep fry it. If you try it, let us know. It does sound good.

[cat lover]

We don't have a sonic any where near us so I won't get to try them! Went looking for a recipe and found this one; thought you might want to try them at home. If you do let us know how they turn out; sure sounds good! I think I would use panko crumbs rather than the regular bread crumbs though.

Paula Deen's Deep Fried Macaroni & Cheese

Peanut oil, for frying
1 recipe "The Lady's Cheesy Mac" prepared and chilled in the refrigerator overnight, and cut into 15 bite size squares( recipe follows )
Flour, for dredging
1 egg, beaten
Plain bread crumbs, for dredging

Heat 2" of oil in a large, heavy Dutch oven to 350 degrees. Dredge each Cheesy Mac square in flour, then egg, and then bread crumbs to coat. Fry for about 1 minute on each side till golden brown. Drain on paper towels before serving.

"The Lady's Cheesy Mac"

4 cups cooked elbow macaroni, drained
2 cups grated Cheddar
3 eggs, beaten
1/2 cup sour cream
4 tbsp butter, cut into pieces
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup milk

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Once you have the macaroni cooked and drained place in a large bowl and while still hot, add the Cheddar. In a separate bowl, combine remaining ingredients and add to the macaroni mixture. Pour macaroni mixture into a casserole dish and bake for 30 to 45 minutes. Top with additional cheese.

[sweetnell3]

Thanks Cat for the recipe,will it give it a try hopefully soon.When I do will let you know how it went.I've haven't eaten it before but like I said ds has also think Audrey would like it as she is a big mac& cheese fan!

[Bilby]

Sounds interesting almost like a mac fritter deep fried

[cat lover]

Have a recipe for a mac fritter Bilby?

[Bilby]

I don't have an actual recipe Cat, but thinking on the above ("The Lady's Cheesy Mac") mac recipe you could roughly drop or roughly pat shapes and put into melted butter or a bit of oil and cook, maybe worth a try?

[barbszy]

This is my family's favorite macaroni & cheese recipe. I make it in my 4-qt Nesco roaster. If you want to bake it in the oven in a casserole dish, bake at 350 for 35 minutes (and omit the lasagna noodle thing. That's just for roaster ovens that heat from the sides, to prevent scorching)

Mac N Cheese in the Nesco 4-qt

1 lb of your favorite pasta, cooked al dente (I used "small shells." We like a pasta that will hang onto the sauce)
10 oz of your favorite Cheddar cheese or Cheddar-Monterey Jack mixture, shredded
2 cans cream of mushroom soup (condensed, 10-oz can)
2/3 cup milk
2 tbl dried minced onion
(optional) 1/2 tsp dry mustard for a little extra zing
3 tbl seasoned bread crumbs for topping

Combine cheese, soup, milk and onion (and mustard if using) in a heavy saucepan and heat on low, stirring often, until cheese is completely melted and sauce is smooth. Mix with cooked pasta. Put lasagna noodles into the sides of your roaster and pour in the mac n cheese. Sprinkle bread crumbs over top. If you want to eat it soon, bake it in the Nesco at 300 for 25 minutes. If you want to eat it later in the day, keep it warm at just below 200 and then turn up to 300 for 15 minutes or so when you're ready to eat.

[cat lover]

Sounds really good Barbszy!

[cat lover]

Full Moon's Macaroni and Cheese

6 slices French baguette
1 stick unsalted butter
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup flour
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/4 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp cayenne
4 1/2 cups grated sharp Cheddar cheese
2 cups grated Gruyere
1 1/4 cups grated Pecorino Romano
1 pound elbow or shell pasta

Heat the oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3 1/2 qt dish. Make bread crumbs from the baguette in a food processor. Mix crumbs with 2 tbsp of melted butter and set aside. Warm milk over medium heat. In a separate pan melt the remaining butter till bubbly. Whisk in the flour and cook stirring 1 minute. While still whisking add the warm milk a little at a time. Continue cooking stirring constantly till the mixture bubbles and thickens. Remove it from heat and stir in the salt, pepper, nutmeg, cayenne, and cheeses. Set aside. Cook pasta al dente then rinse it under cold water. Combine it with cheese sauce and pour it into buttered casserole dish. Sprinkle with the buttered bread crumbs and bake for about 30 minutes till the mixture bubbles and the crumbs are brown. Let the dish set for 5 minutes before serving. Serves 6 to 8.

[cat lover]

Impossible Mac & Cheese


1 cup uncooked elbow macaroni
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1/2 cuplBisquic mix
1 1/2 cups milk
1/4 tsp red pepper sauce
2 eggs


Heat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9" glass pie plate with cooking spray. Place uncooked macaroni in pie plate. Sprinkle with 1 3/4 cups of the cheese.
In a bowl, stir remaining ingredients till blended. Pour into pie plate. Spray sheet of foil with cooking sprayand place sprayed side down over pie plate. Bake 20 minutes. Uncover and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer or till knife inserted in center comes out clean. Sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup cheese. Bake 1 to 2 minutes longer or til lcheese is melted. Let stand 5 minutes before serving. 6 servings