Homeroom Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make, yet packed with flavor. It’s also a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen as they can help you prepare the ingredients and mix everything together.
To top it off, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables as you can mix in whatever veggies you like. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to bring to a potluck or party, this Homeroom Mac and Cheese is sure to be a hit.
Read on to learn more about what makes this classic dish so delicious, the ingredients you’ll need, and some tips for making it the best it can be.
This Homeroom Mac and Cheese combines the richness of the béchamel sauce with the savory goodness of pecorino romano and aged cheddar, creating a comforting and irresistible dish.
What is Homeroom Mac and Cheese?
Homeroom is an American restaurant. It is famous for their Mac and Cheese. Which is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s a dish that’s made with macaroni noodles, cheese, and a creamy sauce.
It’s popular among kids and adults alike and is a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen. You can mix in whatever vegetables you like, so it’s a great way to get them to eat their veggies. It’s also a great dish to bring to a potluck or party as it’s sure to be a hit.
What Does it Taste Like?
Homeroom Mac and Cheese has a creamy and cheesy flavor that’s irresistible. The macaroni noodles give it a nice texture while the cheese and creamy sauce give it a rich and savory flavor. You can mix in whatever vegetables you like, so it can have a variety of flavors depending on what you add.
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Ingredients
To prepare the Homeroom Mac and Cheese, you’ll need these following ingredients:
½ pound macaroni (elbow-shaped): Macaroni is the pasta of choice for mac and cheese. Its shape allows the cheese sauce to cling to the pasta, ensuring a flavorful bite in every mouthful.
4 tbsp unsalted butter: Butter is the fat component in the roux. It adds richness and contributes to the velvety texture of the cheese sauce.
½ tbsp of kosher salt (or according to taste): Kosher salt is used to season the pasta water and the cheese sauce. It enhances the overall flavor of the dish, ensuring it is well-seasoned.
⅓ cup panko: Panko is used as a crunchy topping for the mac and cheese. When baked, it adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy pasta, creating a golden and crispy crust.
4 ounce aged cheddar cheese (shredded): Aged cheddar is a classic choice for mac and cheese, offering a sharp and robust flavor. The shredded form allows it to melt smoothly into the sauce, creating a creamy and cheesy consistency.
2 cups of milk (full cream): Milk is a key component of the cheese sauce. It provides the liquid base and contributes to the creamy consistency of the mac and cheese.
Kosher salt to taste: Additional kosher salt is used as needed to adjust the seasoning of the dish, ensuring the mac and cheese is well-balanced and flavorful.
1 ½ ounce pecorino romano cheese (grated): Pecorino Romano is a salty and flavorful cheese that adds a distinct tang to the dish. Its grated form allows it to integrate seamlessly into the cheese sauce, providing a depth of flavor.
¼ cup of flour (sifted): The sifted flour serves as the base for the roux, a mixture of fat (butter) and flour used to thicken the cheese sauce. It creates a smooth and creamy texture in the final dish.
Directions
Step 1: Prepare The Béchamel Sauce
Begin the gastronomic journey by heating a saucepan over medium heat and melting a generous amount of unsalted butter. Once the butter has transformed into a silky pool, introduce sifted flour, stirring with dedication to forge a seamless paste.
Allow this amalgamation to cook for 1-2 minutes, banishing any remnants of raw flour taste. Gradually introduce the full-cream milk into the concoction, ensuring a continuous whisking motion to prevent the unwelcome appearance of lumps.
As the mixture gracefully thickens, attaining a velvety and creamy consistency, season the béchamel sauce with kosher salt, attuning it to your palate’s discerning taste. With the aromatic alchemy achieved, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the béchamel sauce luxuriate in its newfound richness.
Step 2: Cook the Macaroni
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture. Drain the cooked macaroni and set it aside.
Step 3: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to create the ideal baking environment for your macaroni and cheese.
Step 4: Combine
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with grated pecorino romano cheese and shredded aged cheddar cheese. Mix these ingredients thoroughly until well combined.
Step 5: Pour The Béchamel Sauce
Pour the previously prepared béchamel sauce over the macaroni and cheese mixture. Gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the rich and creamy sauce, ensuring a harmonious distribution of flavors.
Step 6: Season and Transfer
Season the macaroni and cheese mixture with kosher salt to taste. Transfer the prepared dish to a baking dish, spreading the mixture evenly for uniform baking.
Step 7: Add Panko
Sprinkle panko evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese, creating a delightful crispy and golden crust that will add texture to every bite.
Step 8: Bake the Mac and Cheese
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top develops a golden brown hue and the cheese becomes bubbly and perfectly melted.
Step 9: Serve & Enjoy
Once baked to perfection, carefully remove the macaroni and cheese from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Homeroom Mac and Cheese warm, allowing everyone to indulge in the creamy texture and delightful combination of flavors. This dish is a culinary celebration that is sure to please any mac and cheese enthusiast.
Tips
• Use high-quality cheeses for the best flavor.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg for a subtle flavor.
• Mix in cooked bacon or sausage for added flavor.
• Top with breadcrumbs for a crunchy texture.
• Add a layer of sliced tomatoes for a burst of flavor.
• Use a combination of cheeses for an even more flavorful mac and cheese.
• Try adding a few tablespoons of creamy peanut butter for a unique flavor.
Nutrition Information
This Homeroom Mac and Cheese serves 3 people. Each serving contains approximately:
- 745 calories
- 23 grams of fat
- 39 grams of carbohydrates; and
- 24 grams of protein.
What to Serve with Homeroom Mac and Cheese?
• A side salad
• Roasted vegetables
• Garlic bread
• Sauteed mushrooms
• Roasted broccoli
• Baked sweet potatoes
• Steamed green beans
• Grilled chicken
• Pulled pork
• Baked fish
• Roasted pork tenderloin
How to Store Leftover Homeroom Mac and Cheese?
Leftover Homeroom Mac and Cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, place in a preheated oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, or until heated through.
What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Homeroom Mac and Cheese?
• Whole wheat macaroni noodles
• Greek yogurt
• Cream cheese
• Cottage cheese
• Ricotta cheese
• Gruyere cheese
• Cream of mushroom soup
• Cream of celery soup
• White cheddar cheese
• Mozzarella cheese
• Gouda cheese
Equipment
- Microwave Oven
- large pot
- Measuring cups and spoons
- saucepan
- baking dish
- Grater, etc
Ingredients
For the Béchamel Sauce:
- ¼ cup of flour sifted
- 2 cups of milk full cream
- ½ tbsp of kosher salt or according to taste
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
To Assemble:
- ½ pound macaroni elbow shaped
- 1 ½ ounce pecorino romano cheese grated
- 4 ounce aged cheddar cheese shredded
- kosher salt to taste
- ⅓ cup panko
Instructions
- Prepare Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the sifted flour to the melted butter, stirring continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes to eliminate the raw flour taste. Gradually pour in the full-cream milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to whisk until the mixture thickens to a smooth and creamy consistency. Season the béchamel sauce with kosher salt, adjusting to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the Macaroni: Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, grated pecorino romano cheese, and shredded aged cheddar cheese. Mix until well combined.
- Add Béchamel Sauce: Pour the prepared béchamel sauce over the macaroni and cheese mixture. Gently stir until the pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Season and Transfer to Baking Dish: Season the mixture with kosher salt to taste. Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish, spreading it evenly.
- Top with Panko: Sprinkle the panko evenly over the top of the macaroni and cheese, creating a crispy and golden crust.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden brown, and the cheese is bubbly and melted.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Serve the Homeroom Mac and Cheese warm, indulging in the creamy texture and delightful flavors.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is homeroom mac and cheese healthy?
A1. This recipe is not the healthiest as it contains a lot of cheese and butter. However, you can make it healthier by adding vegetables and using whole wheat macaroni noodles. You can also reduce the amount of cheese and butter to make it even healthier.
Q2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2. Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the mac and cheese according to the instructions and then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator until ready to bake. Be sure to allow the mac and cheese to come to room temperature before baking.
Q3. What kind of cheese should I use?
A3. The best cheeses to use for this recipe are cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan. You can also use a combination of other cheeses such as Gruyere, white cheddar, mozzarella, or gouda.
Q4. Can I freeze this mac and cheese?
A4. Yes, you can freeze this mac and cheese. Allow the cooked mac and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw the mac and cheese in the refrigerator overnight and then bake in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes, or until heated through.
Q5. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
A5. Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. However, elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for this recipe.
Q6. Can I make this recipe vegan?
A6. Yes, you can make this recipe vegan. Simply replace the butter with vegan butter, use a plant-based milk, and use vegan cheese.
Q7. Can I add different vegetables to this recipe?
A7. Yes, you can add different vegetables to this recipe. Some great options are broccoli, mushrooms, spinach, tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini.
Conclusion
Homeroom Mac and Cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make, yet packed with flavor. It’s also a great way to get your kids involved in the kitchen as they can help you prepare the ingredients and mix everything together.
To top it off, it’s a great way to get your kids to eat their vegetables as you can mix in whatever veggies you like. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or a dish to bring to a potluck or party, this homeroom mac and cheese recipe is sure to be a hit.
With a few simple ingredients, a few easy steps, and a few helpful tips, you can have a creamy and cheesy dish in no time.