The creamy, cheesy goodness known as macaroni and cheese—also known as mac and cheese, is one of the first meals that come to mind when you think of comfort foods. It is one of those meals that many have grown up to, a meal that immediately elicits nostalgia taking people back to fond memories of their childhoods.
While mac and cheese is now a widely popular dish known all over the world, this dish originated in England. Its basic recipe consists of macaroni pasta, milk, and cheddar cheese. Today, mac and cheese can be cooked in a number of different ways, on a stovetop or in an oven. There is even an instant food version, boxed mac n’ cheese.
The Origins of Mac & Cheese
The origins of macaroni and cheese can be traced back to the 14th century in an Italian cookbook called the Liber de Coquina, a medieval cookbook that featured a recipe for parmesan and pasta. In the medieval English cookbook, the Forme of Cury, another origin documentation of the mac and cheese recipe can also be seen. The recipe documents hand-cut pasta cooked with a mixture of cheese and butter called makerouns.
The macaroni and cheese recipe that we have known and loved today is based on Elizabeth Raffald’s 1770 cookbook, The Experienced English Housekeeper. The recipe for the mac and cheese included, Bechamel sauce and cheddar cheese are mixed with macaroni, topped off this parmesan and then baked until golden brown. With its long history, macaroni and cheese have definitely found its way to many households around the world.
While the original mac and cheese recipe is well-loved, there’s a lot you can do to level up your mac ‘n’ cheese. If you want to learn more about different recipes for macaroni and cheese, keep on reading.
Simple Four Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese
If you’re in need of a super quick and easy mac ‘n’ cheese fix, this incredibly simple recipe is just what you’re looking for. In under 30 minutes, you get to enjoy a childhood favorite!
Ingredients
- 1 box of store-bought mac ‘n’ cheese (any brand)
- ¼ cup of Monterey cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup of cheddar cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup of parmesan cheese (grated)
- Pepper or paprika (to taste)
Instructions
- According to the directions of the box, boil the macaroni in a pot of water and for a few minutes until soft.
- Once the macaroni is cooked, leave ⅓ of the water and drain out the rest.
- Add the 4 kinds of cheese to the pot (monterey, mozzarella, cheddar and parmesan) along with the pepper (to taste) and mix well to combine.
- After the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, serve the mac ‘n’ cheese on a plate and garnish with pepper or paprika.
Simple Bacon Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Any bacon fans out there? If you are one, this creamy and cheesy dish with bacon is the perfect macaroni and cheese recipe for you! By just adding bacon to your regular mac ‘n’ cheese, you’re adding a whole new dimension to your dish.
To get started with your bacon macaroni and cheese recipe, follow the instructions below:
Ingredients
- 1 cup of macaroni pasta
- 1 cup of whole milk
- 1 cup of cooked bacon bits
- ¼ cup of monterey cheese (grated)
- ¼ cup of mozzarella cheese (grated)
- Pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Boil the macaroni pasta in a pot over medium heat. Once the pasta has been cooked, drain out the water and add a cup of milk to the pot.
- Toss in the cheeses, bacon bits and pepper and mix well.
- Once the mac and cheese are fully incorporated, place on a plate and top with your garnish of choice (bacon bits or pepper will do the trick!)
- Serve and enjoy!
Simple Broccoli Cheddar Mac ‘n’ Cheese
Do you want to add a little nutritional value to your mac ‘n’ cheese dish? Adding broccoli to your recipe can help bump up your meal’s nutritional value! Check out this simple recipe for broccoli macaroni and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 cup of macaroni pasta
- 1 cup of milk (whole or half and half)
- 1 cup of already cooked broccoli
- ½ cup cheddar cheese (grated)
- Pepper or paprika (to taste)
Instructions
- In a pot of water over medium heat, dump in the macaroni pasta and let it boil until cooked.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain out the water and add in the cup of milk.
- Toss in the cooked broccoli, cheddar cheese, pepper and mix well.
- Once the macaroni and cheese have been mixed thoroughly, transfer to a serving plate and garnish with your desired topping and dig in!
Chili Cheese Mac ‘n’ Cheese
To really spice up the original recipe of macaroni and cheese, this chili mac and cheese recipe is a great option for those of you who want to try out a new rendition of mac ‘n’ cheese. To try it out, follow the recipe below:
Ingredients
- A box macaroni and cheese
- ½ lb of cooked ground beef
- ¼ cup of cheddar cheese (grated)
- 1 cup of red kidney beans
- 1 can of green chili
- 2 tsp of chili powder
Instructions
- Follow the instructions in the box and cook your instant mac ‘n’ cheese.
- Once the mac ‘n’ cheese is ready, mix in the cooked ground beef, kidney bean, green chilis, cheddar cheese and chili powder to the pot.
- Once all the ingredients are fully incorporated, top the chili mac ‘n’ cheese with your desired garnish and serve.
Depending on what you prefer, these super simple recipes for macaroni and cheese are a definite must-try!
Or if you don’t have the time for it but still craving for some mac&cheese then you could consider the instant version:
