Tomato Macaroni Cheese | Pasta Recipes | Jamie Oliver Recipes (2024)

FAQs

What keeps mac and cheese moist? ›

Add more cheese

That final layer of cheese on top isn't just for looks; it also helps keep the saucy noodles underneath from drying out during baking. Breadcrumbs also help insulate the noodles, acting as a protective layer while baking that also happens to add a nice little crunch.

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

Dry, crumbly cheeses like feta or cotija are not ideal. With their high moisture levels, they don't melt properly and will leave you with clumps of cheese instead of a smooth sauce.

When you cook pasta in water, the water (and all the starch from the pasta that's released as it cooks) is poured down the drain. By cooking the pasta in milk instead, you get to keep all that starchy goodness for your cheese sauce.

I'm gonna add some ground, dried mustard powder. It's classic for macaroni and cheese. It helps to cut the richness in the cream sauce. And just a pinch of cayenne.

Cooked Enriched Pasta (Water, Elbow Macaroni [Semolina (Wheat), Niacin, Iron (Ferrous Sulfate), Thiamin Mononitrate, Riboflavin, Folic Acid]), Milk, Water, Pasteurized Process Cheese Spread (American Cheese [Pasteurized Milk, Cheese Culture, Salt, Enzymes], Water, Whey, Sodium Phosphate, Contains Less than 2% of ...

Why is spiral mac and cheese better? ›

They have more texture.

I've always been drawn to the chew factor that comes with mac and cheese shapes. Unlike the original noodles, which can turn into a mushy mess once their cooked, shapes tend to hold their rigid structure.

Browned butter is the secret ingredient to multi-dimensional flavor in both baked goods and savory dishes. It adds richness and depth of flavor to boxed mac and cheese—and all it takes is a few extra minutes on the stovetop.

Mustard Powder: The secret ingredient you should always add to your Mac and cheese. The acidity in the mustard helps cut through the fat. You can find it in the spice section of any major grocery store. Otherwise, swap it for 1/2 to 1 tablespoon of Dijon or yellow mustard to taste or omit it.

For all methods, to keep the mac and cheese from drying out, stir 1 tablespoon milk into each 1 cup mac and cheese before reheating. Before you reheat mac and cheese, you want to make sure it's stored properly.

Add 1 tablespoon of milk per cup of mac and cheese and mix to incorprate as much as possible.

Starting the pasta in cold water works just as well as adding it to already-boiling water but cooks faster and with less energy. A combination of multiple thickeners and emulsifying agents—cornstarch, evaporated milk, eggs, and American cheese—ensures an extra-gooey texture with real cheese flavor.