Macaroni and Cheese (Mac and Cheese) Recipe for Beginners

The original recipe would have only macaroni and cheese in it, but our recipe has a twist. Topped with tomato, it gives it an extra bit of flavor, but it is optional. As is the bacon that we’ve added.

Pasta and cheese make a delicious duo. Without a doubt, Macaroni and Cheese (Mac and Cheese) is a household favorite. It’s also perfect for newbie cooks seeking an easy recipe.

But where did Macaroni and Cheese come from?

The ‘Liber de Conquino,’ an Italian cookbook from the 13th century, featured a recipe known as “de lasanis,” considered the precursor to Macaroni and Cheese. It instructed to cook sheet pasta squares in water and mix them with grated cheese, typically Parmesan.

Even in medieval England, a cheese and pasta casserole was popular, as seen in the Forme of Cury cookbook. It described a dish with fresh hand-cut pasta, melted cheese, and butter.

Americans later adapted the dish, opting for cheddar cheese instead.

Nowadays, Mac and Cheese comes in countless variations, with additions like onion, bacon, tomato, and a mix of cheeses.

How To Make Macaroni and Cheese (Mac and Cheese)

Time: 60 mins Course: Lunch, Dinner

You need

4 cups milk
8 tbsp butter
8 tbsp plain flour “all-purpose flour” / “cake wheat flour”
salt & pepper season to taste
1 packet Macaroni prepare as per the instructions on the packet
1 block mature cheddar cheese or cheese of your choice
¼ tsp red pepper or paprika OPTIONAL
¼ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano OPTIONAL
sliced tomatoes OPTIONAL
diced bacon OPTIONAL Bacon, pancetta, or prosciutto
parsley OPTIONAL to garnish
red onion, finely chopped OPTIONAL
Italian mixed spice OPTIONAL

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Preheat oven to 180°C.

Sauce

Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat.
Stir in the flour. Whisk in a little of the milk at a time, stirring continuously until you have a smooth, slightly thick sauce. (It is easier to use a whisk than a spoon.)
Remove from the heat; season with salt and pepper and add the grated cheddar.

Filling

In a separate pan, fry the onion and bacon with your preferred spices.
Mix the pasta, fried bacon, and onion as well as the sauce all together and spoon into a lightly greased baking dish.
Top with sliced tomato, Parmigiano-Reggiano grated cheese, and parsley on top.

Bake for 30 to 40 min until golden and set.