If you’re a fan of cheesy comfort food, then you’ll love Sam’s Club mac and cheese. This delicious dish is a crowd-pleaser and perfect for any occasion – from family dinners to potlucks. With its rich, creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked pasta, it’s no wonder this recipe is a favorite among many.
To begin, gather all the necessary ingredients for this recipe. You’ll need macaroni pasta, butter, flour, milk, shredded cheddar cheese, salt, pepper, and any additional seasonings you prefer. It’s important to note that the quality of ingredients can significantly impact the final taste of the dish, so it’s always advisable to choose high-quality products.
Start by cooking the macaroni pasta according to the package instructions. While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the flour and stir continuously for about a minute, until the mixture becomes smooth and thick. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
Next, add the shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce and continue stirring until it has fully melted. Season the cheese sauce with salt, pepper, and any other spices or herbs you desire. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the cheese sauce, stirring until all the macaroni is evenly coated.
Finally, transfer the mac and cheese to a baking dish and bake it in the oven for about 15 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly. Once it’s done, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. The result is a mouthwatering mac and cheese dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds. Enjoy!
Instructions for cooking Sam’s Club mac and cheese:
1. Boil a large pot of water on the stove.
2. Once the water is boiling, add the macaroni noodles to the pot.
3. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions or until they are al dente.
4. While the noodles are cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. This can be done by following the instructions on the Sam’s Club mac and cheese package or by making your own cheese sauce from scratch.
5. Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and return them to the pot.
6. Pour the cheese sauce over the noodles and stir until the noodles are evenly coated.
7. Cook the mac and cheese over low heat for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
8. Serve the mac and cheese hot and enjoy!
Boiling water for the macaroni
To cook Sam’s Club mac and cheese, the first step is to boil water for the macaroni. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil over high heat.
Ingredients needed: | |
– Water | – Salt (optional) |
If desired, you can add salt to the boiling water for added flavor, but it is optional. The ratio for salt in boiling water is generally 1 teaspoon per 4 cups of water.
Once the water is boiling, carefully add the macaroni to the pot. Stir the macaroni occasionally to prevent them from sticking together.
Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions or until al dente, which means it should still have a slight bite to it. This usually takes around 8-10 minutes. Make sure not to overcook the macaroni as it will become too soft and mushy.
When the macaroni is cooked to the desired doneness, carefully drain the hot water from the pot. Use a colander to strain out the water, being cautious as the pot and macaroni will be hot.
After draining, rinse the macaroni with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove any excess starch. This will help prevent the macaroni from clumping together.
The boiled macaroni is now ready to be used in the Sam’s Club mac and cheese recipe or served on its own as desired.
Cooking macaroni according to package instructions
One of the most important steps in making Sam’s Club mac and cheese is cooking the macaroni according to the package instructions. This will ensure that the noodles are cooked to the right consistency and won’t be too hard or mushy.
Ingredients:
- 1 package of macaroni
- Water
- Salt (optional)
Instructions:
- Fill a large pot with water, leaving enough room for the macaroni to cook without boiling over.
- Place the pot over high heat and bring the water to a boil.
- Once the water is boiling, add salt if desired. This can add some flavor to the macaroni.
- Open the package of macaroni and pour the noodles into the boiling water.
- Stir the macaroni occasionally to prevent it from sticking together.
- Continue boiling the macaroni for the amount of time indicated on the package instructions. This is typically around 7-10 minutes, but may vary depending on the brand.
- Test the macaroni for doneness by tasting a piece. It should be tender but still have some bite to it.
- Once the macaroni is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove the pot from heat.
- Drain the macaroni in a colander, making sure to remove all excess water.
- Rinse the macaroni under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Now that you have perfectly cooked macaroni, you can proceed to the next steps of making your delicious Sam’s Club mac and cheese recipe!
Preparing the cheese sauce
Once the macaroni is cooked and drained, it’s time to prepare the rich and creamy cheese sauce that makes Sam’s Club mac and cheese so delicious. Here’s how:
Ingredients:
Quantity | Ingredient |
---|---|
1/2 cup | Butter |
1/2 cup | All-purpose flour |
4 cups | Milk |
4 cups | Cheddar cheese, shredded |
1 teaspoon | Salt |
1/2 teaspoon | Pepper |
Instructions:
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add the flour to the melted butter and whisk until well combined and smooth.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Cook the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Now that the cheese sauce is ready, pour it over the cooked macaroni and stir until the macaroni is coated evenly. You can serve the Sam’s Club mac and cheese as is or bake it in the oven for a crispy top layer. Enjoy!
Combining macaroni and cheese sauce
Once the macaroni is cooked and drained, it’s time to combine it with the delicious cheese sauce. Follow these steps to create the perfect marriage of flavors:
Step 1: Prepare the cheese sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk to form a smooth paste, also known as a roux. Cook the roux for a minute or two, stirring constantly to avoid burning.
Step 2: Slowly add the liquids
Gradually add the milk and heavy cream to the roux, whisking continuously to prevent lumps from forming. Keep whisking until the mixture becomes thick and creamy.
Step 3: Incorporate the cheese
Remove the saucepan from the heat and add the shredded cheese. Stir well until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and velvety. Feel free to use any type of cheese you prefer, whether it’s cheddar, Gouda, or a blend of different cheeses.
Step 4: Season to taste
Add salt, pepper, and any other desired seasonings to the cheese sauce. Taste as you go and adjust the seasonings as needed. Remember that the macaroni absorbs some of the flavor, so make sure the sauce is slightly more seasoned than you prefer.
Now that the cheese sauce is ready, it’s time to combine it with the cooked macaroni. Pour the sauce over the macaroni and gently stir until each noodle is coated in cheesy goodness. Be careful not to overmix, as this may cause the macaroni to become mushy.
That’s it! You’ve successfully combined the macaroni and cheese sauce. Serve it hot and enjoy this classic comfort food!
Baking the mac and cheese
Once you have prepared the Sam’s Club mac and cheese according to the package instructions, it’s time to bake it for a delicious, crispy finishing touch. Baking the mac and cheese will help melt the cheese, create a golden crust, and enhance its overall flavor and texture.
Preheating the oven
Before you start baking, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure that the mac and cheese bakes evenly and at the right temperature.
Choosing a baking dish
Use a baking dish that is deep enough to hold all the mac and cheese without overflowing. A 9×13-inch baking dish is typically a good size for this recipe. It should be oven-safe and have enough room for the mac and cheese to expand while baking.
Pro tip: To prevent the mac and cheese from sticking to the baking dish, you can grease it lightly with butter or cooking spray.
Baking time
Place the prepared mac and cheese into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid burning.
Note: The baking time may vary depending on your oven, so it’s important to check for doneness by observing the color and texture of the mac and cheese.
Serving and enjoying
Once the mac and cheese is baked to perfection, remove it from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. This will allow the cheese to set and make it easier to serve.
Scoop out the desired portion using a spoon or spatula, and transfer it to a serving plate or bowl. Serve the baked mac and cheese hot and enjoy this comforting and indulgent dish.
Pro tip: To add extra flavor and texture, you can sprinkle some breadcrumbs or grated cheese on top before baking. This will create a crunchy crust that is sure to impress!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make Sam’s Club mac and cheese?
To make Sam’s Club mac and cheese, you will need the following ingredients: macaroni noodles, butter, milk, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and shredded cheese.
Can I use any type of macaroni noodles for this recipe?
You can use any type of macaroni noodles for this recipe, such as elbow macaroni or shell macaroni.
How long do I need to cook the macaroni noodles?
You will need to cook the macaroni noodles according to the package instructions, usually for about 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
How much shredded cheese should I use?
You will need about 2 cups of shredded cheese for the mac and cheese recipe, but you can adjust the amount according to your preference.
Can I add any additional ingredients to the mac and cheese?
Yes, you can add additional ingredients to the mac and cheese, such as cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or sautéed onions. Feel free to get creative and customize the recipe to your liking.
What is Sam’s Club mac and cheese?
Sam’s Club mac and cheese is a popular dish made with macaroni noodles and a creamy, cheesy sauce. It is a comfort food favorite and is often enjoyed as a side dish or main course.