Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Are you looking for a macaroni and cheese recipe packed with comforting flavors and a cheesy, creamy texture that’s loved by all? Welcome to Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese, the perfect side dish or main course that’s won over countless hearts and taste buds.

This recipe combines simple, wholesome ingredients with straightforward steps which makes it an ideal choice for family dinners, potlucks, or a cozy night in. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a kitchen novice, this beloved dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress.

So without wasting any more time get ready to create a cheesy masterpiece that’s destined to become a favorite in your household.

Why Do People Love Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese?

Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese has garnered a lot of affection for several key reasons.

First and foremost, it’s the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy, with every bite delivering the rich, comforting flavor that macaroni and cheese lovers crave.

The secret lies in its high-quality cheese blend that melts effortlessly into a luscious sauce that coats each piece of pasta evenly. Furthermore, the recipe includes well-seasoned ingredients that add depth and a hint of indulgence without overwhelming the dish.

Another reason why people love it is its versatility; it pairs beautifully with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, fried chicken, or a crisp green salad, making it a star of any meal.

Lastly, the nostalgic quality of Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese evokes comforting memories for many, turning a simple dish into a heartwarming experience.

Ingredients Needed for Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Before moving into the recipe, gather the following ingredients to create the magic of this beloved Macaroni. These staples make the recipe both accessible and achievable for home cooks:

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 1 3/4 cups evaporated milk + 1 3/4 cups water (to replace the whole milk)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for a crispy topping)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra cheesy flavor)

Nutritional Information of Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese

Wondering how this indulgent delight fits into your dietary plans? Here’s a quick breakdown of what one serving (roughly 1 cup) of Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese contains:

Equipment Needed

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and ensures consistent results. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Medium saucepan (for making the cheese sauce)
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×13 inches preferred)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Cheese grater

With everything ready, it’s time to bring the magic to life.

Step-by-Step Recipe for Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese

Looks like you’ve got all your ingredients and equipment ready on the table—great. Let’s jump into the simple steps to whip up this delicious dish.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a large pot of water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

Put a medium saucepan on medium heat and melt a few tablespoons of butter. Once melted, mix in the same amount of all-purpose flour and mix until smooth. Cook this for 1-2 minutes, stirring all the time, to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Let it cook until it thickens. Then, turn the heat down and add shredded cheese, a little at a time, letting it melt before adding more. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Once your cheese sauce is done, mix in the cooked pasta with a wooden spoon or spatula. Make sure the pasta is fully covered in the creamy sauce. Taste it and add salt and pepper if needed. For more flavor, you can add a little paprika or mustard.

Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish

Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Add the pasta and cheese mixture, spreading it evenly. Smooth the top with your spatula, ensuring a uniform surface that will crisp beautifully during baking.

Step 5: Add the Topping

Make the dish even better with a breadcrumb topping. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle it over the macaroni, and, if you like, add a layer of shredded cheese on top for a crispy, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat up. Put the baking dish in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before eating so you don’t burn your mouth.

Congratulations 🎊 You’ve successfully created a delicious batch of Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese! Serve it hot, garnish with some parsley if you’d like, and enjoy the rich, cheesy goodness you just whipped up.

And if you are a macaroni lover like me 😋 then you should try our Old-Fashioned Macaroni Corn Casserole with Velveeta Recipe that is soo creamy and fluffyggg!!

Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Usman Malik

Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese has garnered a lot of affection for several key reasons. First and foremost, it’s the perfect balance of creamy and cheesy, with every bite delivering the rich, comforting flavor that macaroni and cheese lovers crave. The secret lies in its high-quality cheese blend that melts effortlessly into a luscious sauce that coats each piece of pasta evenly. Furthermore, the recipe includes well-seasoned ingredients that add depth and a hint of indulgence without overwhelming the dish.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 19 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course, Side Dish

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

• Large pot (for boiling pasta)
• Medium saucepan (for making the cheese sauce)
• Whisk
• Baking dish (9×13 inches preferred)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Optional: Cheese grater

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound elbow macaroni or pasta of choice
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 cups whole milk
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs optional, for a crispy topping
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, for extra cheesy flavor

Instructions

 

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

• Start by boiling a large pot of water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Once the water reaches a rolling boil, add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Be sure to stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside while you prepare the cheese sauce.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

• Put a medium saucepan on medium heat and melt a few tablespoons of butter. Once melted, mix in the same amount of all-purpose flour and mix until smooth. Cook this for 1-2 minutes, stirring all the time, to remove the raw flour taste. Slowly pour in milk while whisking to avoid lumps. Let it cook until it thickens. Then, turn the heat down and add shredded cheese, a little at a time, letting it melt before adding more. Stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce

• Once your cheese sauce is done, mix in the cooked pasta with a wooden spoon or spatula. Make sure the pasta is fully covered in the creamy sauce. Taste it and add salt and pepper if needed. For more flavor, you can add a little paprika or mustard.

Step 4: Transfer to the Baking Dish

• Lightly grease your 9×13-inch baking dish to prevent sticking. Pour the pasta and cheese mixture into the dish, spreading it out evenly. Smooth the top with your spatula, ensuring a uniform surface that will crisp beautifully during baking.

Step 5: Add the Topping

• Make the dish even better with a breadcrumb topping. Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter, sprinkle it over the macaroni, and, if you like, add a layer of shredded cheese on top for a crispy, golden crust.

Step 6: Bake and Serve

• Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to heat up. Put the baking dish in the oven and cook for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbling. Let it cool for a few minutes before eating so you don’t burn your mouth.

Notes

For the best mac and cheese, always shred your cheese fresh rather than using pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more smoothly. Additionally, adjust the seasonings and add-ins to your taste to make it uniquely yours while ensuring the sauce stays creamy and rich throughout the process.

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Creative Ways to Serve Mike’s Farm Macaroni and Cheese

Macaroni and cheese are amazing on their own, but these creative serving ideas can elevate it to new heights:

• Mac and Cheese Waffle Bites: Pour the mac and cheese mixture into a waffle maker to create crispy, golden waffles. Perfect for dipping in marinara or ranch for a fun twist.
• Loaded Mac and Cheese: Add crispy bacon, green onions, sour cream, and shredded cheddar for a baked potato-style twist.
• Buffalo Chicken Mac: Add shredded buffalo chicken and a drizzle of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a spicy, tangy combination.
• Macaroni Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with mac and cheese before baking.
• Mac and Cheese Pizza: Spread mac and cheese over a pre-baked pizza crust, top with extra cheese and preferred toppings, then bake until bubbly.
• Fried Mac and Cheese Balls: Roll cold mac and cheese into balls, coat with breadcrumbs, and deep fry for a crunchy, cheesy appetizer.
• Macaroni-Stuffed Meatloaf: Create a pocket in your meatloaf and fill it with creamy mac and cheese for a comforting, hearty dinner.

Storage Suggestions

If you find yourself with leftovers (lucky you!), proper storage ensures it stays fresh and tasty:

• Keep leftover mac and cheese in a sealed container to stay fresh.
• Refrigerate leftovers promptly, ideally within 2 hours of cooking, to maintain freshness.
• Consume refrigerated mac and cheese within 3-5 days for the best quality.
• To freeze, transfer mac and cheese to a freezer-safe container or resealable bag, and store for up to 2 months.

Tips for Making Perfect Macaroni and Cheese

I know, You’re probably thinking, “How can this already perfect recipe get any better?” Well, here are some tips to make sure your mac and cheese turns out perfectly every time:

• Use freshly grated cheese instead of store-bought shredded cheese for a smoother, creamier sauce. Pre-shredded cheese has additives that can change the texture.
• Cook your pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when combined with the cheese sauce.
• Warm your milk before adding it to the roux for a velvety and lump-free consistency.
• Season gradually and taste as you go to ensure a perfect balance of flavors without overwhelming the dish.
• Experiment with a mix of cheeses, like sharp cheddar, gruyere, and parmesan, for a rich and complex flavor profile.
• Bake your mac and cheese with a topping of breadcrumbs or crushed crackers for added texture and crunch.
• Let the dish sit for a few minutes after cooking so the flavors blend and the sauce thickens.

Conclusion

Making the perfect mac and cheese is simple with the right steps. Use good ingredients, make a smooth sauce, and mix the flavors just right. You can turn this classic comfort food into something special.

Whether you’re making a quick version on the stove or baking it with a crispy top, mac and cheese always brings comfort and joy. With some creativity and care, every bite is filled with cheesy deliciousness.

FAQ

Can I make this mac and cheese recipe gluten-free?

Yes, you can. Simply use gluten-free pasta and substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative when making the roux for the cheese sauce.

Can I prepare it in advance?

Yes, you can prepare mac and cheese in advance. Assemble it fully, cover it tightly, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake it until heated through and golden on top.

What’s the best cheese substitute for a vegan version?

For a vegan version, you can use plant-based cheese substitutes like cashew cheese, nutritional yeast, or store-bought vegan cheese alternatives. Combine these with dairy-free milk like almond or oat milk to create a creamy and flavorful sauce.

How can I make mac and cheese creamier?

For super creamy mac and cheese, mix different cheeses like cream cheese or mascarpone with shredded cheese. Adding a bit of heavy cream or evaporated milk to the sauce can make it even richer and smoother.

What’s the best pasta shape to use?

While elbow macaroni is the classic choice, other shapes like shells, cavatappi, or rotini work wonderfully. Pasta shapes with ridges or grooves hold onto the cheese sauce better, ensuring every bite is deliciously coated.

Can I freeze mac and cheese?

Yes, you can freeze mac and cheese. Let it cool, put it in a freezer-safe container, and store it for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat.

How can I add more flavor to my mac and cheese?

Make your mac and cheese better with simple add-ins like crispy bacon, caramelized onions, roasted garlic, or smoked paprika. Try different cheeses like Gruyère, gouda, or smoked cheddar for extra flavor.