If you’re a fan of comfort food, you’re probably already familiar with the rich, creamy goodness of macaroni and cheese. While there are many variations out there, Boston Market’s rendition stands out as a beloved classic. This recipe captures the essence of that creamy delight, ensuring that every bite is packed with flavor and nostalgia. Let’s dive into making this Boston Market Macaroni and Cheese Creamy & Delicious at home, so you can enjoy it anytime you crave that cheesy goodness.
Why I Love This Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a homemade macaroni and cheese that hits all the right notes. The combination of creamy cheese sauce enveloping perfectly cooked pasta is comfort food at its finest. This recipe is not only simple but also allows you to experience the delightful flavors reminiscent of dining at Boston Market. It’s an excellent dish for family gatherings, potlucks, or just a cozy night in. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love!
Ingredient Breakdown
To create this creamy masterpiece, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 8 ounces macaroni – This is the base of your dish, providing that delightful chewy texture.
- 1/4 cup butter – Adds richness and helps create the roux for your cheese sauce.
- 1/4 cup flour – Essential for thickening your cheese sauce and giving it that creamy consistency.
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard – A subtle flavor enhancer that adds depth to the cheese sauce.
- 1 teaspoon salt – Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors of the dish.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper – Adds a touch of warmth and complexity.
- 2 cups milk – The base of your cheese sauce, making it creamy and delicious.
- 1 cup American cheese – The star of the show, providing that gooey, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Hardware & Gadgets
Before you start cooking, gather these handy tools:
- Large pot – For boiling the macaroni to perfection.
- Whisk – Essential for stirring the sauce and ensuring a smooth consistency.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Accurate measurements are key to success.
- Medium saucepan – For preparing the cheese sauce.
- Oven-safe baking dish – If you want to bake your macaroni and cheese for a crispy top.
How to Prepare Boston Market Macaroni and Cheese Creamy & Delicious
Follow these simple steps to achieve creamy perfection:
Step 1: Cook the Macaroni
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Make the Roux
In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a light golden paste. This is your roux.
Step 3: Add the Seasonings
Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This will add a delightful flavor to your cheese sauce.
Step 4: Pour in the Milk
Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 5: Add the Cheese
Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 cup of American cheese until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens, turning your sauce into a creamy delight.
Step 6: Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is well-coated. At this point, you can taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 7: Bake (Optional)
For a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
How to Make It Lighter
If you’re looking to lighten up this Boston Market Macaroni and Cheese Creamy & Delicious recipe, consider the following options:
- Use whole wheat macaroni for added fiber.
- Replace half of the American cheese with a lighter cheese, such as mozzarella or a reduced-fat option.
- Substitute 1 cup of milk with unsweetened almond milk or low-fat milk for fewer calories.
- Reduce the butter and flour by half, using just enough to maintain a creamy texture.
Chef’s Notes
- Feel free to experiment with different cheeses. Cheddar, Gruyère, or even pepper jack can add unique flavors.
- If you want to add some greens, stir in steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- For a crunchy topping, consider sprinkling breadcrumbs mixed with a bit of melted butter over the top before baking.
Freezer-Friendly Notes
This Boston Market Macaroni and Cheese Creamy & Delicious can easily be made ahead and stored in the freezer. Here are some tips:
- Allow the macaroni and cheese to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake in a preheated oven until heated through.
- If baking from frozen, cover with foil and bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 45 minutes, removing the foil for the last 15 minutes to brown the top.
Questions People Ask
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While macaroni is traditional, you can use any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or even shells for a fun twist.
How can I make this dish spicier?
For a kick of heat, add some diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
What is the best cheese to use for macaroni and cheese?
American cheese melts beautifully and gives that creamy texture, but a combination of cheeses like sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack can elevate the flavor profile.
How long does homemade macaroni and cheese last in the fridge?
Homemade macaroni and cheese can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. Just reheat before serving!
What to Make After This
Next Steps
Now that you have this incredible recipe for Boston Market Macaroni and Cheese Creamy & Delicious at your fingertips, it’s time to gather your ingredients and get cooking. This dish not only satisfies your cravings but also brings the warmth of home-cooked meals to your dining table. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying it solo, this creamy macaroni and cheese is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Happy cooking!
Boston Market Macaroni and Cheese Creamy & Delicious
Ingredients
- 8 ounces macaroni
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1/4 teaspoon dry mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup American cheese
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Once boiling, add the 8 ounces of macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a medium saucepan, melt 1/4 cup of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in 1/4 cup of flour, stirring constantly for about 1-2 minutes until it forms a light golden paste. This is your roux.
- Stir in 1/4 teaspoon of dry mustard, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. This will add a delightful flavor to your cheese sauce.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups of milk, ensuring no lumps form. Continue to cook over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the sauce is thickened, remove it from the heat and stir in 1 cup of American cheese until melted and smooth. This is where the magic happens, turning your sauce into a creamy delight.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until every piece is well-coated. At this point, you can taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- For a baked version, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe baking dish and bake for about 20 minutes until bubbly and slightly golden on top.
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Medium Saucepan
- Oven-safe Baking Dish
Notes
- Experiment with different cheeses like cheddar or Gruyère for unique flavors.
- Add steamed broccoli or spinach for added nutrition.
- For a crunchy topping, sprinkle breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter before baking.
