Not So Naughty Macaroni Cheese Recipes

NO-BAKE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• For the cheese sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add 4 tablespoons of the butter. When foamy, sprinkle in the flour and a pinch of salt. Whisk to combine, then continue whisking until flour is cooked, 2 to 3 minutes. Whisk in the milk, pouring it in a slow, steady stream. Then whisk in the cream. Bring to a simmer. Set aside 3/4 cup of the mild Cheddar; whisk in the remaining mild Cheddar and the sharp Cheddar, smoked Cheddar and Brie. Continue to stir for 2 minutes or until all the cheese is melted, then turn the heat off. Stir in the remaining 1 tablespoon butter until melted and incorporated.
• For the macaroni: Fill a large pot halfway with water. Season with salt until it tastes like the sea. Bring to a boil, then add the macaroni. Stir, then simmer until macaroni is al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain.
• Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• Place cooked macaroni into a heat-proof serving dish. Ladle cheese sauce all over, then sprinkle the reserved mild Cheddar on top. Place in the oven just until all of the Cheddar is melted and everything is heated through, 3 to 5 minutes.

NO-BOIL SMOKER MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Prepare a grill for medium indirect heat (about 375 degrees F if your grill has a thermometer; for a gas grill, leave one or two burners on low or off; for a charcoal grill, bank the coals on one side of the grill). Prepare a smoker tube with smoking pellets according to the manufacturer's instructions and set on the grill to begin smoking (see Cook's Note).
• Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the flour to make a smooth paste. Cook, stirring, until the mixture smells nutty but hasn't browned, about 2 minutes. Whisk in the smoked paprika, then whisk in the milk and cream. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the adobo and salt. Off heat, whisk in half of the shredded Cheddar and Gouda and all of the processed cheese cubes to make a smooth sauce.
• Spread the uncooked macaroni in a disposable 9-by-13-inch foil baking tin and pour the sauce over. Stir to coat the pasta in the sauce. Sprinkle with the remaining shredded cheese. Cover tightly with foil and place on the indirect part of the grill. Close the grill. Cook until the pasta is al dente, about 30 minutes. Remove the foil, close the grill and cook 10 minutes more. If cooking on a gas grill, turn off the grill, close the lid and let rest in the grill with the smoker tube for 10 minutes more before serving. (On a charcoal grill, just remove the baking tin and serve.)

EASY CREAMY MAC 'N CHEESE

Steps:

• Cook pasta in large pot according to package directions.
• Meanwhile, whisk milk, Country Crock® Spread, and flour in large saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking frequently. Reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in cheese until melted; remove from heat. Drain pasta and fold into the sauce.

NOT-SO-NAUGHTY MACARONI & CHEESE

Steps:

• Boil the macaroni according to package directions until al dente.
• In a large bowl, combine everything except the shredded cheese.
• Microwave for 2-3 minutes, checking periodically, until the butter is melted.
• Stir until smooth.
• Drain the macaroni and add to the cheese sauce. Stir to combine.
• In a lightly oiled 9x13 pan, layer 1/2 of the macaroni mixture. Top with half of the shredded cheese.
• Repeat with the other half of the noodles, finishing with shredded cheese on top.
• Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until bubbly and browned to your liking.
• NOTE: I have experimented with different combinations of cheese. Cheddar is a great standby, but try adding a little pepper jack to the mix, or even a little bit of bleu for some bite.