Dish of the month (May 2022): macaroni cheese

[Morning Glory]

'Dish of the month' focusses on an accessible and generic dish, so that most of us can join in, cook and post the results. Its non competitive and there is no need to post the recipe unless you want to. This month, macaroni cheese (mac 'n cheese) has been chosen.

So, its over to you to make your finest macaroni cheese and post the results in this thread. Innovation is positively encouraged. Macaroni in a cheese sauce is your starting point. Add whatever ingredients you wish, to surprise us!

 

[Mountain Cat]

I usually don't like mac and cheese - but there are some exceptions. I'll focus on the exceptions!

 

[TastyReuben]

I don’t like macaroni and cheese at all (I refuse to say or type “mac ‘n…, oops, I almost typed it!), but MrsT loves it, so I’ll make some for her.

 

[Morning Glory]

Macaroni cheese (mac 'n cheese) is often presented as a baked dish, but it really doesn't have to be so. When I was a kid my Mum made it in a pan so it was more akin to a risotto.

Pasta in a Mornay sauce (cheese sauce) is the starting point. Lots can be done with that and beyond that, I think.

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

I don’t like macaroni and cheese at all (I refuse to say or type “mac ‘n…, oops, I almost typed it!), but MrsT loves it, so I’ll make some for her.

Let's put is this way. I don't have any macaroni, so it's going to be pasta with a dairy free cheese sauce.... any better?

 

[TastyReuben]

Let's put is this way. I don't have any macaroni, so it's going to be pasta with a dairy free cheese sauce.... any better?

Yes!

Seriously, I don’t know why, but I generally get annoyed at shortened names for things, especially foods. I rarely say or type that certain four-letter substitute for mayonnaise, for example.

 

[Mountain Cat]

Yes!

Seriously, I don’t know why, but I generally get annoyed at shortened names for things, especially foods. I rarely say or type that certain four-letter substitute for mayonnaise, for example.

How about calling it Elbow Maccheroni Pasta cooked with Cheese? (Assuming that's the shape you are using.)

 

[kaneohegirlinaz]

Okay!
I'd like some clarification please?
Does the Cheese have to be melted to make it Macaroni Cheese?

 

[MaximumSam]

Mac n Cheese is like my white whale. I am never satisfied with how it turns out. Typically, I make the roux, add milk and then the flavorings and cheese. Once I had a bite and it was perfect, then poured it into a pan to bake and didn't like how it came out. I dunno, I'll give it another shot.

 

[Morning Glory]

Okay!
I'd like some clarification please?
Does the Cheese have to be melted to make it Macaroni Cheese?

In the 'classic' macaroni cheese the pasta is in a Mornay sauce (cheese sauce) so the cheese is melted. But as this is not a competition there are no rules! You can interpret it how you wish.

 

[The Velvet Curtain]

In the 'classic' macaroni cheese the pasta is in a Mornay sauce (cheese sauce) so the cheese is melted. But as this is not a competition there are no rules! You can interpret it how you wish.

Can I remove the pasta and replace it with cauliflower florets? Much more to my taste

 

[karadekoolaid]

Can I remove the pasta and replace it with cauliflower florets? Much more to my taste

You could call it Colifloni & Cheese.

 

[Morning Glory]

Can I remove the pasta and replace it with cauliflower florets? Much more to my taste

I like cauliflower cheese too. I was thinking of combining it with macaroni cheese.

 

[garlichead]

I like cauliflower cheese too. I was thinking of combining it with macaroni cheese.

I like cheese in my souffles.

 

[Yorky]

I can't recall ever cooking macaroni cheese so I think I'll give this a go. I have cheddar which is past it's best by date but it will have to be fusilli because that's all what I have.