Get ready to fall in love all over again with the ultimate comfort food reinvented: the Macaroni Cheese: One Recipe, Three Ways Recipe. This collection of creamy, cheesy macaroni masterpieces offers unbeatable versatility and flavor in every bite. Whether you’re craving classic baked macaroni, crispy fried cheese balls with gooey centers, or elegant prosciutto cups, this recipe covers it all. Perfect for cozy dinners, sharing with friends, or impressing at gatherings, it’s a true celebration of cheesy goodness in three delicious forms.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe shines because it uses simple, wholesome ingredients that work harmoniously to create rich textures and flavors. Each component plays a crucial role, from the tangy sharp cheddar to the silky béchamel sauce that brings it all together.
- Macaroni Pasta: 300g – The classic pasta shape that holds onto the creamy sauce perfectly.
- Mature Cheddar: 250g, grated – Provides that iconic sharp and creamy cheesy flavor.
- Parmesan: 50g, grated – Adds a nutty depth and extra umami punch.
- Unsalted Butter: 30g – The base for the béchamel sauce to create indulgent richness.
- Plain Flour: 45g – Thickens the sauce to a luscious consistency without lumps.
- Whole Milk: 500ml – Gives the sauce a velvety smooth texture and mild creaminess.
- Dijon Mustard: 1 tsp – A secret ingredient that brightens the cheese sauce perfectly.
- Sea Salt and Pepper: To taste – Essential seasonings that bring out every layer of flavor.
- Prosciutto: 4 slices – Used for making elegant prosciutto cups, adding a salty crispness.
- Sourdough Bread: 2 slices – For crafting the irresistible Croque Monsieur variation.
- Ham: 2 slices – Paired with cheese for a classic savory twist.
- Crispy Onions: For topping the prosciutto cups to add crunch and flavor.
- Fresh Chives: For garnish, bringing a fresh herbal lift.
- Mozzarella Cheese: For stuffing inside macaroni cheese balls, creating a melty surprise.
- Egg, Flour, Breadcrumbs: For breading the macaroni cheese balls, ensuring a golden, crispy exterior.
- Vegetable Oil: For frying the cheese balls to perfection.
How to Make Macaroni Cheese: One Recipe, Three Ways Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil and gently add the macaroni pasta. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente, so the pasta holds its shape without turning mushy. Drain it well and set aside; this is the perfect base for absorbing all that luscious cheese sauce later on.
Step 2: Prepare the Béchamel Sauce
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, sprinkle over the plain flour and whisk continually to combine them into a smooth roux. Cook this for about one minute to get rid of the raw flour taste but avoid browning. This is the magical foundation for the creamy sauce that will bring this dish to life.
Step 3: Add Milk Gradually
Slowly pour in half the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Then continue adding the remaining milk slowly, whisking to create a beautifully smooth and silky béchamel. This step takes a bit of patience but the creamy result is totally worth the effort.
Step 4: Cheese and Seasonings Join the Party
Turn off the heat momentarily and stir in the grated mature cheddar and Parmesan cheese. Add the Dijon mustard, then season with sea salt and pepper to your taste. Stir until all the cheese melts into the sauce, creating a rich, gooey, and flavorful cheese blend that’s classic yet distinctly satisfying.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Gently fold the cooked macaroni into your warm cheese sauce, making sure every pasta tube is well coated in that creamy goodness. This step unites all your ingredients into the wonderful base that will be adapted into the three different ways of serving.
How to Serve Macaroni Cheese: One Recipe, Three Ways Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t underestimate the power of garnishes in elevating your dish. For the prosciutto cups, topping them with crispy onions and freshly chopped chives adds delightful texture and a fresh zest. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan or a few cracked black pepper twists also enhance the flavors, making it feel special and gourmet with little effort.
Side Dishes
Pairing your macaroni cheese variations with crisp, vibrant sides balances the richness perfectly. A simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette cuts through the creaminess beautifully, while roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add a subtle earthiness. For the Croque Monsieur style, a light tomato soup on the side creates a cozy and hearty meal.
Creative Ways to Present
You can turn this beloved recipe into a showstopper by playing with its presentation. Serve the classic dish baked in individual ramekins with a golden crust on top for an elegant touch. The macaroni cheese balls stuffed with mozzarella can be arranged on a platter with colorful dips for finger-friendly fun. And those prosciutto cups, baked until crisp, make for stunning appetizers that impress your guests instantly.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover macaroni cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing to maintain freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, reheat gently to keep the cheese sauce creamy rather than drying out.
Freezing
If you want to keep macaroni cheese for longer, freezing works well for the base sauce and pasta combination. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to two months. Avoid freezing the fried balls or prosciutto cups to preserve their crispy textures.
Reheating
To bring stored macaroni cheese back to life, the oven is your best friend. Warm it at a moderate temperature until heated through, which helps restore that lovely melty cheese texture. Stirring occasionally if reheating on the stove top also works but watch out for overcooking, which can make the sauce a bit grainy.
FAQs
Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?
Absolutely! While mature cheddar and Parmesan create that classic flavor, you can experiment with cheeses like Gruyère, fontina, or even a smoky smoked cheddar to add unique twists. Just be mindful of melting properties to keep the sauce smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for freezing after it has been baked or fried?
The base macaroni cheese freezes well, but baked or fried preparations like the prosciutto cups and cheese balls are best made fresh. Freezing these crispy versions tends to affect their texture negatively.
How do I get the perfect crispy coating on the macaroni cheese balls?
Patience is key! Make sure the balls are evenly coated with flour, then dipped in beaten egg, and finally rolled in breadcrumbs. Using vegetable oil heated to the right temperature ensures a golden, crunchy crust without absorbing too much oil.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Definitely! Simply omit the prosciutto and ham variations. You can boost flavor with extras like sautéed mushrooms, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted vegetables mixed into the macaroni cheese for a hearty vegetarian option.
What’s the best pasta to use if I don’t have macaroni on hand?
Elbow macaroni is traditional, but other small pasta shapes like penne, shells, or cavatappi work beautifully because they hold the sauce well. Choose shapes that have little nooks and crannies to capture the cheesy goodness.
Final Thoughts
There’s truly nothing like the joy of a warm, cheesy dish that offers both comfort and versatility, and the Macaroni Cheese: One Recipe, Three Ways Recipe delivers just that. Whether you want to indulge in classic comfort, enjoy an exciting fried twist, or serve something elegant at your next gathering, this recipe has you covered. So grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and dive into this triple threat of macaroni cheese magic—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
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Macaroni Cheese: One Recipe, Three Ways Recipe
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 60 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: British
Description
This classic Macaroni Cheese recipe offers a creamy and cheesy béchamel-based sauce combined with perfectly cooked macaroni pasta. It features versatile serving ideas including prosciutto cups, Croque Monsieur, and stuffed, breaded macaroni cheese balls, making it a comforting and adaptable dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Macaroni Cheese Base
- 300g Macaroni Pasta
- 250g Mature Cheddar, grated
- 50g Parmesan, grated
- 30g Unsalted Butter
- 45g Plain Flour
- 500ml Whole Milk
- 1 tsp Dijon Mustard
- Sea Salt and Pepper, to taste
For Prosciutto Cups
- 4 slices Prosciutto
- Crispy Onions, for topping
- Fresh Chives, for garnish
For Croque Monsieur
- 2 slices Sourdough Bread
- 2 slices Ham
For Macaroni Cheese Balls
- Mozzarella Cheese, for stuffing
- Egg, for breading
- Flour, for breading
- Breadcrumbs, for breading
- Vegetable Oil, for frying
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add macaroni pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the cooked pasta thoroughly and set aside.
- Make Béchamel Sauce: In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Sprinkle in the plain flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth roux. Cook this mixture for about 1 minute, taking care not to brown it.
- Add Milk: Gradually pour in half of the whole milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Slowly add the remaining milk, continuing to whisk until the sauce is smooth and has thickened slightly.
- Add Cheese and Seasonings: Stir in the grated mature cheddar and Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard and season with sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste, mixing thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until each piece is well coated, ensuring an even distribution of creamy cheese throughout the pasta.
Notes
- For al dente pasta, watch the cooking time carefully according to the package instructions.
- The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang to the cheese sauce—adjust quantity as preferred.
- Use fresh cheeses for best melting and flavor results.
- For macaroni cheese balls, chill the mixture before shaping and stuff with mozzarella for a gooey center.
- Prosciutto cups and Croque Monsieur represent creative serving ideas, but the base macaroni cheese can be enjoyed on its own or with your favorite toppings.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
