Macaroni and cheese has another name Mac and cheese is a very famous dish. It is prepared with pasta macaroni and cheese sauce which gives a creamy touch to the dish. Melted cheese is mixed with butter, milk, and some other ingredients like cornstarch and flour to give it a thick consistency. 


macaroni and cheese


The mixture of macaroni and cheese is then put in oven to bake it for some time. This baking results in golden brown top of recipe and make it creamy. Although in traditional macaroni and cheese recipe vegetables are not added, but to add variations in dish you may use plant-based ingredients. 


Why do kids love macaroni and cheese?


There are a variety of reasons why children like macaroni and cheese very much.


1. It's comfort food:

Macaroni and cheese are such a food that kids eat comfortably and feel love and warmth with it.


2. Simplicity:

Macaroni and cheese is a simple dish and easy to cook and takes less time. Children can try to cook at home after getting instructions from mom.



3. It's familiar:

Almost all kids have tasted this dish at least once. This becomes a reliable and familiar option for them and whenever they want to eat something special, they ask for macaroni and cheese.


4.  Customizable: 

Kids can choose the toppings of their interest to mix in the macaroni and cheese like peas, bacon, or hot dogs. It can add fun to the meal and they will love to eat this.


5. Cheesiness:

Most children are attracted to macaroni and cheese due to its cheesy and creamy sauce. It is a versatile and tasty dish with a combination of all its ingredients.


Ingredients for macaroni and cheese::


macaroni and cheese ingredients


  • Eight oz. elbow macaroni
  • Four tablespoons unsalted butter.
  • Four tablespoons of all-purpose flour.
  • Two cups of whole milk
  • Half tablespoon salt
  • One-fourth tablespoon of black pepper
  • Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese.


The process to make macaroni and cheese:


1.  Preheat the oven to 175 degrees Celsius.


2.  Take a large pot and add water and salt to it. Allow it to boil and add elbow macaroni to it. Cook it according to the instructions on the pack. Drain the cooked macaroni and put it in a separate bowl.


3.  Take a separate saucepan add butter and melt it over medium flame. Add flour and whisk them until the formation of a smooth paste.


4.  Slowly pour the milk into the paste and stir them well to form a thick and clear aggregate.


5.  Then mix the black pepper and salt with the mixture of milk and whisk them again.


6.  Then add the shedder cheese to the prepared mixture little by little and allow it to melt. You will get a smooth and soft paste.


7.  Then is time to add the cooked macaroni to the paste and coat the pasta in the cheese sauce well.


8.  Take a baking dish and pour the cheese and macaroni mixture into it. Bake the mixture for about 20 to 25 minutes to get a golden brown macaroni and the cheesy sauce gives the bubbly appearance.


9.  It is best to serve the macaroni and cheese in hot form after proper garnishing.



The nutritional content of mac and cheese::


The nutritional content of macaroni and cheese recipes can be varied. It depends on the method of preparation and use of ingredients in the dish. The appropriate nutritional contents for a classic macaroni and cheese recipe using elbow macaroni, butter, milk, and cheese are as follows;


  • Serving size: one cup (220 grams)
  • Calories: 420
  • Total Fat content: 19 grams
  • Saturated fat: 11 grams
  • Sodium: 700mg
  • Cholesterol: 55mg
  • Total carbohydrate: 45grams
  • Sugars: 6 grams
  • Dietary fiber: 2 grams
  • Protein; 16 grams


These are estimated values and may be changed according to specific recipe variations and the quality of ingredients used. As the calorie content of this recipe is relatively high, it is suggested to use it in moderation.


Is traditional macaroni and cheese healthy?


Traditional macaroni and cheese are not considered a very healthy recipe. Because it has high-calorie contents and saturated fats. 


The ingredients like whole milk, butter, and cheese are high in fat and calories. Too much consumption of this dish can make the person obsessed and can also lead to heart disease. So it should be consumed at a balanced level and it is suggested to use vegetables with it. 


macaroni and cheese


Macaroni and cheese can also be converted into healthier version by using reduced-fat cheese, low fat milk, and pasta made of whole grains. You can use vegetables like peas, spinach, and broccoli in the recipe to make it more colorful and healthy. 


Tips to make the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe:



If you want to become an expert in cooking macaroni and cheese, you have to follow some tips.


1. Choosing the right pasta for macaroni and cheese:

Select a well-made shape of pasta like cavatappi, elbow, or penne that can hold the cheese sauce on it.


2. Fresh cheese:: 

Avoid using processed cheese and prefer the best quality cheddar. or cheese combination to get the best flavor.


3. Crunchy topping: 

Use breadcrumbs to add topping to the mac and cheese. After baking it will make your recipe crunchy and attractive.


4. Avoid overcooking pasta:

Don’t overcook the pasta otherwise, it will become mushy during mixing with cheese sauce. It will not taste well and not will be good-looking.


5. Using roux: 

A roux is a mixture of flour and butter used to make the cheese sauce thick. It is used to give a creamy texture to the sauce.


6. Adding vegetables:

Make sure to add some variations of vegetables in the recipe for both decorative and health purposes.


7. Use of whole milk: 

Add some sautéed spinach or broccoli to your mac and cheese for some added nutrition.


8. Use whole milk or cream: 

If you want to give a creamy texture to a mac and cheese recipe, it is best to use whole milk instead of low-fat milk.



How to store macaroni and cheese?


If you want to store your macaroni and cheese for later use or have cooked it for some guests, you can follow these simple steps.


1.  After cooking mac and cheese let it set and cool down at room temperature. This will prevent the condensing of water vapors in the jar or bowl and will not make your dish soggy.


2.  Take an airtight container and put the macaroni and cheese in it. If you have a plastic container with a tight lid, you can use that. Make sure to remove maximum air if you are using a releasable plastic bag.


3.  You can also label the container with a date when you have prepared the mac and cheese recipe. This will help you to remember the storage time of the dish.


4.  Put the jar or plastic bag in the refrigerator and suggest to store for 3 to 5 days.


5.  When you want to use the stored dish, prefer to reheat it n the microwave. If it looks dry then you can add cream or milk to regain its consistency.



How to make vegetable macaroni and cheese?


Relative to the classic macaroni and cheese recipe, vegetable macaroni and cheese are more delicious and full of nutrition. If you want to cook macaroni and cheese recipe with a twist of vegetables, then you can try these simple steps.


Ingredients:


  • Elbow macaroni one pound
  • Four tablespoons of unsalted butter
  • One-fourth cup of all-purpose flour
  • Two cups of milk
  • One teaspoon of garlic powder
  • Half teaspoon paprika
  • One teaspoon of onion paste or powder
  • Black pepper and salt to taste
  • Two cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • Two cups of chopped vegetables (like cauliflower, peas, carrots, and broccoli mixed)


Directions to cook vegetable macaroni and cheese:


vegetable macaroni and cheese

1.  Put the macaroni in hot boiling water in a pan and cook it.  When macaroni becomes soft then drain the macaroni and keep it aside.


2.  Take a separate pan and melt the butter in it over normal heat. Add flour to melted butter and mix them well. Cook the mixture for one to two minutes and stir it constantly.


3.  Add the milk to the mixture gradually and whisk them to prevent the formation of lumps. Then add the onion powder, garlic powder, salt, paprika salt, and black pepper. 


4.  Cook the mixture to make its appearance thick and whisk it constantly.


5.  Then add the shedder cheese to the prepared sauce and whisk until it is melted.


6.  Then it's time to add the macaroni and vegetables to the pan and mix them well. Other vegetables of your choice can also be added to the vegetable macaroni and cheese recipe.


7.  Then you have to do one last thing which is serving the vegetable macaroni and cheese hot. You can also do your favorite garnishing of dishes. 


Health benefits of vegetable macaroni and cheese:


Vegetable macaroni and cheese are healthy and nutritious due to their vegetable contents. Vegetables' nutritional benefits are combined with the taste of macaroni and cheese. This is most suitable for persons who desire to want a combination of health and taste in the same dish. The following are the main potential advantages of this recipe.


1.  Essential vitamins and minerals: 

Vegetables contain a large amount of vitamins and mineral content necessary for good health. Cauliflower, carrots, broccoli, and peas which are added to vegetable macaroni and cheese contain vitamin K, vitamin C, and fibers in them. 


2. Weight management:

Vegetables present in macaroni and cheese add to the nutrients and fiber content of the dish and overall calories are not increased too much. This is helpful in weight management and a source of a healthy diet.


3.  Immunity boosting: 

Antioxidants are present in vegetables which help in boosting up immunity and provide protection against chronic disease.


4. Increase the health of the gut:

Prebiotic fibers are present in vegetables and increase the production of such gut bacteria which are useful for health. This helps in the reduction of dangers of gastrointestinal disorders.


So overall adding vegetables to macaroni and cheese results in greater flavor, nutrition, and texture of the recipe. It will look more attractive also.



Baked macaroni and cheese recipe:


You can cook baked macaroni and cheese for your dinner at home. If you want to try the taste of this recipe then you can try this. 


Ingredients:


• Elbow macaroni one pound

• Four tablespoons of butter

• One-fourth cup of all-purpose flour

• Two cups of milk

• Half a teaspoon onion powder

• Breadcrumbs half cup

• Three cups shredded cheddar cheese

• Salt to taste

• Black pepper to taste

• Half a teaspoon of garlic powder

• Two tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)


Instructions to make baked macaroni and cheese:


1.  Preheat the oven to 190 degree Celsius.


2.  Take a pan and boil water in it. Then add the macaroni to the boiling water to cook them. Remove the water and set the macaroni aside.


3.  Take a separate pan and add butter to melt it at medium heat. Then after adding flour in it, mix them well and cook for one to two minutes.


4.  Then pour milk into the pan and stir them constantly to avoid clot formation. Then you should add onion, powder, black pepper, salt, and garlic powder to give the sauce a good flavor.


5.  Cook the sauce until it thickens to give a soft consistency. After that add the shredded cheddar cheese and melt it properly. 


6.  Mix the cooked elbow macaroni in the prepared sauce. 


7. Take a baking dish and put the sauce and macaroni mixture in that. Then time comes to spread the breadcrumbs over the macaroni and cheese.


8.  Bake the mixture for about 20-25 minutes to get the golden brown breadcrumbs and bubbling cheese.


9.  Take the macaroni and cheese from the oven and sprinkle chopped parsley if you like.


10.  Allow the baked -macaroni and cheese to cool at room temperature before serving.


11. Extra toppings according to your choice can also be added to make the dish more attractive and delicious.



References:

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/238691/simple-macaroni-and-cheese/

https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/best-ever-macaroni-cheese-recipe

https://www.recipetineats.com/baked-mac-and-cheese/