Monthly Recipe Challenge

Tips, Serving Ideas and Substitutions

Quick Tips

• Choose a pasta that holds the sauce. I love using cavatappi because all those little twists and curves catch the creamy cheese sauce so well, but elbow macaroni works great, too!
• Keep the heat low when adding the cheese. Once the milk mixture has thickened, turn the heat to low before whisking in the cheeses. This helps create a smooth, creamy sauce without it becoming grainy.
• Use a combination of cheeses. The cheddar gives this mac & cheese its delicious flavor, while the American cheese helps make the sauce extra smooth and creamy.
• Adjust the consistency. If your cheese sauce gets too thick, whisk in a little more milk until it’s just right. If it’s too thin, add a little more cheese.
• Make the most of leftovers. Store leftover mac & cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently with a splash of milk to bring back that creamy texture.

Serving Ideas

• Make it a cozy family dinner. Serve a big pot of mac & cheese with a simple green salad, roasted broccoli, or your family’s favorite vegetables for an easy, comforting meal.
• Serve it as a holiday side dish. This creamy mac & cheese is a crowd-pleasing addition to your Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving table and pairs perfectly with turkey, ham, or other holiday favorites.
• Create a Mac & Cheese-Burger Board! In my new cookbook, Celebration Boards, I share a fun Mac and Cheese-Burger Board that brings together two family favorites in one delicious spread. It’s such a fun way to serve this recipe for game day, family gatherings, or a casual dinner with friends!
• Set up a Top Your Own Mac ‘n’ Cheese Spread! One of my favorite ways to serve this recipe is featured in my Spectacular Spreads cookbook. Start with a big pot of creamy mac & cheese and surround it with toppings like crispy bacon, broccoli, green onions, shredded cheese, and different sauces so everyone can create their own delicious combination.
• Make it your own! Try adding buffalo chicken, barbecue pulled pork, sautéed vegetables, or crispy breadcrumbs to turn a simple bowl of mac & cheese into something extra special.

Substitutions

• Switch up the pasta. Cavatappi is my favorite, but elbow macaroni, shells, rotini, or any pasta shape that holds the cheese sauce well will work.
• Try different cheeses. Cheddar is delicious, but you can experiment with Monterey Jack, white cheddar, or a combination of your family’s favorites. I recommend keeping the American cheese in the mix for that extra-creamy texture.
• Use the milk you have on hand. I prefer whole milk for a rich, creamy sauce, but other types of milk will work, too. Half-and-half makes it even richer!
• Change up the seasonings. Use garlic powder or onion powder, or a combination of both, depending on your family’s preference.
• Make it a complete meal. Stir in cooked chicken, crumbled bacon, or steamed broccoli for a heartier version that’s perfect for a quick family dinner.