How do you make your mac and cheese?

United States
January 10, 2011 9:24am CST
Wether it be instant from a box, homemade, or semi-homemade everyone makes it differently. I personally can not make instant mac and cheese taste good, BUT my sister makes it taste extremely good. I stick with semi-homemade recipes but I am curious, how do you make your mac and cheese?
2 people like this
6 responses
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
10 Jan 11
I don't make my own fresh macaroni. That requires a machine and some considerable effort to force the paste through the nozzle! Cook the macaroni according to the instructions on the packet but give it a few minutes less than suggested (usually 12 to 15 minutes. Drain and set aside when done. Meanwhile, stir equal parts of butter and flour with a teaspoon or so of mustard powder together to make a roux. (If you don't have mustard powder, add a teaspoon or two of made mustard when you add the cheese). Allow to cook gently for two minutes. Take the pan off the heat while adding milk in small quantities at a time, stirring over the heat between each addition to avoid lumps. Once the white sauce is rather thinner than is needed (about the consistency of single cream) add about the same amount of grated cheese or a mixture of cheeses and the made mustard, if used. Season to taste with pepper and salt (if needed). A pinch of herbs (sage goes well with cheese) can be added. When the sauce is ready, stir it into the drained macaroni so that the pasta is well covered and place in an oven-proof pie dish. Cover the top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated cheese. Sliced tomatoes may be added if liked. Bake in a medium to hot oven until the top is browned and the cheese has melted. Serve with a tomato salad, green beans or other green vegetables.
@owlwings (43915)
• Cambridge, England
10 Jan 11
The above is a 'basic' macaroni cheese. I would normally take a little more time and saute some chopped onion with diced bacon which I would add to the white sauce with the cheese. The sauce is also very good with tomato ketchup or a tin of chopped tomatoes added to it.
• United States
2 Feb 11
Well I like it from the box but the best is my moms homemade macaroni and cheese she uses the noodles and shreded cheese and lots of salt and pepper and i=t is wonderful!!!
@AmbiePam (86002)
• United States
10 Jan 11
I've always wanted to find a good, home made recipe for max and cheese, but so far I haven't found one I liked. I know someone who makes amazing mac and cheese. But it's probably good I don't have the recipe because I'm sure it is not low fat. Lately, if I'm making macaroni and cheese, it's from a box. I buy the gluten free macaroni and cheese from a box at the health food store.
• United States
12 Jan 11
I buy the big box of the velvetta shells and cheese macaroni and cheese from out local superstore here. it comes with about 6 mac and cheese's to make which is pretty decent and lasts a while at home. I make it exactly how the box says to make it and i add no further ingredients and if soeone wants it in there mac and cheese they just add it later when its done cooking. I have never attempted to make it at home and not sure if i would as the box stuff is fine with me
• United States
10 Jan 11
I always boil water, pour in noodles, boil or 7 minutes, drain, add margarin to taste, then powder cheese pack, and milk. Stir. Eat. Owlwings sounds mighty tasty.
11 Jan 11
i boil my pasta and while that is cooking i make my cheese sauce. i melt some butter in a pan, add some cornflour amd mix, then add half a teaspoon of mustard, some milk (i dont measure the milk) keep stirring then add the grated cheese and keep mixing till it thickens. once the pasta is done drain and add to the sauce and mix it all up and serve.