Introduction to the Perfect Macaroni and Cheese
In many households, macaroni and cheese is more than just a dish – it’s an experience. There are levels to macaroni and cheese, ranging from the simple, boxed version to the more complex, baked recipes that are often reserved for special occasions. When it comes to holidays like Thanksgiving, the pressure is on to create a truly exceptional macaroni and cheese dish that will impress family and friends.
The Importance of Getting it Right
In many Black households, the task of making the macaroni and cheese is not taken lightly. It’s a job that requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. The stakes are high, and the pressure to deliver a flawless dish can be intimidating. However, with the right recipe and techniques, anyone can create a show-stopping macaroni and cheese that will become the star of the holiday table.
Exceptional Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Two exceptional macaroni and cheese recipes that stand out from the rest are those of Lucas McKinney, chef at Josephine’s, and Dawn Burrell, a talented chef and champion of Black foodways. McKinney’s recipe is a masterclass in Southern comfort food, with a crispy fried chicken skin topping and a hint of hot honey that adds a sweet and spicy kick. Burrell’s recipe, on the other hand, is a refined and elegant take on the classic dish, with a béchamel sauce made from a blonde roux and a blend of extra-sharp and mild white cheddar, plus fontina.
Burrell’s Recipe: A Masterclass in Elegance
Burrell’s secret to a perfect macaroni and cheese lies in her attention to detail and commitment to using only the highest-quality ingredients. She starts by sautéing onions in butter, then adds flour to make a golden roux, which helps form a creamy béchamel. She ensures the liquid is as hot as possible before adding cheese, dropping in the shreds in small increments so they can fully melt before adding more to avoid curdling. Her magic ratio is two parts pasta to one part sauce, with a touch of cream cheese for extra silkiness, plus mustard and red wine vinegar to cut the richness.
McKinney’s Recipe: Southern Swagger
McKinney’s recipe, on the other hand, is all about Southern swagger. He starts with Velveeta and milk, an emulsifying duo, then seasons with garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper. He slowly stirs in yellow cheddar to the cheese sauce to avoid a grainy texture, then combines with pasta. Layer the mac and cheese with more cheddar, top with breadcrumbs, and finish with shredded white cheddar for contrast. Bake while the cheese is still warm so it doesn’t solidify.
McKinney’s Recipe Instructions
To make McKinney’s macaroni and cheese, follow these steps:
- Warm the dairy: Heat the milk and heavy cream together over medium heat until hot but not boiling.
- Melt the Ez Melt: Add the cubed Ez Melt cheese to the hot milk mixture. Reduce the heat to low and stir often so it doesn’t stick or burn on the bottom.
- Add cheddar and seasonings: When the Ez Melt starts to soften and melt, stir in the cheddar cheese, onion powder, garlic, cayenne, and salt. Continue cooking and stirring for about five minutes, until smooth and creamy.
- Blend for smoothness: Remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to mix until perfectly smooth and silky.
- Serve or store: Use right away over pasta. If storing, transfer to a bowl or container and press plastic wrap directly onto the surface to prevent a skin from forming.
Other Exceptional Recipes
In addition to McKinney’s and Burrell’s recipes, there are other exceptional macaroni and cheese recipes out there. For a excellent starter macaroni and cheese, try the Creamy Baked Macaroni and Cheese by the Chunky Chef. This recipe is nearly foolproof and is a great base for experimenting with different cheeses and ingredients. For a more advanced recipe, try the Grown-Up Mac and Cheese by Chef Resha of CarnalDish. This recipe takes thought, preparation, and seasonings, but the end result is well worth the effort.
Conclusion
Creating the perfect macaroni and cheese dish requires skill, patience, and attention to detail. With the right recipe and techniques, anyone can create a show-stopping macaroni and cheese that will become the star of the holiday table. Whether you’re a fan of Southern comfort food or refined elegance, there’s a macaroni and cheese recipe out there for you. So go ahead, get creative, and make this holiday season one to remember with a truly exceptional macaroni and cheese dish.
