Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese is the perfect combination of creamy, cheesy goodness and crispy, golden topping. This beloved recipe takes the classic mac and cheese to a whole new level with its rich cheese sauce, buttery breadcrumb topping, and endless possibilities for customization. Whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, a potluck, or just craving a warm and hearty meal, this dish never fails to impress.
But why is it called Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese? The name is inspired by the iconic comfort food served at Mike’s Farm, a well-loved destination known for its home-style cooking and farm-to-table meals. This recipe captures the spirit of the farm’s mac and cheese, known for its creamy texture, flavors, and a perfectly baked golden crust. It brings the comforting, nostalgic taste of a cozy farm meal right to your table, no matter where you are.
What makes this recipe so special is its versatility. From using a mix of cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan for a flavorful sauce to adding your own twist with bacon, lobster, or broccoli, you can create a version that suits your taste. Plus, with simple pro tips for the creamiest cheese sauce and the perfect pasta texture, you’ll have a dish that’s both tasty and yummy.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- Elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
- Salt for the pasta water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- Unsalted butter
- All-purpose flour
- Whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Shredded mozzarella cheese
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Dijon mustard (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- Paprika (optional)
For the Topping:
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Melted butter
- Garlic powder
- Shredded cheddar cheese
How To Make Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese
1. Cook the Pasta:
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the Cheese Sauce:
In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
Add garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (optional), paprika (optional), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat all the pasta with the creamy cheese mixture. Make sure the pasta is fully covered.
4. Prepare the Topping:
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated in the butter and cheese.
5. Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish (about 9×13 inches).
Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
6. Bake:
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the mac and cheese in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variation
1. Bacon Mac and Cheese:
Add 1 cup of cooked, crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce or sprinkle on top before baking.
2. Spicy Mac and Cheese:
Add 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon of chili powder, or some finely chopped jalapeños to the cheese sauce for an extra kick.
3. Lobster Mac and Cheese:
Add 1-2 cups of cooked lobster meat to the mac and cheese mixture before baking for a seafood twist.
4. Broccoli Mac and Cheese:
Steam 1-2 cups of broccoli and mix it in with the pasta and cheese sauce for a healthy and tasty variation.
5. Vegan Mac and Cheese:
Use dairy-free cheese, plant-based butter, and almond milk for a vegan-friendly version of Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese.
Pro Tips
Use a Mix of Cheeses: Combining cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan gives the mac and cheese the perfect flavor. You can experiment with other cheeses like Gruyère or Monterey Jack for different textures.
Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Overcooking the pasta will make it soggy and affect the texture of the final dish. Ensure the pasta is al dente before draining.
Make the Sauce Creamy: For an ultra-creamy sauce, use whole milk or heavy cream. The more fat, the creamier the sauce will be.
Breadcrumbs for Crunch: Panko breadcrumbs create a light and crispy topping. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but panko gives a superior texture.
Bake for Extra Flavor: Baking the mac and cheese after mixing in the cheese sauce ensures a crispy topping and intensifies the flavors.
What to Serve
1. Side Dishes:
Garlic Bread: The buttery, crispy texture of garlic bread pairs perfectly with the creamy mac and cheese.
Grilled Vegetables: Serve with grilled asparagus, zucchini, or Brussels sprouts for a fresh and healthy contrast to the rich dish.
Salads: A light, crisp salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, and a vinaigrette can balance out the heaviness of the mac and cheese.
2. Protein Pairings:
- BBQ Chicken
- Grilled Steak
- Roast Turkey
3. Drink Pairings:
- Iced Tea
- Beer
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! You can use any short pasta such as penne, shells, or rigatoni. Just ensure the pasta is cooked al dente before combining with the cheese sauce.
2. Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the mac and cheese in advance. Assemble the dish, cover it tightly, and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C) and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until heated through.
3. How do I make the mac and cheese spicier?
For a spicy version, you can add cayenne pepper, chili powder, or diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce. You can also sprinkle hot sauce on top before serving for extra heat.
4. Can I freeze Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese?
Yes, you can freeze the mac and cheese. After baking, let it cool completely, cover it tightly, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20-30 minutes.
5. Can I use low-fat milk or cheese for a lighter version?
Yes, you can substitute low-fat milk and cheese to make a lighter version of Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese. The texture may be slightly different, but it will still be delicious.
More Recipes
Mike’s Farm Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 1 pound 16 ounces / 450g Elbow macaroni (or any pasta shape of your choice)
- 1-2 tablespoons Salt for the pasta water
For the Cheese Sauce:
- 1/4 cup 2 ounces / 57g Unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup 1 ounce / 28g All-purpose flour
- 3 cups 24 ounces / 710ml Whole milk (or heavy cream for a richer sauce)
- 3 cups 12 ounces / 340g Shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup 4 ounces / 113g Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup 1 ounce / 28g Grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon optional Dijon mustard
- To taste Salt
- To taste Pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon optional Paprika
For the Topping:
- 1/2 cup 1.5 ounces / 42g Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons 1 ounce / 28g Melted butter
- 1/4 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1/2 cup 2 ounces / 57g Shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta) and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to create a roux. Cook the roux for about 1-2 minutes until it turns slightly golden.
- Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, mozzarella, and grated Parmesan until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth.
- Add garlic powder, onion powder, Dijon mustard (optional), paprika (optional), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Sauce:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to coat all the pasta with the creamy cheese mixture. Make sure the pasta is fully covered.
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, garlic powder, and shredded cheddar cheese. Stir until the breadcrumbs are coated in the butter and cheese.
Assemble the Mac and Cheese:
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish (about 9x13 inches).
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb topping evenly over the top.
Bake:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Place the mac and cheese in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and crispy.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving.