#NAME OF WHITE SAUCE FOR MAC AND CHEESE HOW TO#

This is referred to as al dente which really means that the pasta has retained some of its toothsome bite. When preparing the pasta, it is really important to cook it properly so that you end up with well-seasoned pasta that has a desired texture. I have found that penne pasta or even macaroni offer the sauce the opportunity to coat the pasta well, successfully bringing the dish together. Our favorite shapes are the ones with plenty of surface area and texture to capture and hold the sauce. Of course, there are so many shapes available in the market and some are better suited to this recipe than others.įor example, I recommend avoiding long pasta like spaghetti which is not really substantial enough to stand up to this sauce, while smaller shapes like orzo can easily get lost in it. One more way to customize this recipe is with the type of pasta you use. With the addition of cheese like Gruyere, or a mix of it with white cheddar or parmesan, it quickly becomes a mornay sauce. Consider other varieties, as well, such as mozzarella, or try something that appeals to you. Parmesan is quite classic, but for those looking for something a bit creamier can venture to add cream cheese which imparts a richness that is beyond comparison. Adding a touch of grated nutmeg gives it a French flair.Ĭheese: Once you have achieved a velvety smooth white sauce, you have the option to take it into a number of directions. Spices: A simple pinch of fresh black pepper can heighten the flavor profile while red chili flakes will appease those who have a preference for a more pronounced bit of heat. Herbs: Fresh or dried herbs like thyme, oregano and basil bring a not just fresh flavor, but also a fantastic aroma. For those who wish to take this dish into a more robust direction, garlic is a nice addition. Garlic: The next step is the part that allows you to put your own spin on this dish with the addition of spices, herbs and aromatics. Meat: For those who are looking to bring some protein to the table, cooked/sauteed chicken or sauteed shrimp take this simple sauce to new heights. Vegetables: Broccoli, peas, corn kernels, bell peppers (red & yellow) and carrots contribute not just added nutrition, but beautiful color! Use any of your favorite veggies that you prefer. It really is a blank slate for a wide range of seasonings. The flexibility that bechamel sauce offers makes it a perfect candidate for adjusting it to your liking. The method is rather simple, but must be followed properly for a smooth, velvety sauce. It is thickened with a mixture of butter and flour in equal amounts which is called roux, in French. The backbone of this recipe is the sauce, so getting it right is really the key. It is customizable by changing the vegetables or even the pasta used. This dish offers a well-rounded meal that is satisfying and a great way to incorporate vegetables into a pasta that will please your family. One of the many amazing ways to incorporate white sauce into a really delicious meal is to make white sauce pasta. Whether you are using it for pasta or as a base for macaroni and cheese, the end is always a delightfully rich, smooth consistency that you coaxed out of a simple sauce of flour, butter and milk.

#NAME OF WHITE SAUCE FOR MAC AND CHEESE HOW TO#

Once you have learned how to make it well, the options are really endless. It is the base for many other sauces and it offers a great deal of flexibility to your repertoire of recipes. In classic culinary terms, this is what is known as a mother sauce.

Name of white sauce for mac and cheese