Macaroni and cheese, also known as mac and cheese, is a classic comfort food that has been enjoyed for generations. The first mac and cheese prototypes showed up in the 1500s as Cheese and pasta casseroles that were recorded in an Italian cookbook; this dish consisted Parmesan cheese and pasta. It wasn’t until Elizabeth Raffald’s 1769 book, The Experienced English Housekeeper, that we got our first real mac and cheese recipe. The dish consisted of boiled macaroni mixed with a rich cheese sauce and quickly became a popular in English kitchens.
The Experienced English Housekeeper by Elizabeth Raffauld.
To Dress Macaroni with Parmesan Cheese:
Boil four ounces of macaroni till it be quite tender and lay it on a sieve to drain. Then put it in a tossing pan with about a gill [a quarter of a pint] of good cream, a lump of butter rolled in flour, boil it five minutes. Pour it on a plate, lay all over it parmesan cheese toasted. Send it to the table on a water plate, for it soon gets cold.
It was not long before that mac and cheese made its way to the United States in the early 19th century the first written account of it in America, comes from a dinner given by President Thomas Jefferson where macaroni pie was served. And the United states adopted this hearty and filling dish as their own. Helping families live through the Great Depression and World War II. In the post-war era, boxed mac and cheese became widely available, making it an even more accessible and convenient meal for busy families.
Today, mac and cheese has become a cultural icon, inspiring countless variations and creative add-ins. From classic cheddar cheese sauce to gourmet variations like truffle and lobster, the possibilities for this dish are endless.
Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe:
Equipment
- 1 Large sauce pan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Kitchen spoon
- 1 Stock pot (for pasta)
- 1 Cheese grater
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tbsp. unsalted butter
- 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 tsp. dry mustard
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.1 pound elbow macaroni
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and continue to cook for 2 minutes.4 tbsp. unsalted butter, 4 tbsp. all-purpose flour
- Gradually add the milk, whisking constantly, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.3 cups whole milk
- Stir in the cheddar cheese and dry mustard, and season with salt and pepper to taste.2 cups cheddar cheese, 1 tsp. dry mustard, salt and pepper
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine. Serve hot.
Notes
- Buffalo Chicken: Mix in shredded chicken and hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Bacon and Egg: Top your mac and cheese with crispy bacon and a fried egg.
- Lobster: Stir in cooked lobster meat for a gourmet twist.
- Broccoli and Cheddar: Add steamed broccoli for a healthy spin.
- Truffle: Sprinkle truffle oil and cheese on top for a luxurious taste.
- BBQ Pulled Pork: Mix in slow-cooked pulled pork for a smoky flavor.
- Jalapeno Popper: Add diced jalapenos and cream cheese for a spicy kick.
- Parmesan and Garlic: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese and minced garlic for extra flavor.
- Chili Mac: Top with chili and shredded cheddar cheese for a filling meal.
- Pesto: Stir in pesto sauce for a fresh and herby flavor.
