Grab For Eats If you’re a fan of mac and cheese, you’re in for a treat with this Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe! Known for its creamy, cheesy goodness, this dish is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for cozy nights in or even a special family dinner, it’s easy to make, absolutely delicious, and sure to please everyone at the table. The recipe is inspired by Homeroom Restaurant, a beloved eatery in California known for its creative and indulgent takes on mac and cheese. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a weeknight dinner or serve something extra special, this Homeroom-inspired mac and cheese will hit the spot.
About Homeroom Restaurant
Homeroom is a well-known restaurant based in Oakland, California, specializing in all things mac and cheese. With a passion for crafting the best mac and cheese dishes, they’ve created over 10 delicious variations, each made to order with the finest ingredients. The restaurant has built a loyal following for its cozy atmosphere, friendly service, and, of course, its mouthwatering mac and cheese. Homeroom is the go-to destination for anyone craving cheesy, creamy pasta dishes, and now you can recreate some of that magic in your own kitchen with this easy-to-follow recipe.
Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe Ingredients
To make this creamy Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe, you’ll need just a few key ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need and why each one is so important for achieving the perfect dish:
Macaroni (400g): The heart of this dish is, of course, the macaroni! This small, curved pasta is the perfect vessel for all the creamy cheese sauce. Plus, macaroni is a good source of carbohydrates, giving you the energy to enjoy every cheesy bite.
Cheddar Cheese (115g): Sharp and rich, cheddar cheese adds a wonderful depth of flavor to your mac and cheese. It’s packed with protein and calcium, making it a tasty and nutritious addition to your dish.
Gruyère Cheese (85g): Gruyère adds a slightly nutty and sweet flavor to the sauce, elevating the dish to new heights. This Swiss cheese is also rich in protein, which makes your mac and cheese even more satisfying.
Mozzarella Cheese (85g): Mozzarella brings that melty, gooey texture that’s essential for mac and cheese. It’s a lower-fat cheese that still provides plenty of creamy richness, making it the perfect addition.
Flour (4 Tbsp): Flour is the key to thickening your cheese sauce, helping to create the creamy consistency that coats each piece of macaroni perfectly. It’s a basic pantry staple that you probably already have on hand!
Butter (4 Tbsp): Butter helps create a smooth, velvety texture for the sauce, while also enhancing the flavor. It’s an essential ingredient in any mac and cheese recipe.
Milk (4 Cups): Whole milk helps create the creamy, rich base for your cheese sauce. You can also use a milk alternative if you prefer, but whole milk gives the best texture and flavor.
Salt (1 Tsp): A little bit of salt helps to balance out the richness of the cheese and enhance all the flavors in the dish. Just be careful not to overdo it!
Nutmeg (1 Tsp): Nutmeg adds a subtle warmth to the flavor profile, giving your mac and cheese an extra touch of complexity. It’s a secret ingredient that makes this dish stand out.
Pepper (1 Tsp): A dash of pepper adds a mild heat and complements the other spices in the dish, making your mac and cheese even more flavorful.
Utensils Required To Make Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe
To make your Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe, you’ll need the following utensils:
- A large saucepan for boiling the pasta
- A pot for making the cheese sauce
- A whisk for stirring the sauce
- A 12-inch round baking dish
- A spoon or spatula for stirring and combining the pasta and cheese sauce
How to Make Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe
Making this Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe is simple and fun! Just follow these steps to create a creamy, cheesy masterpiece:
Step 1 – Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
Step 2 – Mix your cheeses: In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, Gruyère, and cheddar cheeses. Set aside for later.
Step 3 – Cook the macaroni: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 4 – Make the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, place another pot on medium-low heat and melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 5 – Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk. Let the mixture thicken, which should take about 5 minutes.
Step 6 – Add the cheese: Slowly add ¾ of the cheese mixture to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
Step 7 – Assemble: Transfer the cooked macaroni to a 12-inch round baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine. Top with the remaining ¼ of the cheese.
Step 8 – Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
Step 9 – Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
What is Gruyère Cheese?
Gruyère cheese is a semi-hard Swiss cheese that’s famous for its rich, nutty, and slightly sweet flavor. It has a smooth texture that melts beautifully, making it an excellent choice for dishes like mac and cheese. Gruyère has a slightly savory, tangy taste with a hint of earthy sweetness, which elevates any dish it’s added to, giving it a luxurious, creamy depth. Its smooth meltability and complex flavor make it a staple in many fondue recipes, but it also works wonders when combined with cheddar and mozzarella in a rich cheese sauce like this one.
Gruyère is also packed with protein, which adds to the heartiness of dishes, and it contains calcium, which is beneficial for bone health. Whether it’s melted into a creamy sauce or enjoyed in a slice on a sandwich, Gruyère adds a delightful complexity and depth of flavor that can’t be replicated with other cheeses.
What Can I Use as a Gruyère Cheese Substitute?
If you find yourself in need of a Gruyère substitute, don’t worry! There are several cheeses that can mimic its smooth melt and slightly nutty flavor. The best options include:
- Emmental: Another Swiss cheese, Emmental has a milder flavor but similar texture to Gruyère. It melts well and will add that creamy texture you’re looking for in mac and cheese.
- Fontina: This cheese has a rich, earthy flavor with a smooth, creamy texture that makes it a great substitute for Gruyère in recipes that require melting.
- Comté: If you’re looking for something a little closer to Gruyère, Comté is a French cheese with a flavor profile that’s very similar to Gruyère—slightly nutty with a sweet, buttery finish.
- Cheddar: While not an exact match, a sharp cheddar cheese can stand in for Gruyère in a pinch. It’s a more pungent choice, but it will give your mac and cheese a deliciously creamy texture.
These substitutes can still provide that creamy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese experience while maintaining a deliciously cheesy mac and cheese. Whether you’re working with Gruyère or an alternative, your dish will still be wonderfully cheesy and flavorful.
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe
While this Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe is delicious on its own, pairing it with a side dish can take your meal to the next level. Here are some great options to serve alongside:
- Sautéed Spicy Broccoli: A healthy, spicy vegetable dish that pairs perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese.
- Toasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy, savory Brussels sprouts are a great way to balance out the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Sautéed Kale: A nutrient-packed green that adds freshness and color to your meal.
- Caesar Slaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw with a creamy dressing complements the mac and cheese beautifully.
- Ricotta Meatballs: Savory, juicy meatballs add protein to your meal, making it more filling.
- Fried Chicken: Crispy fried chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta for a soul-satisfying meal.
- Cornbread: A slightly sweet and buttery side that complements the savory mac and cheese. Pair it with our Paula Deen Cornbread Recipe
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a great side dish that complements the richness of the mac and cheese.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges provide a fun, hearty side that everyone will love.
- Baked Sweet Potatoes: Sweet potatoes are a healthy, flavorful side dish that pairs nicely with the creamy cheese sauce.
Special Occasions and Holidays for Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe
The Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe is perfect for many occasions! Here are some ideas for when to enjoy this delicious dish:
- Family dinners: Serve this creamy mac and cheese for a cozy, comforting meal any night of the week.
- Holidays: It’s great for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s as a side dish or even as the main course for those who love cheesy comfort food.
- Potlucks: Bring this crowd-pleasing dish to any potluck or BBQ for a guaranteed hit.
- Weekend get-togethers: It’s the perfect dish to enjoy with friends or family on a lazy Saturday or Sunday.
How To Make A Classic: Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe
Equipment
- Large saucepan
- medium-sized pot
- Whisk
- 12-inch round baking dish
- spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 400 g macaroni
- 115 g cheddar cheese
- 85 g Gruyere cheese
- 85 g mozzarella cheese
- 4 tbsp flour
- 4 tbsp butter
- 4 cups milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp pepper
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C).
- Mix your cheeses: In a bowl, combine the shredded mozzarella, Gruyère, and cheddar cheeses. Set aside for later.
- Cook the macaroni: Bring 4 cups of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, usually about 5 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: While the pasta is cooking, place another pot on medium-low heat and melt the butter. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 5 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in the milk, continuing to whisk. Let the mixture thicken, which should take about 5 minutes.
- Add the cheese: Slowly add ¾ of the cheese mixture to the sauce, stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Assemble: Transfer the cooked macaroni to a 12-inch round baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to combine. Top with the remaining ¼ of the cheese.
- Bake: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 25 minutes, or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
Tips
- For extra flavor, try adding bacon or fresh herbs like parsley or thyme.
- Feel free to experiment with different types of cheese! While cheddar, mozzarella, and Gruyère are the classic choices, you can also try adding gouda, fontina, or even a bit of blue cheese for a unique twist.
- If you prefer a spicier mac and cheese, add some hot sauce or jalapeños to the sauce for a kick!
- Add breadcrumbs to the top before baking for an extra crispy texture.
- Serve it as the main dish: While traditional mac and cheese is often a side, you can make it the star of the show by pairing it with a simple salad or a grilled chicken breast.
Nutrition
Final Thoughts: Why You’ll Love the Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe
This Homeroom Mac and Cheese Recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will quickly become a favorite in your household. It’s easy to make, incredibly creamy, and packed with cheesy goodness. Whether you’re serving it for a holiday, a special occasion, or just a cozy night in, this dish will always impress. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll be enjoying your homemade version of this beloved dish in no time!
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