Mac and cheese

The ultimate plate of comfort food

Mac and cheese. Just hearing the name already tells you this is the kind of dish that brings pure comfort to the table.

Unlike what you might expect from a pasta dish, the origins of this one are not in Italy but in the United States. It is a national favorite that you will find everywhere. Served as a main dish in restaurants or as a side at a barbecue. And although a few ingredients may remind you of our Indonesian-style macaroni, this is truly a very different dish.

Macaroni and cheese. That is really all you need for the original version. But who ever sticks exactly to the original? We like to give it our own twist. With sliced leeks, diced ham, and a golden layer of melted cheese on top, it turns into a hearty baked dish the whole family can enjoy.

What makes it so populair

The secret is its simplicity. Tender cooked macaroni, a creamy cheese sauce, and a crisp top from the oven. It is exactly the kind of dish you want to make on a weeknight: quick to prepare, not complicated, and always satisfying, even for kids.

In the United States mac and cheese is sometimes served as a main dish, but more often as a side. You will see it next to spareribs, pulled pork, or chicken wings. But trust us, this Dutch-style version can easily stand on its own. Especially with extra vegetables and savory diced ham, it becomes a complete meal.

Easier than you think

All you need is a knob of butter, some flour, milk, shredded cheese, a small teaspoon nutmeg, and one to two tablespoons sharp mustard for a little extra kick. The base is a béchamel sauce. Butter and flour form a roux, which you slowly whisk with milk until it becomes a smooth sauce. After that the cheese goes in, preferably a generous amount.

For the best flavor we recommend sharp cheddar cheese, possibly combined with a milder cheese for extra creaminess. And do not let the idea of making sauce intimidate you. If you keep stirring and do not set the heat too high, there is very little that can go wrong.

Extras make it complete

While the original only contains pasta and cheese, we make this casserole just a bit more special. Finely sliced leeks add a fresh bite, while the diced ham brings a savory note. Together with the creamy sauce it creates a great balance.

For the crispy topping, sprinkle a little extra shredded cheese over the baking dish before placing it in the oven. In about twenty minutes you will have a golden casserole that smells like it just came straight out of a diner.

Serve with a fresh salad

Mac and cheese is rich and creamy, so something fresh and crisp pairs perfectly with it. Think of a classic coleslaw or a Waldorf salad with apple, celery, and walnuts. It adds a bit of contrast to the richness of the pasta. And the best part is that kids love it too. It is creamy, soft, and looks like a celebration on your plate. Serve it on a busy evening or whenever you feel like something savory and simple. Mac and cheese is always a crowd pleaser!

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