What sets Mike’s Farm Mac And Cheese apart from the rest? It’s not just a recipe; it’s a testament to the art of balance, the marriage of textures, and the symphony of flavors that dance harmoniously on your palate. Each ingredient has been carefully selected to create a dish that speaks not only of indulgence but also of the love and passion that goes into every dish prepared at Mike’s Farm.
In this article, we’ll delve into the enchanting world of Mac And Cheese, from the handpicked ingredients that make it extraordinary to the step-by-step instructions that will empower you to recreate this culinary masterpiece in the comfort of your kitchen.
How to make Mike’s Farm Mac And Cheese
Mike’s Farm Mac And Cheese is a delicious, organic, and gluten-free macaroni and cheese you can enjoy at home or on the go.
It’s made with all-natural ingredients like russet potatoes, cage-free eggs, and aged cheddar cheese. It’s also packed with nutrients like calcium and iron to help you keep your energy up throughout the day.
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To prepare the baking dish, apply butter or nonstick cooking spray to a 9×13-inch size dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Making the cheese sauce:
- Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook while continuously whisking for 1-2 minutes until a light golden brown.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth consistency.
- Stir in ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the mixture occasionally and cook it for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes thick.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese bit by bit, whisking until fully melted and smooth.
Assembling the mac and cheese:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until completely coated.
- Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into the baking dish that has been prepared.
- Optional: Sprinkle a layer of Panko breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the mac and cheese to cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.
Tips and Tricks
- Cheese Varieties: Get creative! Experiment with different types of cheeses. Try a combination of Gruyere, fontina, or Monterey Jack for a unique twist.
- Mix-ins: For extra flavor and texture, add crispy bacon, sautéed onions, roasted vegetables, or cooked diced chicken.
- Herbs and Spices: Customize your dish with your favorite herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like thyme, oregano, or parsley can be a delightful addition.
- Pasta Shapes: Although elbow macaroni is the classic choice, feel free to explore other pasta shapes like shells, rotini, or cavatappi.
What to serve with
Grilled Vegetables
An assortment of grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, and carrots can provide a refreshing and crunchy counterpoint to the creamy mike’s farm mac and cheese. Not only will this diversify the flavors in your meal, but it will also add a burst of color to your plate.
Crisp Green Salad
A crisp green salad with fresh lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, and your favorite salad dressing pairs well with mike’s farm mac and cheese. The freshness and crunch of the salad helps balance the dish’s richness.
Garlic Bread
Garlic bread serves as a deliciously fragrant accompaniment to the mike’s farm mac and cheese. It adds a slight crunch and an extra layer of indulgence. Plus, you can use it to scrape up any leftover cheese sauce!
BBQ Chicken or Ribs
BBQ chicken or ribs with a tangy sauce can beautifully balance the creaminess of the mike’s farm mac and cheese. The succulent, smoky, and slightly sweet flavors from the meat complement the cheesiness and can enhance the overall dining experience.
Coleslaw
The creamy, crunchy, and tangy characteristics of coleslaw can be the perfect palate cleanser when served with rich mike’s farm mac and cheese. This pairing is not only tasty but also adds to the textural diversity.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Roasted Brussels sprouts with a touch of olive oil, salt, pepper, and a dash of lemon provide a beautiful contrast to the creamy, cheesy pasta. The slight bitterness of the sprouts accentuates the savory notes in the mac and cheese.
Buttermilk Biscuits
Buttermilk biscuits are a classic side that is hard to beat. The flaky, buttery layers of biscuit can perfectly mop up the delicious cheese sauce, providing a satisfying experience.
Can you reheat mike’s farm mac and cheese?
If you’ve made a generous batch of Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese and find yourself with leftovers, fear not! One of the great things about this crowd-pleaser is that it reheats remarkably well. This means your homemade, creamy comfort dish can easily be savored a second—or even third—time around. Here’s a detailed guide to reheating mac and cheese while preserving its delightful creamy texture and enticing flavors.
Method 1: Oven Reheating
This method takes a little longer than others but is best for maintaining your mac and cheese’s original taste and texture.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Allow the oven to reach the desired temperature before proceeding.
- Place your leftover mac and cheese in an oven-safe dish. If it’s not already in one, transfer the leftovers. Spread the mac and cheese evenly in the dish.
- Toss a little moisture into the mix. The secret to a successful reheating is combating dryness. Drizzle a bit of milk or cream over the mac and cheese before you put it in the oven. You only need enough to lightly coat the dish—you don’t want a soup!
- Cover the dish with aluminum foil. This step will ensure that the top isn’t overly crispy and the heat distributes evenly. It also helps to keep in moisture, preventing your dish from drying out.
- Reheat your mac and cheese for 20–30 minutes. Check it after about 20 minutes. When it’s hot and bubbly, it’s ready to serve again!
Method 2: Microwave Reheating
This method is quicker and perfect for when you need to reheat individual servings rapidly.
- Place your leftover mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish.
- Add a touch of milk or cream. As with the oven method, adding moisture can help to avoid a dry and disappointing dish. Stir everything so that the added liquid is evenly distributed.
- Cover the dish with a microwave-safe lid or microwave-safe plastic wrap. Leave a small corner open to let the steam escape.
- Heat your mac and cheese in 1-minute intervals. Mix around every minute to help heat it evenly, and then taste test. It’s ready to enjoy when it’s as hot as you want it!
Final Thoughts
This Mike’s Farm Mac And Cheese recipe is pretty straightforward– it’s not rocket science. That’s the way Mike likes it. The main ingredients are macaroni, shredded cheddar cheese, and milk. Mike also uses fresh diced onions. There are a few extra ingredients that are optional (and can be added or omitted as you wish).
More Mac And Cheese Recipes:
Ingredients
- 16 oz elbow macaroni
- 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, freshly shredded
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: 1/2 cup Panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
Preparation:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- To prepare the baking dish, apply butter or nonstick cooking spray to a 9x13-inch size dish.
- Cook the elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
Making the cheese sauce:
- Begin by melting the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour to form a roux. Cook while continuously whisking for 1-2 minutes until a light golden brown.
- Gradually pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to create a smooth consistency.
- Stir in ground mustard, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stir the mixture occasionally and cook it for approximately 5 minutes until it becomes thick.
- Remove the saucepan from heat and add the shredded cheddar cheese bit by bit, whisking until fully melted and smooth.
Assembling the mac and cheese:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently until completely coated.
- Spread the macaroni and cheese mixture evenly into the baking dish that has been prepared.
- Optional: Sprinkle a layer of Panko breadcrumbs on top for added crunch.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Allow the mac and cheese to cool for 10 minutes before serving to allow it to firm up.
