Upgrade Your Mac and Cheese - la decoración de mis mesas

Mac Americans have been enjoying macaroni and cheese since at least as early as 1802, when President Thomas Jefferson, who had discovered some form of the dish while in Paris, served it at a state dinner. Jefferson’s version that evening, served in a rich crust and possibly incorporating some kind of liquor (perhaps cognac or brandy, common ingredients in cheese fondue), wasn’t received particularly well, with one guest writing in his journal, “Dinner not as elegant as when we dined before.”

Cheese

As Europeans had been covering boiled pasta with Parmesan since medieval times, it’s likely Jefferson’s version used Parmesan cheese, rather than the cheddar we’ve grown used to today. Parmesan likely had the starring role in most early American recipes for mac and cheese, at least until 1851, when the first cheddar cheese factory opened (thank you, Industrial Revolution) in upstate New York.

Substitute spaetzle for macaroni.

Who said macaroni and cheese had to be “macaroni” and cheese? After all, it’s highly unlikely the first ever mac and cheese involved the classic elbow macaroni with which we’ve come to associate it. So, how about substituting spaetzle (a German/Swiss/Austrian egg-based pasta that is pushed through a ricer-like spaetzle-press) in for your traditional macaroni? Swap in these small, rich, eggy dumplings for your elbow macaroni in any classic cheddar mac and cheese recipe, and then toss in some diced Granny Smith apples and a crumble of bacon.

Make like it’s Vegas and go “all in.”

We got this carbonara-inspired idea from Vegas-based Chef Bryan Forgione, who uses a rough-textured cavatelli, rather than elbow macaroni, for a sturdier structure that really holds onto the sauce. As for the sauce, Forgione’s recipe calls for pancetta, an egg yolk, peas, and a mixture of mozzarella (or fontina), plus Parmesan. Although Forgione’s carbonara recipe calls for cream, it’s perfectly fine to use pasta water instead.

Put your cauliflower where your carbs are.

Can mac and cheese really be mac and cheese without the mac? When you use cauliflower instead of macaroni, the answer is a resounding “yes.” This recipe pulls out all the stops, calling for cooking the cauliflower whole in an Instant Pot and using freshly shredded cheddar cheese (because it melts so much better than pre-shredded cheddar). Like Forgione’s carbonara-style recipe, this dish also incorporates cream.

Make things hot, hot, hot.

For a spicy, Tex-Mex vibe, simply open a jar of pickled jalapeño peppers, dice ’em up, and stir them into your mac and cheese to taste. Top with a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of freshly chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of black beans. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even make the pickled jalapeños yourself with this recipe.

Sauce it up with Sriracha.

For a hint of tangy-sweetness with your spiciness, stir sriracha into classic macaroni and cheese. Want to make your mac and cheese Thai-style? Top it with shredded fresh basil leaves, diced green onions, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, along with that trusty Sriracha. For a surprisingly health-conscious version, check out the Sriracha Mac and Cheese Veggie Bake recipe here.

Live it up with some lobster meat.

Lobster meat is high in protein and pairs nicely with mac and cheese, especially if you choose a recipe that incorporates a soft, mild cheese like mascarpone, as in the Lobster Mac and Cheese recipe found here. For a somewhat lower-carb version of the crouton topping referenced in that recipe, consider ricing some cauliflower and then sautéing it in olive oil with minced garlic and tossing in some breadcrumbs. Sprinkle the mixture on top of your lobster mac and cheese before baking.

Brunch it up with smoked salmon bits and a hint of cream cheese.

Smoked salmon makes mac and cheese feel like a brunch entrée. Dice up a quarter pound of smoked salmon and try one of these options stirring it in either before or after baking, depending on how cooked you want the salmon to be. You can even top it with a dollop of cream cheese and a handful of chopped scallions.

Swirl in several teaspoons of fresh basil pesto after you’re done with all your other prep and cooking of your mac and cheese, and you’ll be rewarded with a beautifully green-flecked, brightly-flavored version. Top with grated Parmesan and shredded basil leaves. Here’s a recipe for homemade basil pesto we’re sure you’ll love.