Best Mac And Cheese From Cook Yourself Thin Recipes

CREAMY STOVETOP MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• In a large pot, bring about 4 quarts of water to a boil. Bring the water to a boil and then add 2 tablespoons of salt (trust me on this, salted water makes ALL the difference when cooking pasta.) Add the pasta. Cook the pasta to al dente, being careful not to overcook. The pasta should still have a nice chew to it. Drain and do not rinse.
• In the same pot used for the pasta, add half of the milk and cream over medium heat. In a separate bowl or glass measuring cup, whisk together the remaining milk and cream with the flour and spices. Whisk until smooth.
• When the milk on the stove begins to steam (not boil!) add the flour mixture and whisk to combine. Continue whisking until the milk thickens slightly, about 4-5 minutes.
• Add the shredded cheese, a handful at a time, stirring with a wooden spoon to melt. Remove from the heat once all the cheese has melted. Add the pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Taste and add salt, only if needed.

THE BEST LIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Boil pasta in salted water (ocean saltiness) and cook 2 minutes under al dente if baking. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
• In a separate pot/pan, cook butter and flour together making a roux. Whisk while cooking on medium heat for 1 minute.
• Slowly pour milk into roux while whisking. Bring to boil and reduce to simmer.
• Add dijon mustard and hot sauce to milk and whisk.
• Add Velveeta to milk and whisk until melted.
• Mix in 4 ounces of cheddar and mozzarella.
• Taste sauce and season accordingly to taste. I usually add a big heaping pinch of salt. This depends entirely on your taste and the cheese you are using.
• Spray baking dish with cooking spray and add noodles. Pour cheese sauce on top and mix. If the sauce is not creamy enough, you can loosen the sauce with the reserved pasta water (or more milk).
• Add remaining cheddar to the top and bake at 350 for about 10 minutes until cheese is melted. Finish with a light broil (optional).
• If not baking, add the remaining cheddar after mixing the cheese sauce and noodles and fold in before serving.

GUILT FREE MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Preheat the broiler.
• . Bring a large saucepan of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package directions.
• . While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, whisking constantly until golden, about 2 minutes. Continue whisking and add the milk in a slow, steady stream. Bring the mixture to a steady simmer, whisking constantly, and whisk until thickened, about 2 minutes.
• . Drain the pasta in a colander. Remove the sauce from the heat, add the cheese, and stir until the cheese melts. Immediately add the hot, drained pasta and stir until well-coated. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, salt, pepper and nutmeg.
• Divide the mac and cheese among four 6-ounce ovenproof ramekins and sprinkle 1 tablespoon bread crumbs over each. Broil until crumbs are golden and crisp, 1 to 2 minutes, taking care not to let the top burn. Serve immediately.

OLD-FASHIONED MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook macaroni in boiling water until almost tender; drain. Meanwhile, in a Dutch oven, melt butter. Stir in the flour, salt, mustard, pepper and pepper sauce until smooth. Cook for 1 minute or until bubbly. Stir in the macaroni, milk and 4 cups cheese. , Transfer to an ungreased 13x9-in. baking dish. Cover and bake at 350° for 45-50 minutes or until bubbly. Uncover; sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.