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Hey everybody! It’s Molly from my name is yeh here. I hope you’re all enjoying the new year so far! I have to admit that usually around this time of year, I get some post-holiday blues. I call them the Januaries because January is kind of like the Monday of months, amiright? I usually try to conquer the Januaries with some fun and goofy made-up holidays and parties. First up this year was a whole party devoted to my all-time favorite food, macaroni and cheese. I made some basic cheddar mac and cheese, put out a ton of tasty mix-ins and toppings, and then my friends and I made our own personalized macs in mini cocottes. Mine had hot dogs, everything bagel seasoning, sriracha, and ketchup. While they baked, we sipped on Kendall-Jackson red wine and discussed all of our favorite mac and cheese toppings. By the time the mac was ready, we were so hungry that we scarfed it down and then went back for seconds. It was such a tasty party!
How to Build Your Own Mac and Cheese
Creating the perfect mac and cheese is a fun, customizable process that allows you to express your own tastes and creativity. Whether you're a fan of bold flavors, indulgent toppings, or something lighter, the possibilities are endless. Here’s a simple guide to building your ultimate mac and cheese:
Step 1: Choose Your Base Cheese Sauce The foundation of any good mac and cheese starts with a creamy cheese sauce. For a classic, velvety base, a combination of butter, flour, and milk will get you started with a rich béchamel sauce. Once that’s ready, you can stir in your favorite cheese or blend of cheeses. Cheddar is the most popular choice, but feel free to experiment with Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for a creamier or sharper flavor profile.
Step 2: Pick Your Pasta While elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for mac and cheese, there’s no reason you can’t get creative with the shape of your pasta. Shells, cavatappi, and penne are great alternatives that hold the cheese sauce in every nook and cranny. Consider using gluten-free pasta if you’re catering to dietary restrictions or trying a fun twist on the classic dish.
Step 3: Add Mix-ins for Extra Flavor Once you’ve made your cheese sauce and cooked your pasta, it’s time to get creative with mix-ins! This is where you can really add some personality to your mac and cheese. Here are a few ideas:
- Vegetables: Add some crunch or freshness with veggies like broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers.
- Meats: Incorporating bacon, sausage, or grilled chicken will give your mac a savory depth and hearty texture.
- Spices: Spice up the flavor with a dash of paprika, cayenne, or mustard powder. For a more unique flavor, you can even try a bit of truffle oil or sriracha for heat.
Step 4: Toppers for Texture and Flavor Toppers can make all the difference in turning your mac and cheese into a show-stopping dish. Think about adding crispy breadcrumbs or fried onions for texture. If you’re in the mood for something smoky, a sprinkle of grilled cheese crumbles or crispy bacon will give your dish that satisfying crunch. Want to take it up a notch? Try finishing it off with an extra layer of cheese, and pop it in the oven for a few minutes to let it melt and form a cheesy crust.
Step 5: Don’t Forget the Sauce If you love dipping your mac and cheese in a tasty sauce or adding a little extra flavor, don’t forget to include one. Ketchup, ranch dressing, or a tangy barbecue sauce can offer great contrast to the creamy cheese. For those who like heat, a little drizzle of sriracha or hot sauce will elevate the flavor with some added spice.
Build Your Own Mac and Cheese
Recipe Type:
Entree
Prep Time:
25 minutes
Cook Time:
30 minutes
Total Time:
55 minutes
Servings:
8
Ingredients
- 1 pound pasta
- 6 tb unsalted butter
- ½ cup flour
- 6 cups milk (skim, 2%, or whole milk will do)
- 1 pound cheddar cheese, shredded
- salt and pepper to taste
- Fun mix-ins and toppings, such as: cut up hot dogs, everything bagel spice, other spices, sriracha, ketchup, broccoli florets, peas, chopped bell peppers, bacon, bread crumbs, more shredded cheese, etc.
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375.
- Cook pasta for one minute less than the directions on the box say. Drain it and set it aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium high heat. Whisk in the flour until combined. Slowly add the milk and whisk constantly until it begins to thicken. Add the cheese and whisk until it melts. Season with salt and pepper. Reduce heat to low.
- Have your guests dish up pasta, cheese, and any mix-ins of their choosing into oven-proof dishes. Top with breadcrumbs and/or shredded cheese, if desired, and then bake for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is bubbly and the tops are slightly browned. For more color, run them under the broiler for a few minutes.
- If you don't have small oven-proof dishes or you simply want to forego the baking step, feel free! Just remember to cook the pasta fully, rather than leaving it super al dente, so that it's ready to eat immediately.
Sauces to Add Extra Flavor
No mac and cheese is complete without the perfect sauces to enhance its creamy goodness. Get creative and have fun with different condiments to really take your mac and cheese game to the next level. Here are a few options that can add a delicious twist:
- Ketchup: A classic pairing with mac and cheese, the sweetness and tang of ketchup work perfectly against the rich, cheesy base. Try it for a nostalgic, comfort food vibe.
- Ranch Dressing: If you're a fan of creamy and herby sauces, ranch is a perfect complement to your mac and cheese. Its cool, tangy taste will balance the richness of the cheese.
- Sriracha: For a spicy kick, drizzle sriracha over your mac and cheese. It adds heat without overpowering the flavors, giving a nice contrast to the cheese’s creaminess.
- Hot Sauce: If you like things extra zesty, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can really bring a bold punch to the dish. A few shakes will give it that signature heat without overwhelming the creamy texture.
- Barbecue Sauce: For a smoky, sweet twist, barbecue sauce adds layers of flavor that pair wonderfully with a rich, cheesy dish. It’s especially great with meats like bacon or pulled pork as mix-ins!
Toppers to Elevate Your Mac and Cheese
The fun doesn’t stop at mix-ins! Top your personalized mac and cheese with these seasonings, meats, and other toppings for a flavorful and satisfying finish:
- Seasonings: Spice things up with your favorite seasoning blends! Consider adding everything bagel seasoning for a bit of crunch and savory flavor, or try garlic powder and paprika for a more earthy, smoky taste. You can even add cayenne pepper if you want an extra kick to your mac and cheese.
- Meats: If you're looking to make your mac and cheese even more decadent, try adding some meat to your creation. My favorite? Hot dogs—they add a playful, comforting element that pairs well with the creamy mac. You can also go for bacon bits or sausage crumbles for a meaty addition that will surely please the crowd.
- Veggies: For a lighter, fresher take, add some roasted vegetables like broccoli florets, bell peppers, or peas. These ingredients add both color and a burst of flavor that perfectly balances out the heaviness of the cheese sauce.
- Breadcrumbs: Top your mac and cheese with crispy breadcrumbs for added texture. If you want an even more flavorful topping, you can season them with a bit of garlic and herbs before baking.
- Cheese: Sometimes, more cheese is the answer! Feel free to sprinkle on extra shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or even parmesan) for a cheesy, melty finish on top of your mac.
The Perfect Mac and Cheese Party
Building your own mac and cheese recipe is the perfect way to get creative and enjoy a fun, personalized meal with friends. Whether you’re adding sauces, toppings, or a variety of mix-ins, there’s no wrong way to build your mac and cheese masterpiece! And don’t forget to pair it with something delicious to drink—Kendall-Jackson offers a wide collection of wines sure to please all of the wine lovers in your life.
This mac and cheese party idea is perfect for any occasion. It’s a great way to gather your friends and family around the table, and everyone gets to enjoy their own custom creation. Get creative with your mix-ins, have fun with the toppings, and don’t forget to enjoy every bite with a glass of your favorite wine. Bon appétit!
