The Best Mac and Cheese

Everyone loves comfort food. Comfort food has the power to bring us joy and happiness. It can instantly lift our mood and soothe us from the inside out. Comfort food isn't just delicious but can also be a source of nostalgia, evoking fond memories from years gone by. It's no wonder that it has become such an integral part of our lives and culture - we simply cannot resist its tantalizing appeal!

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been around for generations, with warm and gooey cheese coating the pasta. It's the perfect dish to make when you want something simple, comforting and delicious. It can be enjoyed as a main course or served as a side dish.  No matter what your mood is, macaroni and cheese will always hit the spot and can be enjoyed any time of the day.

The key to deliciousness in this macaroni and cheese recipe is all in the white sauce. Cooking on low and constantly stirring until it bubbles and thickens will ensure that this sauce will complement your mac and cheese perfectly.  

The Calphalon Contemporary Hard-Anodized Aluminum Nonstick Cookware 5-Quart Sauce Pot is perfect for any home chef. With a heavy gauge aluminum construction, the pot provides even heat distribution with minimal hot spots so your dishes are cooked evenly and efficiently. The nonstick interior ensures that your food won't stick to the bottom of the pot, making clean up easy and mess free. The saucepot also has an ergonomic handle designed for comfort with a secure fit to make lifting and pouring easier than ever.

CorningWare Pyroceram Classic 3.5 Quart Casserole Dish is the perfect addition to any kitchen. This durable and versatile casserole dish is ideal for baking and serving any of your favorite dishes.  The classic white color and elegant shape fit any decor style, whether it's modern or traditional. The Pyrex glass cover is designed to keep food warm longer, making it ideal for entertaining guests or bringing food to a potluck.  This casserole dish is made from CorningWare Pyroceram material that can withstand temperatures up to 500 degrees Fahrenheit. It is also microwave and oven safe so you can cook, bake and serve all in one dish!  This casserole dish is an excellent choice for baking macaroni and cheese in the oven.

The Best Mac and Cheese Recipe

2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni

1/2 cup butter

1/2 cup flour

1.5 cups of milk

1.5 cups of sour cream

2 and 1/2 to 3 cups of shredded mild cheddar cheese

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees

Cook and drain the macaroni and pour it into a 3-quart lightly-oiled casserole dish

Pour in the shredded cheese and toss until thouroughly mixed

In a pan, over low-medium heat, melt the butter

Gradually stir in the flour until dissolved

Gradually stir in the milk

Gradually stir in the sour cream

Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens and bubbles

Pour the sauce over the macaroni mixture and thoroughly stir

Bake for one hour and serve while hot

Origin of Macaroni and Cheese

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that has been around for centuries, delighting both children and adults alike with its creamy cheesy goodness. Its origin dates back to the 14th century when the Italian chef, Maestro Martino of Rome, served up his own version of macaroni and cheese in one of his many cookbooks.

Fast-forward hundreds of years later to 1802; this is when Thomas Jefferson makes his contribution to mac & cheese history by introducing macaroni pasta to the United States after tasting it in Northern Italy. As a frequent host for lavish dinner parties at Monticello, he would often serve macaroni pasts mixed with Parmesan cheese from Italy. It wasn't until 1937 that Kraft Foods created their iconic boxed mac & cheese product that featured cheddar-flavored powder sauce packets which quickly became a staple in American households.

Comfort Food....what is it?

Comfort food is something that we all enjoy. It's a type of food that can provide us with a sense of comfort during times of distress or even just in our day to day lives. Comfort foods often evoke memories and feelings of nostalgia, as they may be associated with a particular place, person or time.

Comfort foods also distinguish themselves from other types of cuisine by having different textures, tastes and smells that help create the feeling people find comforting. These types of food can range from sweet treats such as cakes and cookies to savory dishes like macaroni cheese or mashed potatoes. Everyone has different comfort foods depending on their personal preferences and cultural background but the one thing remains constant is the feeling that we get when we eat them!

Comfort Food Origins

Comfort foods have been around for centuries, and the origin of these beloved dishes is largely unknown. Comfort foods come in all different shapes, sizes, and flavors – from creamy mac 'n cheese to warm apple pie - and provide an emotional connection to our past. But where did they come from?

The truth is that there is no single origin story for comfort food. It’s likely that these dishes evolved over time through different cultures and cuisines across the world. In some cases, comfort food recipes were passed down through generations of families as a way to preserve their cultural heritage. Additionally, certain ingredients like dairy products or starch-heavy vegetables were often seen as affordable sources of sustenance when resources were scarce throughout history. Whatever its beginnings may be, one thing's clear: Comfort food continues to bring warmth and joy into our lives today!

Best Cheeses for Mac and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is one of the most beloved comfort foods, with its creamy cheese sauce mixed in with tender pasta. But what kind of cheese is best for this classic dish? Whether you're looking for a classic blend or something more unique, there are certain cheeses that bring out the best flavors in this classic dish.

For a classic macaroni and cheese flavor, you can use a combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses.

Sharp cheddar cheese is a classic ingredient in many dishes. This robust and flavorful cheese has been around for centuries, originating from the English village of Cheddar. It's made with cow's milk and aged for several months to develop its signature sharp flavor. Sharp cheddar is often used to give dishes a creamy texture and tangy flavor that can't be replicated by other cheeses. This beloved cheese adds depth to everything from macaroni and cheese to grilled sandwiches, quiches, soups, pizza toppings, and more. With its slightly crumbly texture and pungent aroma, it's no surprise that it's one of the most popular cheeses available today. The versatility of sharp cheddar makes it an ideal choice for both savory recipes as well as sweet desserts like brownies or blondies.

Mozzarella cheese is a delicious, creamy cheese that has been popular for centuries. This Italian cheese is often served on pizzas and other Italian dishes, but it can also be used as an ingredient in salads, pastas, and more. It is made from curdling cow's milk and then stretching the curds to form a smooth and elastic texture. The finished product has a milky taste with a hint of saltiness that adds flavor to any meal. One of the great things about mozzarella cheese is its versatility; it can be eaten fresh or cooked into a variety of dishes. Fresh mozzarella is usually sold in balls or rounds and can be enjoyed plain or added to salads, sandwiches, pasta bakes, lasagnas, gratins, or even as an appetizer when paired with tomatoes and basil.

Gouda cheese is an internationally beloved food with a unique flavor and texture. Produced in the Netherlands since the 12th century, gouda cheese was named after the Dutch city of Gouda. The cheese is semi-hard, creamy and nutty in taste, making it a favorite among many different cultures around the world. Gouda's distinct flavor comes from its aging process - depending on how long it ages, the taste will range from mild to tangy. It can be eaten alone or used as an ingredient in various dishes. Gouda goes great with fruits and vegetables like pears, apples and celery.  It also pairs well with crackers or breads such as sourdough or rye. It can even be melted on top of burgers or pizza for an added cheesy kick!

Gruyere cheese is one of the oldest and most popular types of cheese in the world. Originating from Switzerland, Gruyere has been in existence for more than 800 years and is now made all over Europe. It's a versatile semi-hard cheese with a reputation for being creamy, nutty, and slightly sweet on the palate. Gruyere is a cow’s milk cheese that was traditionally produced using unpasteurized milk from cows grazing in alpine pastures. Today, much of the Gruyere being made comes from pasteurized cow’s milk due to modern health regulations. The texture of this cheese varies depending on its age.  Younger Gruyeres tend to be creamier and softer while aged cheeses become harder and more granular over time.

Fontina cheese is a semi-firm Italian cheese made from cow's milk. Originating in the Valle d'Aosta region of Italy, it is one of the oldest cheeses in existence, having been produced there since at least the 12th century. Fontina has a nutty, earthy flavor and aroma that makes it perfect for use in both cooked and uncooked dishes. The texture of fontina ranges from smooth to slightly grainy depending on its age and can range in color from pale yellow to an orange-brown hue when more aged.

Parmesan cheese is a type of cheese that has origins in Italy’s northern region of Emilia-Romagna and is made from cow's milk. It is pale yellow in color with a granular texture and has a hard, gritty rind covering it. Parmesan cheese has an intense flavour that can range from fruity to nutty, depending on the age of the cheese. This type of Italian cheese goes well with many dishes, such as salads and pastas, as well as different types of meats, such as chicken and pork.

The best cheeses to use when making macaroni and cheese are cheddar, gruyere, gouda, fontina, and parmesan. With a combination of these five different types of cheese, you will be able to create a delicious and creamy dish that is sure to satisfy your taste buds. When selecting your cheeses for this dish, make sure you look for quality ingredients such as organic or grass-fed cheeses.

Dishes To Serve With Mac and Cheese

Mac and cheese is one of the most beloved comfort foods. This cheesy, decadent dish can be served in a variety of ways, from classic American to an Italian-inspired twist. But what goes best with mac and cheese? Here are some sides that will round out your meal perfectly.

For a classic take, try pairing mac and cheese with Southern-style collard greens for a savory addition. A simple green salad with light vinaigrette dressing provides a crunchy contrast to creamy macaroni. Or switch it up by adding roasted vegetables like broccoli or cauliflower for extra nutrition. For something heartier, opt for breakfast staples like bacon or sausage to bring smoky flavor into the mix. If you're feeling adventurous, go Mediterranean with herbed vegetables such as tomatoes or zucchini sautéed in olive oil.

What about eating mac and cheese on its own? No sides, no toppings - just the cheesy goodness alone? For those who love mac and cheese but don't want the hassle of prepping extra dishes or buying ingredients, this could be a great option. All you need are some noodles, milk and your favorite type of cheese! Plus there's no need to worry about having too much or not enough – you can make a normal batch or double the batch for a larger crowd or to have leftovers.  You can even switch things up by using different types of cheeses or adding in vegetables such as spinach or broccoli.