If you think of American classics, you’ll probably immediately think of the classic Macaroni and Cheese. Mac ‘n’ cheese is a timeless classic that has delighted generations of people in the U.S. with its creamy, cheese-covered flavor. For many decades, mac and cheese has been part of everyday cuisine in the U.S. and is offered at many restaurants and dinners.
Traditional American Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 283 g croissant pasta Elbow Macaroni
- 115 g Cheddar
- 115 g Gruyère
- 250 ml chicken broth
- 237 ml milk whole
- 75 g flour
- 58 g butter
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Pepper
- Salt
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of water and salt.
- Add your pasta and cook until al dente.
- Melt the butter in a second pot while your pasta is cooking.
- Add the flour to your butter and let both cook together for a short time. Make sure your sauce doesn't boil for too long. 2 minutes should be enough and your sauce will stay nice and creamy.
- Now add milk and broth to the flour and butter. Don't pour it all in at once but alternate adding milk and broth and then stir your sauce before adding flour and butter again.
- Season your sauce with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Let your sauce continue to cook for 1 to 2 minutes over medium heat. Make sure not to stop stirring.
- Turn off the heat and take your sauce off the heat.
- Now add your grated cheese and stir in your cooked pasta.
- Your mac and cheese is ready to serve.
Notes
- Use garlic powder and onion powder to enhance the flavor of your mac and cheese.
- For a classic mac and cheese, use whole milk.
- Let your dish rest long enough after preparation.
Where does the American mac and cheese come from?
The traditional American mac and cheese originated in England. Today’s version is based on a dish from France and only became popular in America in the 18th century.
Macaroni and Cheese, or Mac and Cheese as it is affectionately known, has a long and storied history. Its origins can be traced back to medieval Europe, where pasta and cheese were combined to make savory dishes. However, mac and cheese did not gain notoriety in America until the 18th century.
The name Macaroni and Cheese or Makerouns originally referred to a dish from England from the 14th century. In this variant, the pasta was prepared with melted butter and cheese.
President Thomas Jefferson, encountered a similar French dish during his time in France.
Jefferson’s slave, James Hemings, accompanied him during his time in France and learned to prepare the dish Mac’n’Cheese. Later, he changed the preparation so that it tasted good to the American palate and thus invented what is now known as the American classic Macaroni and Cheese.
Since then, Macaroni and Cheese has become an integral part of American culinary culture.
A similar pasta dish from the 14th century also existed in Italy. There, pasta and Parmesan cheese were combined.
How many macaroni per person?
Per person, 57 grams (2 ounces) of uncooked macaroni should be expected for mac and cheese.
| Personen | Amount of macaroni (grams) | Amount of macaroni (ounces) | Amount of macaroni (cups) |
| 1 | 57 g | 2 oz | 1/2 cups |
| 2 | 113 g | 4 oz | 1 cups |
| 5 | 283 g | 10 oz | 2,5 cups |
| 10 | 567 g | 20 oz | 5 cups |
| 20 | 1134 g | 40 oz | 10 cups |
Which pasta is the best for mac and cheese?
Cone Noodles or Elbow Noodles are the perfect macaroni for a classic American mac and cheese. Alternatively, you can use just about any other penne.
What is the best cheese for mac and cheese?
Cheddar with Gruyère cheese is the best combination for the perfect cheese of an American Macaroni and Cheese. The quantity ratio should be something 50:50.
If the Gruyère cheese is too expensive for you, you can also resort to an American Muenster cheese.
A nutty gruyere cheese has great melting characteristics, making it excellent for a mac and cheese. The cheddar has a sharp cheesy flavor and gives the classic Mac and Cheese its special taste.
As an alternative, you can also use Pepper Jack cheese. This offers you a spicier taste. For those who do not like it so spicy, normal Monterey cheese can be used.
Many Americans swear by a combination of Velveeta Block Cheese and Philadelphia Cream Cheese.
If you want to use Gouda cheese for your mac and cheese, smoked Gouda is a great choice.
Hand-grated cheese often tastes much better and more intense than the industrially grated cheese.
What is the shelf life of Mac and Cheese?
Mac and Cheese will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2 to 3 days. You can reheat it in the oven or microwave if needed.
Reheating Tip: Add a small amount of cream or milk to your mac and cheese, then warm it slowly in the oven or microwave. Milk and cream will make your reheated mac and cheese creamier.
Can I freeze mac and cheese?
You can freeze your mac and cheese in an airtight container and preserve it for up to 2 months. Then simply reheat it slowly in the oven or microwave.
Why are my mac and cheese dry?
If you overcook your mac and cheese, the cheese sauce will become thick and dry. Add some milk or cream if your cheese sauce starts to thicken, so the sauce stays nice and creamy.
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