#EASY MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE MAC#

#EASY MAC AND CHEESE RECIPE MAC#

While stovetop mac and cheese does not have to be baked, this skillet mac and cheese absolutely must be baked, as it contains raw egg and is assembled before the cheese is melted.īecause mac and cheese is so heavy in dairy, it does not freeze well. You can add roasted veggies like Brussels sprouts or butternut squash, sautéed greens like kale and spinach, or add a mix of finely-chopped bacon and Panko breadcrumbs for a crispy flavorful topping. It's really easy to add flavor to mac and cheese with meat mix-ins liked diced chicken, pulled pork, or bacon. What can I add to mac and cheese for flavor? Shredding your own cheese will result in the creamiest mac and cheese! As long as you have one of these making up the majority of the cheese, you can add some drier options like Parmesan, Pecorino Romano, or Manchego for extra flavor.Īlso, avoid using pre-shredded cheese for making mac and cheese, as the anti-caking agents on the shreds prevent it from melting nicely. Cheddar, gruyere, mozzarella, and Pepper or Monterrey Jack are all great options. The best cheeses for making macaroni and cheese are ones that have excellent melting properties. What cheese makes the best mac and cheese? The choice is up to you! Top tipsīelow are some of my best tips for making this Easy Baked Mac and Cheese, as well as some answers to commonly asked questions! Step 6: Bake or smoke to creamy, cheesy perfection - there are instructions for baking in an oven or in a smoker in the recipe below. Step 5: Pour the milk mixture on top - the blender mixture gets poured evenly over the layers of cheese and noodles before baking. Add some cheese, then repeat, ending with cheese on top.

Step 4: Layer the noodles and cheese - start by adding a layer of cooked noodles to a buttered cast iron skillet. Step 3: Blend your milk mixture - instead of making a bechamel on the stovetop, we mix evaporated milk with eggs and spices in a blender. This is an easy task to do while your noodles boil, and is even faster when you use the grating attachment on a food processor. Step 2: Grate your cheese - your mac and cheese will have a meltier, creamier texture if you buy blocks of cheese and shred it yourself vs. The noodles will continue to be cooked in the final dish, so avoid overcooking them in the boiling water step! Step 1: Cook your noodles - you want them to have some toothiness/texture - in other words, be 'al dente' - so aim for the lower end of the recommended cooking time on the box and taste as the noodles cook. You're going to LOVE how easy it is to make mac and cheese from scratch with my simple technique that doesn't require making a cream sauce with flour on the stovetop. Seasonings: salt, pepper, smoked paprika, ground mustard, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.A blend of cheeses - sharp cheddar, Pepper Jack, and mozzarella are my favorite combination.It's a nice balance of both worlds! Video This recipe is not as creamy as stovetop noodles with sauce, but it's also not as casserole-like as most recipes for baked mac and cheese. You can assemble this ahead of time, then bake when ready.

Nope! We are getting the creaminess from a simple blender mixture of evaporated milk, eggs, and spices. This mac and cheese is awesome because it doesn't require slaving over a hot stovetop to make a bechamel. This makes it perfect for the smoker, but also easy to bake in the oven for all of us indoor folks.

Preferably sides that can also be smoked.Įnter an easy baked mac n' cheese that you cook in a cast-iron skillet. While the guys in our group seem to dominate the smoked meat realm (which I am totally fine with), I felt it was time for me to come up with some tried-and-true barbecue-worthy sides. Whoop!Īnd speaking of barbecues, I have to say that the men in my family are becoming quite the crew of pitmasters! It all started with my dad, who has loved smoking meats ever since I can remember. Happy first week of summer everyone! We have *officially* entered into the season of cookouts, pool parties, bonfires, and barbecues. This easy baked mac and cheese is made in a cast-iron skillet and does not require making a bechamel sauce! This homemade Southern baked macaroni and cheese recipe can be whipped up in no time and will surely be a crowd-pleaser! Jump to:

Easy mac and cheese recipe