Craving for a culinary delight that fuses comfort and luxury? Then prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey with the iconic Beecher’s Mac and Cheese Recipe. Birthed in the charming hustle and bustle of Seattle’s Pike Place Market, this creamy, savory dish has etched its name in the heart of American comfort food. Let’s bring the magic of Beecher’s right to your kitchen with this trusted and verified recipe.
How to Make Beecher’s Mac And Cheese – Ultimate Guide
Perfecting Beecher’s Mac and Cheese recipe isn’t about merely mixing pasta and cheese. It’s about relishing an enriching cooking experience, blending top-notch ingredients with expert culinary practices and a spoonful of affection.
Equipment:
- Large Pot (for boiling pasta)
- Medium Saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Whisk
- Baking Dish
- Cheese Grater
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
Ingredients:
- Penne Pasta — 1 lb
- Unsalted Butter — ¼ cup
- All-Purpose Flour — ⅓ cup
- Whole Milk — 3 cups
- Beecher’s Flagship Cheese (grated) — 14 oz
- Beecher’s Just Jack Cheese (grated) — 2 oz
- Kosher Salt — ½ teaspoon
- Chipotle Chili Powder — ¼ teaspoon
- Garlic Powder — ⅛ teaspoon
Beecher’s Mac And Cheese Recipe – Step by Step Instructions
Step 01:
Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
Step 02:
Cook the pasta in a large pot until it’s a little less than al dente. Rinse it under cold water after draining.
Step 03:
In a medium saucepan, melt your butter on medium heat. Then whisk in the flour and let it cook for two minutes.
Step 04:
Slowly add the milk, ensuring to whisk persistently to avoid the creation of lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Step 05:
Take the saucepan off the heat, then stir in both types of cheese, salt, chipotle chili powder, and garlic powder until you achieve a smooth blend.
Step 06:
Add your pasta into this cheese mix, ensuring every bit of pasta is well-coated.
Step 07:
Pour this mixture into a baking dish and let it bake for 20 minutes, or until you see a bubbly top with a slight browning.
Step 08:
Let your Beecher’s Mac and Cheese rest for five minutes before you serve it.
Tips And Variations
- In the absence of Beecher’s cheese, use high-quality sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese as alternatives.
- Consider a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for an added crunch.
- To enhance flavor, you can add cooked bacon or diced tomatoes to the mix
- If you’re reheating leftovers, do so slowly to prevent the sauce from separating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop, stirring frequently to keep the texture creamy.
The Beecher’s Mac and Cheese Recipe is a celebration of simplicity, where quality ingredients shine. Beyond a simple meal, it’s a gourmet voyage promising an explosion of rich, comforting flavors in every bite. Brace yourself for this exciting culinary exploration and recreate the sophisticated taste of Beecher’s right in the comfort of your kitchen.
FAQs
How Do I Know When My Beecher’s Mac And Cheese Is Done?
You’ll know your Beecher’s Mac And Cheese Recipe is ready when the top has a golden-brown hue and bubbles start forming around the sides. The pasta should be thoroughly enveloped in the fully melted cheese.
What Can I Serve With Beecher’s Mac And Cheese?
Our Beecher’s Mac and Cheese Recipe can be served with a variety of sides, including a green salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic bread. It can also serve as a hearty side dish to complement proteins like grilled chicken or steak.
How Can I Ensure My Beecher’s Mac And Cheese Turns Out As Creamy As The Original?
The key to creamy Mac and Cheese lies in the béchamel sauce and the cheese. Ensure to use fresh dairy products, and the cheese should be shredded from a block rather than using pre-shredded cheese, which tends to be dryer. Cook the béchamel sauce slowly and patiently, and stir in the cheese gradually until fully melted and incorporated.
How Can I Store Leftover Beecher’s Mac And Cheese?
You can store leftover Beecher’s Mac and Cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It’s important to allow the dish to cool completely before storing.
Beecher’s Mac And Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large Pot (for boiling pasta)
- Medium Saucepan (for cheese sauce)
- Whisk
- Baking dish
- Cheese Grater
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- Penne Pasta 1 lb
- Unsalted Butter ¼ cup
- All-Purpose Flour ⅓ cup
- Whole Milk 3 cups
- Beecher's Flagship Cheese (grated) 14 oz
- Beecher's Just Jack Cheese (grated) 2 oz
- Kosher Salt ½ teaspoon
- Chipotle Chili Powder ¼ teaspoon
- Garlic Powder ⅛ teaspoon
Instructions
- Set your oven to preheat at 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the pasta in a large pot until it's a little less than al dente. Rinse it under cold water after draining.
- In a medium saucepan, melt your butter on medium heat. Then whisk in the flour and let it cook for two minutes.
- Slowly add the milk, ensuring to whisk persistently to avoid the creation of lumps. Continue cooking until the mixture thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Take the saucepan off the heat, then stir in both types of cheese, salt, chipotle chili powder, and garlic powder until you achieve a smooth blend.
- Add your pasta into this cheese mix, ensuring every bit of pasta is well-coated.
- Pour this mixture into a baking dish and let it bake for 20 minutes, or until you see a bubbly top with a slight browning.
- Let your Beecher's Mac and Cheese rest for five minutes before you serve it.
Notes
- In the absence of Beecher’s cheese, use high-quality sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese as alternatives.
- Consider a sprinkle of panko breadcrumbs on top before baking for an added crunch.
- To enhance flavor, you can add cooked bacon or diced tomatoes to the mix
- If you’re reheating leftovers, do so slowly to prevent the sauce from separating. Reheat in the oven or on the stovetop, stirring frequently to keep the texture creamy.
