Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic dish that can be made in so many ways. In this post, I’ll show you how to make a mini version that’s perfect for parties or as a side dish. It’s easy to customise with your favourite mix-ins, too!
Ingredients List
- Macaroni
- Milk
- Flour
- Butter
- Cheese
- Flavoured Breadcrumbs
- Salt and Pepper
Method
Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the pack
In a saucepan melt butter, whisk in the flour and cook for a minute. Start whisking in the milk, keep whisking and adding milk until you have added all the milk and the sauce has started to thicken. Reduce the heat to low and add the cheese. Stir until cheese has melted and then add salt and pepper. Remove from heat. Add the sauce to the cooked pasta and mix well.
Here is where you choose how you would like to serve your mac and cheese. I made it for our murder mystery party so wanted them to be miniature. I didn’t have enough ramekins which is what I would normally cook the mac and cheese in. So this time I chose to bake the mac and cheese in a large container and then once cooked I spooned into individual shot glasses.
Add Ins for Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is such a versatile dish and the flavour can be enhanced by the use of different add ins. For example:-
- My favourite add in has to be bacon and onion. Fry off the bacon and onion in a separate frypan and then add into the pasta and cheese sauce before baking.
- Vegetables such as steamed broccoli (chopped into small pieces) or canned corn. Mix in before baking
- Spice it up with some chilli or a little hot sauce – mix in before baking.
- Add some precooked chicken. Add to the cheese sauce and pasta before baking.
Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- 250 gram macaroni pasta
- 500 ml milk (17 ounces)
- 3 tbsp flour
- 3 tbsp butter
- 180 grams cheddar cheese (grated) (6.3 ounces)
- 120 grams herbed breadcrumbs (4.2 ounces)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 175°C (350°F).
- Cook the pasta as per the instructions on the packet.
- Melt butter in a good sized saucepan over medium heat, add flour and whisk until you have a smooth paste.
- Add milk a little at a time whisking well after each addition. Keep whisking until sauce thickens slightly.
- Reduce heat to low and add 150 grams of the cheese and a little salt and pepper. Stir well until the cheese has melted.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce. Depending on how you will be serving the mac and cheese you will either fill small ramekins with the mix or in my case I filled a casserole dish with all the mac and cheese and I will spoon in to shot glasses.
- Sprinkle breadcrumbs and remaining cheese on top. Bake for 20 minutes until lightly browned on top.
Mac and cheese is always a hit with crowds, both young and old. And serving it in shot glasses makes it the perfect easy starter for your next party. So what are you waiting for? Get started with this simple recipe that will have everyone coming back for more.
If you’re interested in some main course options check out my Pork and Fennel Pie.
