Food and Beverage
The Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese Casserole: A Delicious Twist on a Classic Comfort Dish
Indulge in the ultimate macaroni and cheese casserole recipe with healthy alternatives and a variety of cheese options
Macaroni and Cheese Casserole
Macaroni and cheese casserole is a timeless favorite that brings us warmth and comfort. This article will guide you through creating the best macaroni and cheese casserole while offering alternative ideas, including healthy recipes and suggestions for the best cheese varieties to elevate your dish. Get ready to indulge in a cheesy, creamy, and unforgettable experience!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound (450g) elbow macaroni
- 4 cups (960ml) whole milk
- 4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup (60g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (200g) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1 cup (100g) shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup (100g) breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch (23x33cm) baking dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk continuously for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
- Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly to create a smooth sauce. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens, usually about 5-7 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses. Stir until the cheeses have melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the mustard powder, cayenne pepper (if desired), salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated.
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the greased baking dish. If desired, sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top for a crispy topping.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and the casserole is bubbly.
Alternative Ideas:
- Healthy Macaroni and Cheese Casserole:
- Replace regular elbow macaroni with whole wheat or gluten-free pasta.
- Use low-fat milk or unsweetened almond milk instead of whole milk.
- Opt for reduced-fat cheese varieties or experiment with a combination of part-skim mozzarella and sharp cheddar.
- Gourmet Macaroni and Cheese Casserole:
- Add sautéed mushrooms, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic to the cheese sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Incorporate cooked bacon, diced ham, or shredded rotisserie chicken for a protein-packed twist.
- Experiment with different cheese combinations, such as smoked Gouda, fontina, or blue cheese.
Choosing the Best Cheese:
- Sharp cheddar: Offers a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with macaroni.
- Gruyere: Adds a nutty and slightly sweet taste, creating a creamy and smooth texture.
- Parmesan: Provides a savory and salty note that enhances the overall depth of flavor.
With this recipe, you’ll be able to create a mouthwatering macaroni and cheese casserole that’s sure to please. Whether you’re looking for a healthy alternative or want to explore gourmet variations, the possibilities are endless. Don’t forget to experiment with different cheese combinations to find your personal favorite. Enjoy the cheesy goodness and savor every bite of this ultimate comfort dish!
Check out Homemade Mac and Cheese Casserole: https://www.spendwithpennies.com/creamy-macaroni-and-cheese-casserole/
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(Family Features) As the days get longer and the temperatures rise, it’s time to fire up the grill and elevate your outdoor cooking game. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or just starting out, success comes down to three essentials: quality ingredients, the right seasonings and reliable equipment that gives you full control over heat and timing.
If you’re ready to turn up the heat this season, explore high-performance grilling solutions from Nexgrill – built to match every cooking style and skill level. From backyard barbecues to weeknight dinners under the open sky, its lineup is designed to help you serve up unforgettable flavors all season long. Visit nexgrill.com to learn more and get inspired.
Unlock a New Level of Outdoor Cooking Versatility
Transform your backyard into a chef-inspired kitchen with the Gourmet Pro 6-Burner Stainless Steel Gas Grill featuring the Griddle Max Cooking System. Designed to go beyond traditional grilling, this powerhouse lets you grill, saute, griddle and smoke all at once or on demand. The innovative system makes it easy to achieve restaurant-quality results, delivering unmatched versatility for any meal. Built with stainless steel burners, angled flame tamers and porcelain-coated cast-iron cooking grids, it ensures consistent heat and fewer flare-ups. With 811 square inches of cooking space, six main burners and a high-heat searing side burner, you’ll get 75,000 BTU of total cooking power.
Take on Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
From sizzling fajitas at your backyard bash to early-morning pancakes before your next adventure, the Daytona 4-Burner Propane Gas Griddle delivers the heat, flavor and performance you need. Designed for versatility, this powerhouse features a 792-square-inch cooktop and four stainless steel burners, giving you the space and control to cook multiple dishes at once. Built-in convenience comes standard with dual side shelves, a lower storage rack to keep tools within reach and a removable grease cup for quick and easy cleanup. When it’s time to pack it in, a heavy-duty lid protects your cooking surface.
From Kitchen to Patio, It Goes Where You Go
Grilling isn’t just for the backyard. When weather or space keeps you inside, the Fuse 22-inch Electric Griddle delivers bold, flame-free cooking anywhere there’s an outlet. Ultralightweight and easy to transport, it’s built for seamless indoor-outdoor use. With 308 square inches of edge-to-edge heat, a durable nonstick surface and digital temperature control, this electric flattop offers precision and power. A hinged lid with a built-in viewing window locks in heat and flavor so you can cook efficiently. From weekday breakfasts in the kitchen to weekend feasts on the patio, it can be your all-access pass to delicious, flexible cooking – wherever life takes you.Discover more from Daily News
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(Family Features) When the crisp air of spring tickles your face and sunrays splash you with warmth, you know salad season has arrived. With fresh flavors abounding this season, the options are nearly endless – just choose your favorite base, toppings and dressings and you’re set with a delicious first course or hearty meal all on its own.
Not every salad requires leafy greens for the base, however. Consider this Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad, a Greek-inspired Jasmine rice dish loaded with fresh, tangy flavors that are sure to please your taste buds. Made with Success Boil-in-Bag Jasmine Rice that cooks up soft and fluffy every time, this recipe offers a hint of floral, sweet flavor to keep you feeling full. In just 10 minutes, you can have sweetly aromatic Jasmine rice that’s perfect for your lifestyle needs – it’s naturally gluten free, non-GMO Project Verified and free of MSG and preservatives.
Fruit salad may be nothing new, particularly when using fruits like oranges, cherries or grapes, but watermelon may be the fun new spin you need at your next cookout. The pairing of sweet watermelon, tangy feta cheese, refreshing mint, earthy beets, nuts and fluffy rice offers a winning combination. Quick tip: Make sure the rice is fully cooled after cooking to avoid a warm, watery result.
Fresh herbs, tomatoes, corn, basmati rice and a simple vinaigrette make Spring Corn and Rice Salad another delicious seasonal side that’s ready in just 15 minutes. Step out of your salad comfort zone with this refreshing solution that makes it easy to add veggies to your diet. When you’re drawing up weekly meal plans and tired of relying on traditional lettuce-based salads, consider rice salads as an alternative for enjoying chopped vegetables – plus, hearty rice can help keep you full longer.
Better yet, you can make this rice salad your own by experimenting with the ingredients. Try adding shredded chicken, hard-boiled eggs, fresh mango, ground cumin, fresh grated ginger, grilled corn or any other springtime flavors.
Remember, high quality doesn’t have to be high maintenance. Aromatic, premium long-grain Success Boil-in-Bag Basmati Rice is a no measure, no mess option that cooks up perfectly every time. Aside from being naturally gluten free, it’s also free of preservatives and MSG and is non-GMO Project Verified. It’s no stranger to versatility either – in 10 minutes, you can enjoy basmati rice’s subtle, nutty flavor and unique texture alongside other warm-weather favorites.
Find more ways to enjoy spring salad season by visiting SuccessRice.com.
Greek Beet and Watermelon Rice Salad
Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4- 1 bag Success Jasmine Rice
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup thinly sliced, cooked golden beets
- 1 cup thinly sliced watermelon
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup pitted black olives, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh mint, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons walnuts, toasted and chopped, for garnish
- Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.
- In medium bowl, whisk oil, lemon juice, salt and pepper.
- Add rice to bowl with dressing and stir to combine. Let stand 5 minutes.
- Transfer rice to serving platter. Lay beet slices down one side of rice. Lay watermelon slices down opposite side. Top with feta, olives, red onion and mint. Garnish with walnuts.
Spring Corn and Rice Salad
Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Servings: 4- 1 bag Success Basmati Rice
- 1 cup frozen corn, thawed
- 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
- 1/2 cup minced fresh basil
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1/2 cup vinaigrette dressing
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Prepare rice according to package directions. Allow to cool completely.
- In medium bowl, combine corn, tomatoes, basil, red onions, vinaigrette and green onions. Fold in rice, salt and pepper.
- Serve salad at room temperature or chilled.
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5 tips for perfectly grilled seafood
(Family Features) Whether you’re a seasoned grilling expert or new to backyard barbecuing, expanding your menu with seafood offers a fun, flavorful way to bring life to outdoor entertaining. Grilling fish is different than traditional fare like burgers and steaks, however. One method capturing the attention of chefs and amateur barbecue enthusiasts alike is electric grilling. With technology innovations that enable higher heat and more precise control, along with easy-to-use, guided cooking delivered via smartphone apps, grilling seafood can be simpler than ever. Master the art of grilled seafood with these tips from Trimell Hawkins, executive chef and culinary adviser to Current Backyard. Not all fish are the same. There’s a common misconception that all fish can be grilled, but not all fish is created equally. Avoid flaky fish (like trout) and instead turn to a firm fish when grilling, such as branzini in this Grilled Whole Branzini with Fresh Herb Sauce recipe from celebrity chef Alton Brown. Moisture is not your friend. While you’re likely aiming for a fresh, moist flavor when eating fish, that doesn’t mean it should be wet when it goes on the grill. For beautiful, crisp skin and grill marks, pat fish dry to absorb the moisture before grilling. Temperature is key. There’s a sweet spot for grilling fish, whether it’s 400 F for thinner fish or slightly above 400 F for thicker cuts, which is why electric grilling is gaining steam. An option like the Current Backyard Electric Grill precisely monitors and controls temperature at the grate level, ensuring accurate cooking where it truly matters, unlike gas grills measuring chamber heat or charcoal grills requiring guesswork. Ready to cook in 10 minutes, it’s a convenient solution that plugs into a standard 110-volt outlet, meaning there’s no heavy propane tanks or messy charcoal standing between you and delicious grilled seafood. Plus, electric grilling reduces fire risks, harmful fumes and cleanup time. There’s a “right” way to cook fish. If you’re cooking fish with skin, cook the skin side down first as it’s more forgiving and durable than the inside. This gives the finished dish more stability and structure, lessening the chances of the fish falling apart. Be careful with sugar. Sugary marinades require keeping a close watch on the grill since sugar can burn. If cooked properly, sugars help create a crispy Maillard reaction while acting as a tenderizer, too. Find more recipes and electric grilling advice at CurrentBackyard.com.
Grilled Whole Branzini with Fresh Herb Sauce
Recipe courtesy of chef Alton Brown on behalf of Current Backyard Prep time: 30 minutes Cook time: 10 minutes Serves: 4 Fresh Herb Sauce:- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
- 2 tablespoons chopped chives
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 3/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 head-on whole branzini (about 1 pound each), cleaned and scaled
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1 lemon, sliced into six rounds
- 6-8 sprigs dill
- 6-8 sprigs parsley
- 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- To make fresh herb sauce: In small bowl, combine dill, parsley, chives, garlic, salt, red pepper flakes, lemon zest, lemon juice and olive oil; set aside.
- Set both sides of grill to 650 F (high) and close lid.
- To prepare branzini: Season fish inside and out with kosher salt. Fill cavity of each fish with lemon slices, dill sprigs and parsley sprigs then tie with kitchen twine to secure. Refrigerate until ready to grill.
- Evenly coat skin of both fish with olive oil. Insert temperature probe into thickest part of flesh of each fish, parallel to dorsal fin, then place on grill with belly sides toward you. Close lid and cook 5 minutes.
- Open lid and gently turn fish over with thin metal spatula or two forks. Close lid and cook 5 minutes, or until internal temperature reaches 145 F.
- Transfer fish to platter and remove twine. Serve fish topped with fresh herb sauce.
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