The moment the cheese sauce bubbles to life on the stovetop, I can feel the cozy warmth of nostalgia wrap around me. Macaroni cheese has always been the ultimate comfort food in my home, a dish that sparks joy and brings everyone to the table, eager for a taste. But there’s a little twist to this classic: it pairs beautifully with a refreshing bitter leaf salad that cuts through the richness, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and balanced.
After one particularly hectic week, I craved a dish that could cater to my soul’s need for comfort while still coaxing my taste buds into something fresh and vibrant. Enter my macaroni cheese recipe, where gooey, melty cheese mingles with perfectly cooked pasta, all topped with a golden crust that’s irresistible. That perfect combination of crispy and creamy, when served alongside a zesty salad, transforms this meal into an unforgettable dining experience that’s not just satisfying, but nourishing for the soul. Let’s dive into this delicious comfort!
Why will you love macaroni cheese?
Ultimate Comfort: Picture sinking your fork into a gooey, cheesy delight that warms your heart. This macaroni cheese is your go-to dish when comfort is key!
Flavor Balance: The addition of zesty bitter leaf salad creates a perfect harmony of rich and refreshing flavors that keep every bite exciting.
Easy Preparation: With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in just an hour, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy everyone at the table.
Unique Twist: Combining classic macaroni cheese with a fresh salad elevates it from ordinary to extraordinary, impressing both your taste buds and your guests. For more inspiration, check out my delicious bitter leaf salad!
Macaroni Cheese Ingredients
For the Cheese Sauce
- Whole milk – 1.1 litres gives a creamy base for the sauce.
- Unsalted butter – 50g adds a rich flavor and helps create a roux.
- Plain flour – 50g is essential for thickening the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Grated cheese – 350g (mix of cheddar, Gruyère, red Leicester, and hard grated mozzarella) ensures a flavorful and melty finish.
- Hot sauce – 1/2-1 tbsp to taste adds a delightful kick that enhances the macaroni cheese.
For the Pasta
- Dried macaroni – 350g is the star of the dish, soaking up all that luscious cheese sauce.
Feel free to adjust the cheese mix to suit your preferences or dietary needs and enjoy this comforting macaroni cheese paired with your zesty bitter leaf salad!
How to Make Macaroni Cheese
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Preheat your oven to 180°C fan. This ensures that your macaroni cheese bakes evenly and gets that perfect golden crust.
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Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s steaming, then take it off the heat. This step is crucial for creating a smooth cheese sauce.
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Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until it’s foaming. Then stir in the flour to create a thick paste. Cook for about 1 minute to eliminate the raw flour taste.
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Whisk in the warmed milk gradually until the mixture is thin and smooth. Make sure there are no lumps; this will be the base of your delicious cheese sauce.
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Cook the sauce over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 5 minutes, until it thickens to a velvety consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon beautifully.
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Combine the cheese. Stir in 300g of the grated cheese and hot sauce to taste, along with a pinch of salt. Whisk until it’s all melted and creamy.
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Boil the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water for just 3 minutes. Drain it, then mix the pasta into the cheese sauce, stirring well to coat every piece.
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Transfer everything into a large ovenproof dish. Don’t forget to sprinkle the remaining cheese on top for that extra cheesy goodness.
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Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling. The aroma will draw everyone to the table, so serve immediately for the best experience.
Optional: Top with fresh herbs for a pop of color and extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Macaroni Cheese Variations
Feel free to get creative with this macaroni cheese recipe and make it your own!
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Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free macaroni for a dish that everyone can enjoy without worry.
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Vegetable-Loaded: Stir in sautéed spinach, mushrooms, or broccoli before baking to add a nutritious twist.
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Smoky Flavor: Use smoked cheese in place of regular cheese for a delicious smoky taste that elevates the dish.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like thyme or basil to the cheese sauce for a fragrant burst of flavor with every bite.
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Extra Creamy: Mix in a dollop of cream cheese along with the grated cheese for an ultra-luxurious and creamy texture.
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Spicy Kick: Toss in chopped jalapeños or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a fiery touch that will tantalize your taste buds.
For an even more delightful experience, pairing with different variations leads to a meal that’s as rewarding as it is comforting.
How to Store and Freeze Macaroni Cheese
Room Temperature: It’s best to avoid leaving macaroni cheese out at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent spoilage.
Fridge: Store leftover macaroni cheese in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through.
Freezer: You can freeze macaroni cheese for up to 2 months. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat in the oven for a crispy topping or microwave for a quicker option.
What to Serve with Macaroni Cheese?
Indulge in comforting macaroni cheese alongside fresh, vibrant dishes that elevate your meal experience.
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Zesty Bitter Leaf Salad: This salad cuts through the creaminess, adding a refreshing crunch that complements every cheesy bite. Its tangy vinaigrette brings life to the rich flavors.
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Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is perfect for sopping up extra cheese sauce, providing a delightful contrast of textures. Every bite becomes a comforting embrace of flavors.
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Roasted Vegetables: Colorful, roasted veggies such as Brussels sprouts or carrots add a touch of earthiness and nutrition, creating a wholesome balance with the creamy macaroni cheese.
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Sweet Potato Fries: Crispy sweet potato fries offer a deliciously sweet contrast to the savory macaroni cheese, making each bite a delightful combination of tastes.
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Creamy Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw brings a refreshing crunch that perfectly pairs with the richness of the cheese sauce, making your meal feel lighter.
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Chardonnay: A chilled glass of Chardonnay pairs remarkably well, enhancing the meal with its notes of fruit and acidity, which brightens the dish beautifully.
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Apple Crisp: For dessert, a warm apple crisp adds a sweet, comforting finish that echoes the cozy vibe of the macaroni cheese. Its spiced sweetness completes the experience with heartfelt satisfaction.
Expert Tips for Macaroni Cheese
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Ingredient Quality: Use high-quality cheese for the best flavor. A mix of sharp and mild cheeses enriches the macaroni cheese, enhancing its complexity.
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Avoid Lumps: Gradually whisk in the warm milk to prevent lumps in your cheese sauce. Mixing it in slowly helps create a silky smooth texture.
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Perfectly Cooked Pasta: Cook the macaroni just until al dente before combining it with the cheese sauce; it will continue to cook in the oven.
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Cheesy Topping: For a beautifully crispy crust, add an extra layer of cheese on top before baking. Don’t be shy about using an extra handful!
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Hot Sauce Balance: Adjust the hot sauce based on your preference. Start with less and add more to avoid overpowering the delicate cheese flavors in your macaroni cheese.
Make Ahead Options
These delightful macaroni cheese are perfect for meal prep enthusiasts! You can prepare the cheese sauce and cook the pasta up to 24 hours in advance; simply store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain that creamy texture. When you’re ready to serve, mix the pasta with the cheese sauce, pour into an ovenproof dish, and top with the remaining cheese. Bake directly from the fridge and add an extra 5 minutes to the cooking time for the best results. This way, you’ll enjoy all the comforting flavors of homemade macaroni cheese with minimal effort, making your busy weeknights much more manageable!
Macaroni Cheese Recipe FAQs
How can I choose the right cheese for macaroni cheese?
Absolutely! For the creamiest macaroni cheese, I recommend using a mix of cheeses. Cheddar provides a sharp flavor, while Gruyère adds a nutty quality. Red Leicester not only tastes delicious but also gives a beautiful color, and hard grated mozzarella is perfect for that gooey texture. Choosing high-quality cheese will elevate your dish significantly!
How should I store leftover macaroni cheese?
Very simply! Transfer any leftover macaroni cheese into an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat in the microwave or the oven until everything is warm and bubbly again.
Can I freeze macaroni cheese, and if so, how?
Certainly! Freezing macaroni cheese is a fantastic way to save any extras. I suggest portioning it into individual freezer-safe containers or wrapping the entire dish securely in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for the best results.
What’s the best way to reheat macaroni cheese for optimal texture?
To maintain that creamy texture and crispy topping, I recommend reheating in the oven. Preheat your oven to 180°C (350°F), place the macaroni cheese in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil to prevent drying out, and heat for about 20-25 minutes. If you’re short on time, the microwave works as well, but the oven gives you that beautifully golden crust everyone loves!
Can I make macaroni cheese without dairy, and what are the alternatives?
Absolutely, you can! For a dairy-free version of macaroni cheese, I suggest using plant-based milks such as almond or oat milk, along with dairy-free cheese alternatives. Nutritional yeast can be a fantastic addition to give that cheesy flavor. Just make sure to adjust the quantities accordingly, keeping the same consistency in mind for your sauce. Enjoying macaroni cheese without dairy is very doable and still delicious!
Comforting Macaroni Cheese with Zesty Bitter Leaf Salad
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat your oven to 180°C fan.
- Warm the milk in a small saucepan over low heat until it’s steaming, then take it off the heat.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat until foaming, then stir in the flour.
- Whisk in the warmed milk gradually until the mixture is thin and smooth.
- Cook the sauce over medium heat, whisking constantly for about 5 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in 300g of the grated cheese and hot sauce, whisk until melted and creamy.
- Boil the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water for about 3 minutes. Drain and mix with cheese sauce.
- Transfer everything into an ovenproof dish and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbling.