Scrumptious Potluck Recipes for Every Occasion

Ingredients

  • 2 cups of uncooked elbow macaroni
  • 1/2 cup of butter
  • 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
  • 1 1/2 cups of milk
  • 1 cup of heavy cream
  • 2 cups of shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
  • 1 cup of breadcrumbs

Steps and instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
  2. Cook macaroni according to the package directions. Drain.
  3. In a saucepan, melt butter or margarine over medium heat. Stir in enough flour to absorb all of the butter.
  4. Slowly pour milk and cream into butter-flour mixture while continuously stirring until mixture is smooth and bubbling.
  5. Add about 1 1/2 cups of cheese to milk mixture and stir until cheese is melted and incorporated into the sauce.
  6. Stir macaroni into cheese sauce until coated. Use salt and pepper to season.
  7. Transfer macaroni to a baking dish and sprinkle remaining cheese and breadcrumbs on top. You can add a bit of paprika for color.
  8. Bake in preheated oven until cheese on top is bubbling and turning golden brown, about 20 minutes.

Tools for making

  • Saucepan - used to melt the butter and heat the milk mixture
  • Baking dish - used to bake the macaroni and cheese in the oven
  • Whisk - used to stir and combine the butter, flour, milk, and cheese
  • Strainer - used to drain the cooked macaroni
  • Oven - used to bake the macaroni and cheese
  • Measuring cups and spoons - used to accurately measure the ingredients

Recipe variations

  • Try using different types of pasta such as penne or rotini instead of elbow macaroni.
  • Experiment with different types of cheese like Gouda, Swiss, or Monterey Jack.
  • Add cooked bacon or diced ham for a meaty variation.
  • Include vegetables like broccoli, peas, or roasted red peppers for added flavor and texture.
  • For a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free flour blend instead of all-purpose flour.
  • Make it spicy by adding diced jalapenos or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper.
  • For a crispy crust, try topping the macaroni and cheese with crushed potato chips or panko breadcrumbs.
  • Make it a one-pot meal by adding cooked chicken or shrimp to the macaroni and cheese mixture before baking.
  • For a healthier twist, use whole wheat macaroni and substitute part of the cheese with pureed butternut squash or cauliflower.

Recipe overview

This classic baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a crowd-pleaser at any potluck. With its creamy, rich sauce, tender macaroni, and cheesy crust, it's a comforting dish that's sure to satisfy. The recipe starts with cooking elbow macaroni, then creating a creamy cheese sauce using butter, flour, milk, cream, and sharp Cheddar cheese. The macaroni is then coated in the cheese sauce, transferred to a baking dish, and topped with breadcrumbs and more cheese. A quick bake in the oven gives it a deliciously golden and bubbly top. This recipe requires some basic cooking skills, but the end result is worth it.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
  2. Can I use a different type of cheese? Absolutely! While the recipe calls for sharp Cheddar cheese, you can experiment with different types such as Gouda, Monterey Jack, or even a combination of cheeses.
  3. Can I make this recipe in advance? Yes, you can prepare the macaroni and cheese ahead of time and refrigerate it before baking. Just make sure to increase the baking time slightly to ensure it heats through.
  4. Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, you can freeze any leftovers. Simply place them in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags and store them in the freezer. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
  5. Can I add additional ingredients like vegetables or bacon? Definitely! Feel free to customize the recipe by adding cooked vegetables like broccoli or peas, or cooked and crumbled bacon for extra flavor and texture.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Mixing Bowl - A large bowl for combining ingredients
  • Saucepan - Used for melting butter and making the cheese sauce
  • Baking Dish - A rectangular dish for baking the macaroni and cheese
  • Whisk - Used for stirring and whisking the cheese sauce
  • Spatula - For transferring the macaroni and cheese to the baking dish
  • Oven Mitts - To handle hot dishes and pans
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons - Used to measure ingredients accurately

Origin stories

A comfort food that has warmed countless hearts and stomachs, macaroni and cheese has humble beginnings that date back to the 14th century in Italy. It was first recorded in the famous medieval cookbook, "Liber de Coquina", one of the oldest medieval cookbooks. The simple dish was made of sheet pasta cut into squares, cooked in water, and then tossed with grated cheese - likely Parmesan. It traveled to America with Thomas Jefferson, who fell in love with pasta during his ambassadorship to France. He brought back a pasta machine from Italy, and served macaroni and cheese at state dinners. With such an enduring legacy, it's no wonder macaroni and cheese has evolved into a beloved classic in many households.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.