Name: Franco American Macaroni and Cheese
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: European
Ingredients: 2 cups elbow macaroni; 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated; 2 cups whole milk; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1/2 teaspoon salt; Freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (a classic French touch); 1 cup bread crumbs; 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (French touch)

Pizza, burger, pasta – comfort cuisines have their origins from the far corners of the globe. But Macaroni and Cheese or “Mac n Cheese” as it is lovingly called, has a special place in the world of gastronomy, particularly as a comfort food dominant in American culture. Rich, creamy, and gratifying, it has a way of curling around your tastebuds and encapsulating your senses in irrevocable bliss.

We are taking this homely dish and giving it a bewitching twist from another culinary world – France. Yes, you read that right! Our recipe for today is a Franco American Macaroni and Cheese that is sure to send you in a whirl of gastronomic ecstasy.

Table of Contents

What is Franco American Macaroni and Cheese?

Franco-American is a brand known for its canned soups and pasta products. Franco American Macaroni and Cheese is a canned macaroni and cheese product that’s ready to heat and eat. It’s a convenient and quick option when you’re craving a cheesy pasta dish but don’t have the time or ingredients to make it from scratch. It’s a classic comfort food that has been a staple for many years.

Franco American macaroni and cheese ingredients

2 cups elbow macaroni
3 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 cups whole milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1/2 teaspoon nutmeg (a classic French touch)
1 cup bread crumbs
2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, grated (French touch)

Instructions:

Cook the Pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the pasta until it is al dente, usually around 7-8 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare Cheese Sauce: While your pasta is cooking, start with the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour, and stir it into the butter until it forms a smooth paste (this is your roux – quite a French thing!). Continue cooking for 2 minutes to cook off the raw flour taste.
Add Milk & Spices: Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Cook until the mixture starts to thicken. Season it with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Add the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in 2 cups of the cheddar cheese. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure every piece of pasta is coated in the cheese sauce.
Prepare the Topping: Mix bread crumbs and Parmesan cheese in a separate bowl.
Assemble and Bake: Transfer the macaroni and cheese to a baking dish. Sprinkle over the remaining cheddar cheese and then the breadcrumb mixture. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the top is crispy and golden.
Serve: Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving. This allows the cheese to set a bit and makes serving easier. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips

Grate your own cheese for best results – pre-grated cheese often contains anti-caking agents, which can lead to a grainy texture in the sauce.
Don’t overcook the pasta – since it will be baked later, cooking the pasta until it is just al dente will prevent it from becoming mushy.
The nutmeg adds a subtle warmth and depth of flavour that beautifully complements the cheese. Do not omit it; it’s the French twist to the recipe.
Serve with a green side salad or steamed vegetables to balance out this rich and decadent dish.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated in the microwave or oven. The mac n cheese can also be frozen and reheated, making it a perfect meal for a busy day.

Servings

While this Franco American Macaroni and Cheese is a delight, pairing it with the right dishes and beverages can elevate your dining experience. Here are some recommendations on what to serve with this gastronomic marvel:

Side Dishes:

Garden Fresh Salad: A salad of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette can be just the right thing to cut through the richness of the dish, making for a balanced meal.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Tender-crisp vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or asparagus, either steamed or roasted with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, would make a delicious and nutritious addition to this cheesy indulgence.
Garlic Bread: Crispy garlic bread is always a welcoming side dish. The garlic flavor pairs especially well with the savory cheese, and a crunchy bread texture is a nice contrast to the creamy pasta.

Beverages:

White Wine: A crisp, acidic white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc can balance out the creaminess of the Franco American Mac n Cheese, while bringing out its inherent flavours.
Craft Beer: For beer lovers, a light Pilsner or a creamy Stout could also provide an interesting counterbalance to the rich, cheesy flavours of the pasta.
Non-alcoholic Refreshments: Arial, like lemonade, iced tea, or even sparkling water with a hint of fruit could help cleanse the palate between mouthfuls of this rich dish, making every bite as thrilling as the first.

Desserts:

Fruit Salad: Round off your dinner with a refreshing, light dessert such as a vibrant fruit salad, bringing in sweet and tangy notes to cleanse the palate after such a substantial main course.
Sorbet: A fruit sorbet, particularly berry or citrus-based, can make for an excellent palate cleanser while providing a light, sweet finish to your meal.

Final Thoughts

If you like Mac and Cheese, and if you are not a fan of heavy and fatty pasta, then this recipe is for you. This Franco American Macaroni and Cheese recipe is rich in flavor but light on your stomach. It’s very easy to make and takes barely 30 minutes from start to finish.

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