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Original poster

Macaroni cheese chat

173 replies

GreenTuraco · 30/09/2023 18:16

Food of the gods.
Had it for the first time in ages, gorgeous cheesy heaven.
Just posting here for macaroni cheese chat.
In my opinion, can't beat it made the traditional way, - saute chopped onion in butter, make into a roux then into a white sauce, add some mustard, salt and pepper and a shed load of extra mature cheddar. Block out all thoughts regarding calories, fat content or carb content.
Key principles of luscious macaroni cheese -

  • use proper elbow macaroni
  • cook it al dente
  • use less pasta than you think you need
  • make a traditional cheese sauce as above. Add more cheese than is decent. Make more sauce than you think you will need and make it runnier than you think it should be
  • combine all and add yet more cheese on top. And sliced tomatoes if you like. Bake. Eat and sink into a lovely cheese and carb coma. Bliss.
OP posts:
Thread gallery
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fearfuloffluff · 30/09/2023 20:01

I make it for DC but don't get the point of it. So many better things to do with pasta!

MummyJ12 · 30/09/2023 20:03

Oldraver · 30/09/2023 19:23

I had a very small but delicious Mac and cheese with truffles at a pub the best I've had out (most are dire)

I've since made it with truffle cheese and it's to die for

I always make my Mac n cheese with truffled cheddar. I agree, it’s absolutely delicious!
Also use nutmeg but it’s not for everyone, and more cream than is healthy in the roux!

FortyFacedFuckers · 30/09/2023 20:04

TulipsTulipTulips · 30/09/2023 18:30

NO TOMATOES. You don’t need acidic gloop on it.

But do replace the onion with a leek.

As someone that LOVES macaroni cheese I agree with this

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FlyingFlamingo · 30/09/2023 20:07

No to onions…yes to crushed tortilla chips and jalapeños on top and a handful of grated mozzarella in the sauce.

I am also very jealous of anyone living in Scotland and your free access to macaroni pies Envy

approaching40 · 30/09/2023 20:09

No to onions

Yes to nutmeg and a bit of minced garlic

IHeartGeneHunt · 30/09/2023 20:33

I put mixed seeds in the breadcrumbs on top, with more cheese.

ItsReallyOnlyMe · 30/09/2023 20:36

Macaroni Cheese would be my chosen last meal if ever I was in that position. My mum's was the best - more saucy than most other versions.

Philandbill · 30/09/2023 20:38

DH crumbles a veggie Oxo cube over the top when he makes macaroni cheese. Divine.

Riverlee · 30/09/2023 20:49

Just wanted to come on and thank you for calling thread ‘Macaroni cheese’ and not ‘Mac and cheese’.

Original poster
GreenTuraco · 30/09/2023 20:53

I am boggling at some of the things you lot put into your macaroni and cheese

OP posts:
abbey44 · 30/09/2023 20:54

No onions for me, but I often put double cream into the cheese sauce. Just because…

Original poster
GreenTuraco · 30/09/2023 20:55

Yikes yes macaroni cheese, nearly slipped then calling it macaroni and cheese. No place for the and, at all. Just like there is no place for nutmeg (shudders). Might try the crispy panko and parmesan topping though, that sounds tasty

OP posts:
Littleguggi · 30/09/2023 20:55

Not sure if anyone has already mentioned it but the Jane patisserie macaroni cheese recipe is 100%

viques · 30/09/2023 20:55

Yes to onions and tomatoes, but the most important addition is those Japanese breadcrumbs mixed with extra cheese and sprinkled on the top before it goes in the oven.

viques · 30/09/2023 20:56

Panko

SamanthaCarta · 30/09/2023 20:57

I'm just back from Italy 🇮🇹, where there's no"macaroni cheese "... but .....big Gino Da'Campo has a solution.
4cheese macheroni . Google it. I'm cheesed out of my nut.
Carb city
Good night
Xx

Butterkist8 · 30/09/2023 20:58

I add sautéed leeks and smoked bacon or pancetta.
Also a little grated nutmeg.

Oh, and I use two cheeses... mature cheddar and Red Leicester.

You're welcome.

mynameiscalypso · 30/09/2023 21:00

Has anyone mentioned yet that you need to serve it with a dollop of tomato ketchup?

MaydinEssex · 30/09/2023 21:00

I mix milk, cheese, mustard, butter, salt and pepper and flour together in a saucepan (all together) then add cooked penne pasta, sprinkle more grated cheese on top and bake in the oven for 25 mins. I used to make a roux first, then gradually add milk until I found this recipe. It never fails.

apintofwhine · 30/09/2023 21:03

Slow cooker macaroni cheese. 😀

viques · 30/09/2023 21:04

mynameiscalypso · 30/09/2023 21:00

Has anyone mentioned yet that you need to serve it with a dollop of tomato ketchup?

No, because we are not macaroni cheese perverts.

greenacrylicpaint · 30/09/2023 21:08

I cook carrots/courgette/pumpkin/cauli (or whatever we have together with the pasta.

and add some blue cheese into the mix for more flavour.

and no breadcrumbs

HandbagMarinara · 30/09/2023 21:08

I agree with adding peas, brocoli or salad as then it is healthy.

Yes to double cream, cream cheese and grated cheddar and mozzarella. Blue or Stilton crumbled on top with breadcrums.

Extra salt and pepper.

ShinyPikachu · 30/09/2023 21:09

Growing up my mum made macaroni cheese and just before serving stirred a can of tuna chunks through it, was amazing to find a bit that hadn't broken fully apart when being stirred.

I would do it now but I have a fussy husband and child. 🙄

It's always worth making too much though. It doesn't reheat amazing, unless you use it as the filling in a toastie, or even better, a French toast sandwich with the macaroni cheese in the middle.

MissingMoominMamma · 30/09/2023 21:09

My dad used to make it with bits of bacon and sliced tomatoes. He’s veggie now and doesn’t make it anymore, but always enjoys it when I do. I put in finely chopped leeks, mushrooms and English mustard. I don’t care that it’s not purist- it’s delicious.