Taste of the South Mac Cheese 2015

I can’t think of a food that comforts more than macaroni and cheese. Its warm creaminess soothes, making it the ultimate comfort food and the dish we all reach for when our days need some extra goodness. This issue is full of classic baked macs, stovetop macs, main-dish macs, and fun ways with mac, like soup, waffles, egg rolls, grilled sandwiches, and more. Let these recipes be a starting point for creating your own custom macaroni and cheese. On page 13, we show you how to pick a pasta, add a white sauce, stir in cheese, add meat and vegetables, and top your perfect dish. So get out that cheese grater, start boiling water, and stir your way through this delicious issue! Enjoy! FOLLOW US FOR A DAILY SERVING OF RECIPES, KITCHEN TIPS, & MORE @tastemag…

Nacho Macaroni and Cheese What’s not to love about mac that’s topped with tortilla chips, tomatoes, avocado, and cilantro? page 22 Macaroni and Cheese with Butternut Squash and Sage This hearty meatless mac can hold its ground on the holiday table and wow Sunday supper guests. page 36 Bolognese Mac and Cheese This recipe takes a little more time to prepare, but the extra effort is worth the layers of flavor. page 63 Macaroni and Cheese Hand Pies This recipe uses storebought empanada dough to enclose ooeygooey creamy heaven. page 100…

EASY SMOKY MAC AND CHEESE Yield: approximately 8 servings 1⁄4 cup unsalted butter 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour 4 cups whole milk 11⁄2 teaspoons salt 1 teaspoon smoked paprika 1⁄2 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 cups shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese 1 cup diced pasteurized processed cheese, such as Velveeta 1 (16-ounce) package elbow macaroni, cooked 1. In a large Dutch oven, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour; cook, whisking constantly, 1 minute. Whisk in milk, salt, smoked paprika, and pepper. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking constantly. Reduce heat to mediumlow. Cook, whisking constantly, until thickened, 2 minutes. Stir in cheeses until melted. Remove from heat. 2. Stir in cooked pasta. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.…

CAVATAPPI Italian for “corkscrew,” cavatappi noodles remind us of curly pig tails. Their ridged surface is perfect for soaking up extra saucy goodness. MEDIUM SHELLS Also called conchiglie, these classic shell shapes scoop up melty cheese in tiny edible spoonfuls. ELBOW MACARONI The classic pasta for mac and cheese, these short tube shapes win the award for versatility. PENNE Shaped like their namesake quills, these ridged hollow tubes are a perfect substitute for elbow macaroni or cavatappi. ROTINI Thanks to its tight spirals, this pasta is perfect for thick cheese sauces. PASTA SWAPS Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or you’re avoiding gluten, there are many tasty alternatives to standard wheat flour-based pastas. Quinoa pasta Quinoa is an ancient South American grain that looks similar to couscous, but packs much more protein. Pasta made from this grain is naturally gluten free, making it…

SMOKED CHEDDAR Ranging in intensity from faint to robust smoke flavor, this flavored Cheddar adds depth to any mac and cheese. HAVARTI Mild yet slightly tangy, this cow’s milk cheese melts beautifully. Although it’s often flavored with dill, we prefer the plain variety for mac and cheese. PARMESAN Although it ranks low on the creamy scale, this dry, hard cheese packs a powerful punch of flavor. It’s best for topping, or for combining with meltier cheeses like mozzarella or fontina. MOZZARELLA If there were a crown for mostmelted cheese, mozzarella would wear it proudly. Shop for fresh and whole milk varieties, which have superior texture and flavor. PEPPER JACK Studded with chile peppers, this creamy white cheese adds a spicy kick to your mac and cheese recipes. FONTINA Mild and buttery, fontina melts smoothly, making it perfect for stirring into or…

THE MAC AND CHEESE GOLDEN RULE ALWAYS GRATE YOUR OWN CHEESE! Pre-shredded cheeses melt poorly and have less flavor and richness than freshly shredded cheese. Take the extra time to shred—your taste buds will thank you. OXO GOOD GRIPS BOX GRATER With a slim profile, four grating surfaces, and a removable measuring cup for collecting your handiwork, this grater also has a non-slip grip so you can grate with confidence. $17.99; oxo.com SQUISH BOX GRATER A colorful addition to your kitchen, this fold-and-store grater has a hinged base that snaps into place to catch and hold freshly shredded cheese. $19.99; target.com WILLIAMS-SONOMA 6-SIDED GRATER Made from 18/10 stainless steel, this classic grater features extra-fine, fine, medium, coarse, all-purpose, and julienne slicing surfaces. $24.95; williamssonoma.com PROGRESSIVE INTERNATIONAL JUMBO TOWER GRATER This pyramid-style grater features three stainless steel surfaces, non-skid feet, and…