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Cozy Homemade Mac and Cheese Bar Ideas for Perfect Parties

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A fun and interactive mac and cheese bar that lets guests customize their bowls with endless topping options, perfect for parties and gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Crispy bacon bits
  • Chopped green onions
  • Steamed broccoli florets
  • Sautéed mushrooms
  • Crushed potato chips (classic or sour cream & onion)
  • Shredded Parmesan cheese
  • Hot sauce or sriracha
  • Barbecue pulled chicken
  • Diced tomatoes
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until it forms a smooth paste.
  3. Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens (about 5-7 minutes).
  4. Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses until fully melted. Season with garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  5. Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix well. Transfer to a large serving dish if desired.
  6. Arrange all your toppings in small bowls or platters for easy access.
  7. Place the mac and cheese base in the center and surround it with the toppings. Provide bowls and serving spoons for guests to create their own plates.

Notes

[‘Use freshly grated cheese for the sauce—it melts better and avoids clumping.’, ‘If the sauce turns out too thick, whisk in a splash of milk to loosen it up.’, ‘Prepare toppings like bacon and veggies ahead of time to make party setup smoother.’, ‘Offer a variety of textures—crunchy toppings like chips or nuts add a satisfying contrast to the creamy mac and cheese.’, “Keep the mac and cheese warm by covering it or serving in a slow cooker set to ‘warm’.”]

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, comfort food, party food, customizable, toppings, cheese sauce, family gathering

Find it online: https://chrisfeasts.com/cozy-homemade-mac-and-cheese-bar-ideas-for-perfect-parties/