We all know mac and cheese as the ultimate comfort food and Mike’s Farm version takes it to new heights with fresh farm-inspired flavors. It’s a hearty twist on a classic that brings together creamy cheese and simple ingredients for a dish we’ll crave again and again.
Drawing from rustic roots our recipe captures the essence of homemade goodness that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned cook this easy-to-follow guide promises mouthwatering results every time.
Ingredients
In our Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese recipe, we prioritize fresh, farm-sourced ingredients to deliver that hearty, comforting flavor everyone loves. Below, we list them in the order they’re used, with precise measurements and prep notes for seamless preparation.
- Pasta: 1 pound elbow macaroni – we recommend using organic, farm-fresh pasta for the best al dente texture; boil it first as the base of our dish.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – sourced from local farms for its rich creaminess; melt this next to start building the sauce.
- Flour: 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – this thickens our sauce; whisk it into the melted butter for a smooth roux.
- Milk: 2 cups whole milk – opt for fresh, unpasteurized milk from Mike’s Farm if available; heat it gently to create a velvety base.
- Cheese: 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (we suggest a mix of sharp and mild for depth) – grate it fresh for easy melting; stir it in once the sauce is warm.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon ground mustard – these enhance the flavors; add them to the sauce for a balanced taste.
- Optional Add-ins: 1 cup fresh vegetables like broccoli or spinach from the farm – chop them finely and incorporate for added nutrition and color.
Equipment Needed
To prepare our Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese recipe with its fresh, farm-inspired flavors, we need a selection of essential kitchen tools that ensure smooth preparation and delicious results. Let’s outline the key equipment, organized by the steps in which they’re typically used, from boiling pasta to baking the final dish.
- Large Stock Pot: We rely on a 6-quart or larger stock pot to boil the organic elbow macaroni evenly, preventing overflow and allowing for ample water to achieve the perfect al dente texture.
- Colander: This sturdy colander is crucial for draining the cooked pasta quickly and efficiently, helping us avoid excess water that could dilute the creamy cheese sauce.
- Medium Saucepan: A 2- to 3-quart saucepan works best for melting the unsalted butter and whisking in the all-purpose flour and whole milk to create a smooth, velvety base for our cheese sauce.
- Whisk: We recommend a medium-sized whisk to blend the ingredients seamlessly in the saucepan, eliminating lumps and ensuring a rich, homogeneous sauce enhanced by sharp and mild cheddar.
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: For stirring the cheese mixture and combining it with the pasta, this tool helps us gently fold in seasonings like salt, black pepper, and ground mustard without damaging cookware.
- 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: If we’re baking our mac and cheese for that golden, crispy top, this glass or metal dish provides even heat distribution and makes serving straightforward for family gatherings.
- Oven: A standard oven preheated to 350°F is essential for baking the assembled dish to perfection, locking in the hearty, comforting flavors of our farm-sourced ingredients.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Accurate measurements are key to our recipe’s success, so we use a set of dry and liquid measuring cups along with spoons to portion out ingredients like flour, milk, and spices precisely.
- Box Grater: For freshly grating cheddar cheese, this tool allows us to achieve the ideal shred size, maximizing meltability and enhancing the dish’s fresh, nutritious appeal with optional add-ins like broccoli.
By having these tools ready, we can transition seamlessly from gathering ingredients to crafting a flavorful Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese that delights everyone at the table.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh, farm-sourced ingredients and essential tools, we guide you through creating Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese with simple, step-by-step directions to achieve a creamy, comforting dish bursting with flavor.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything comes together smoothly. Start by bringing a large stock pot of water to a boil and adding 1 tablespoon of salt for our 8 ounces of organic elbow macaroni—this helps enhance the pasta’s flavor while it cooks to al dente perfection in about 7-9 minutes. While the water heats, grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mild cheddar cheese using a box grater for that irresistible melt; we recommend using fresh, locally sourced cheese for the best texture and taste. If you’re adding optional vegetables like broccoli or spinach, wash and chop 1 cup of broccoli florets or 1 cup of spinach leaves into bite-sized pieces to incorporate nutrition and vibrant color into our hearty mac and cheese.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we move on to cooking the rich, velvety cheese sauce that forms the heart of our Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until it foams, then whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to create a golden roux that thickens in about 1-2 minutes—stir constantly to avoid lumps and build a smooth base. Gradually pour in 2 cups of whole milk, whisking actively until the mixture simmers and thickens to a creamy consistency that coats the back of a spoon, which takes around 5 minutes. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the grated cheeses along with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground mustard until the sauce becomes irresistibly gooey and aromatic, with the sharp cheddar adding a tangy bite that elevates the farm-fresh flavors.
Assemble
Now we assemble our dish to layer flavors and textures for the ultimate comfort food experience. Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander and immediately mix it into the cheese sauce using a wooden spoon or silicone spatula, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in the warm, cheesy goodness that promises a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth sensation. If using vegetables, fold in the chopped broccoli or spinach for added crunch and color. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it evenly and sprinkling an extra 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar on top for a crispy, golden crust that enhances the dish’s hearty appeal.
Bake
Finally, we bake our assembled mac and cheese to achieve that perfect, bubbly finish. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the baking dish on the middle rack. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and the edges are bubbling with a rich, savory aroma that fills the kitchen—check at the 20-minute mark to avoid overcooking.
| Step | Temperature (°F) | Time (minutes) |
|---|---|---|
| Bake | 350 | 20-25 |
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We love how you can prepare this hearty, farm-fresh dish ahead of time without sacrificing its creamy texture or comforting flavors. Below, we outline the steps to make it in advance, ensuring it remains deliciously golden and bubbly when you’re ready to serve.
Preparing in Advance
To get a head start, follow these steps after assembling the mac and cheese but before baking:
- Boil and drain the pasta early: Cook the elbow macaroni as directed in our recipe, then toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Make the cheese sauce ahead: Prepare the roux and cheese sauce separately, cooling it completely before transferring to a sealed container. This can be refrigerated for up to 2 days, allowing the flavors of sharp cheddar and fresh milk to meld beautifully.
- Assemble the full dish: Combine the cooked pasta, cheese sauce, and any optional vegetables like broccoli in your baking dish. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. This step lets the ingredients absorb the seasonings, enhancing the overall taste.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to maintaining the farm-inspired freshness of Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese. Here’s how to handle it:
- Refrigeration: If assembled but unbaked, store in the fridge at 40°F or below for up to 24 hours. For baked portions, let them cool to room temperature, then cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
- Freezing for longer hold: Freeze the unbaked assembled dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. If freezing baked mac and cheese, wrap it well to avoid freezer burn.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration (unbaked) | Up to 24 hours | Cover tightly to retain moisture and flavors. |
| Refrigeration (baked) | Up to 3 days | Reheat in oven for best texture. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Thaw overnight in fridge before baking. |
Reheating and Baking Instructions
When it’s time to enjoy, reheat with confidence for that signature crispy top and melty center:
- For unbaked dishes: Remove from the fridge and let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Preheat your oven to 350°F, then bake as per the original recipe, adding 5-10 minutes to the cooking time if needed for a perfectly golden finish.
- For refrigerated baked portions: Cover with foil and reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, then uncover for 5 minutes to crisp the top. This restores the irresistible cheesiness without drying it out.
- For frozen dishes: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then follow the unbaked reheating steps. Always check the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
By following these make-ahead strategies, we ensure your Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese stays as fresh and flavorful as if it were just prepared, making it ideal for family gatherings or meal prep.
Conclusion
We’ve loved bringing you this take on Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese recipe, a dish that’s as comforting as it gets with its fresh farm flavors. It’s perfect for creating memorable meals that bring everyone together.
Try it out and see how simple ingredients turn into something truly special—we’re confident it’ll become a staple in your kitchen. Share your twists with us in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese?
Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese is a fresh, farm-inspired twist on the classic comfort food. It uses simple, high-quality ingredients like organic elbow macaroni, local unsalted butter, and a blend of sharp and mild cheddar cheeses. This hearty dish is perfect for family dinners or gatherings, offering rich flavors with optional veggies for added nutrition. It’s easy to make and appeals to both novice and experienced cooks.
What ingredients are needed for the recipe?
The key ingredients include organic elbow macaroni, unsalted butter from local farms, all-purpose flour, whole milk, sharp and mild cheddar cheese, salt, black pepper, and ground mustard. Optional add-ins like broccoli or spinach provide extra nutrition and color. All measurements are precise for simple preparation, focusing on fresh, farm-sourced items to create a creamy, comforting dish.
What kitchen equipment is required?
You’ll need a large stock pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, a medium saucepan for the cheese sauce, a whisk for blending, a wooden spoon or silicone spatula for mixing, a 9×13 inch baking dish, and an oven preheated to 350°F. Don’t forget measuring cups, spoons, and a box grater for shredding cheese. These tools ensure smooth preparation and a crispy, golden finish.
How do I make Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese?
Start by boiling the macaroni and grating the cheese. Make a roux with butter and flour, then add milk and cheese to create a creamy sauce. Mix in the cooked pasta and optional veggies, transfer to a baking dish, and top with extra cheese. Bake at 350°F for 20-25 minutes until bubbly and golden. The steps are straightforward for delicious results every time.
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes, you can make Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese ahead of time. Boil and store the pasta separately, prepare the cheese sauce up to a day in advance, and assemble the dish for refrigeration. For freezing, store unbaked portions and bake when ready. This flexibility makes it ideal for busy schedules or meal prep without losing flavor.
How should I store and reheat leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freeze for up to 2 months. To reheat, bake refrigerated portions at 350°F until hot and crispy, or microwave for quicker results while covering to retain moisture. For frozen items, thaw overnight in the fridge first, then follow reheating instructions to keep the melty center and crispy top intact.