Macaroni and cheese (sometimes referred to as macaroni cheese in the UK or mac'n'cheese in the US) is a common dish whose main ingredients are cooked macaroni and meltable cheese, sometimes with spices or other foods added. Cheddar cheese is traditionally used, but other cheeses or multiple cheeses are other possibilities. Instant packaged versions consist of boxed pasta with cheese powder, to which is added butter and milk (or water). It is common to add other components, such as tomatoes, ground beef, tuna, or ham.

There is more than one way macaroni and cheese is cooked. The casserole version of the dish ultimately ends up in a dry heat cooking method. The resulting dish consists of a contrast between a soft interior and crisp exterior that can only be made by dry heat cooking. Another difference is that the sauce is made separately as if it were a pasta dish, but it is mixed and and then baked in a heat-proof container. The stovetop version utilizes heat from a stovetop to slowly melt the cheese in order to integrate with the cooked noodles. The sauce is ultimately made in the same pan with other ingredients mixed separately. If prepared from scratch rather than a boxed mix, the dish is often baked after it is boiled and assembled.

Boxed versions (the stove top method) of the macaroni dish are known for the rich yellow-orange color, resulting from the use of powdered "cheese sauce mix" rather than actual cheese. This color has been somewhat simulated in a wax crayon by Crayola.

The most famous brand name of macaroni and cheese is Kraft (see Kraft dinner).

External links

• The Ultimate Guide to Macaroni and Cheese
• Generic Macaroni and Cheese Box Gallery FAQ