Creamy and Irresistible: The Perfect BBQ Side Dish - Homemade Mac and Cheese
When it comes to classic comfort foods, mac and cheese holds
a special place in our hearts. It's the ultimate combination of creamy, cheesy
goodness that satisfies our taste buds and warms our souls. Imagine pairing
this beloved dish with the smoky flavors of a BBQ feast—pure bliss! In this
blog, I'll guide you through the steps of making a homemade mac and cheese that
will steal the show at your next BBQ gathering. Get ready to indulge in a dish
that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
Ingredients:
- 1
pound (450g) elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- 4
cups (1 liter) milk
- 1/2
cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
- 1/2
cup (65g) all-purpose flour
- 4
cups (400g) shredded cheddar cheese (mild or sharp, based on preference)
- 1
cup (100g) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1
cup (100g) shredded Gruyere cheese
- 1
teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2
teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2
teaspoon onion powder
- Salt
and pepper to taste
- Optional
toppings: crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or breadcrumbs
Instructions:
- Prepare
the Pasta:
- Cook
the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain
the pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Make
the Cheese Sauce:
- In
a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Once
melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to form a
roux.
- Gradually
pour in the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps.
- Stir
in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
- Continue
cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a
spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
- Add
the Cheeses:
- Reduce
the heat to low and gradually add the shredded cheeses, one cup at a
time, stirring until fully melted and incorporated into the sauce.
- Keep
a small portion of the cheddar cheese aside to use as a topping, if
desired.
- Combine
the Pasta and Cheese Sauce:
- Add
the cooked and drained pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring until all the
noodles are evenly coated.
- Optional
Toppings:
- If
you're opting for additional toppings, now is the time to add them.
Sprinkle crispy bacon bits, chopped green onions, or breadcrumbs over the
mac and cheese.
- Bake
or Serve Immediately:
- If
you prefer a baked mac and cheese, transfer the mixture to a greased
baking dish and sprinkle the reserved cheddar cheese on top. Bake in a
preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and
golden brown.
- If
you want to serve it immediately, skip the baking step and proceed to
serving.
- Serve
and Enjoy:
- Serve
the mac and cheese hot, straight from the oven or stovetop.
- It
pairs perfectly with BBQ meats, grilled vegetables, or as a standalone
comfort food.
Homemade mac and cheese is a timeless dish that has the
power to elevate any BBQ gathering. With its creamy texture, melty cheeses, and
comforting flavors, it's the ultimate side dish that will have your guests
craving more. Whether you choose to bake it or serve it stovetop, this classic
recipe will surely become a staple at your BBQ events. So go ahead, indulge in
the irresistible combination of macaroni and cheese, and make your next BBQ
gathering a memorable one!