Mac n Cheese Without Roux: A Delicious Twist

Are you tired of the same old mac and cheese recipe? Look no further! This twist on a classic comfort food dish uses simple ingredients and eliminates the need for roux, making it a breeze to prepare. The best part? You can customize it to your taste with a variety of cheeses.

Using Leftover Cheese

I often make this recipe using cheese leftovers I find in the fridge. Mozzarella is an excellent choice for stretching, so if you like that, add some to the combo. But mozzarella combined with Parmesan cheese or another stronger-tasting sort will be great too. What I would not use is mozzarella alone - it's just too plain on its own.

Experimenting with Cheese

Try different types of cheese like Gouda, Gruyere, Jarlsberg Swiss cheese, Colby, or a combination to find your favorite flavor. Can you replace Cheddar? Absolutely! My favorite sort for this mac and cheese recipe is Cheddar, but another kind of cheese is fine as well. Just be sure to grate it yourself - pre-shredded cheese can contain additives that prevent it from melting nicely.

Tips and Variations

For a twist on the classic pasta, try using whole wheat pasta instead of traditional white pasta. It may not be typical, but it tastes great too! Use a short kind of pasta for best results, but feel free to experiment with your favorite shape. To finish the dish, bake until the top is golden and crusty, about 25-30 minutes.

The Recipe

Here's how to make this delicious mac n cheese without roux:

1. Cook the macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water until done, about 5-7 minutes.

2. In a separate saucepan, combine 2 tablespoons butter and flour over medium heat. Stir constantly for about 2-3 minutes to avoid lumps.

3. Remove from heat and let infuse while you make the cheese mixture.

4. In another pot, warm the milk over medium-low heat until it starts to steam, about 10 minutes.

5. Add the clove-studded onion, garlic, bay leaf, thyme, and mustard to the milk and stir to combine.

6. Strain the infused milk onto the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

7. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the sauce is thick.

8. Remove from heat and stir in 1/2 cup grated Cheddar and 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.

9. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese mixture and mix until well combined.

10. Transfer to a prepared baking dish, top with additional Cheddar and Parmesan cheese, and bake until golden and crusty.

This recipe is easy to make and can be customized to your taste preferences. Experiment with different cheeses and pasta shapes to find your new favorite comfort food!

Mac n cheese without roux