Funeral Mac and Cheese
February 14, 2024
source: Flickr
When we think of comfort food, a few classics usually come to mind: grilled cheese, mashed potatoes, or perhaps a warm bowl of chicken noodle soup. But there’s one dish that holds a special place in the hearts (and stomachs) of many: Funeral Mac and Cheese.
Yes, you read that right. Funeral Mac and Cheese isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a dish with a story, a tradition, and a whole lot of cheesy goodness packed into every bite.
Now, you might be wondering, why on earth is it called Funeral Mac and Cheese? Well, the story goes that back in the day, folks would gather together after a funeral to mourn, reminisce, and of course, share a meal. And what better way to provide comfort during a time of grief than with a big ol’ pan of creamy, gooey mac and cheese?
Instructions
Grab a sturdy saucepan – the heavier, the better – and melt some butter in it. Once it’s all melty and fragrant, toss in some flour and let it cook gently for a few minutes. This step might seem tedious, but trust me, it’s worth it for that velvety smooth sauce later on.
Next up, it’s time to pour in some milk and whisk away like there’s no tomorrow. Keep the heat at a medium level and don’t stop whisking until the mixture thickens up nicely. This is where the magic happens, folks. Once your sauce is nice and thick, kill the heat and start adding in the shredded cheese. Go wild with your cheese choices – the more, the merrier!
Once your cheese sauce is looking dreamy, it’s time to reunite it with its long-lost pasta pal: macaroni. Cook up a batch of macaroni until it’s al dente, then pour that luscious cheese sauce all over it. But wait, we’re not done yet. Grab some extra cheese – the chunkier, the better – and toss it into the mix. Press it down into the sauce, because who doesn’t want pockets of cheesy goodness in every bite?
Now, let’s talk about the pièce de résistance: the crunchy breadcrumb topping. Toast up a few slices of bread until they’re nice and golden, then tear them into bite-sized pieces. In the same saucepan you used for the butter (no need to dirty another dish – we’re all about efficiency here), melt down another stick of butter and toss in those breadcrumbs. Give them a good toss until they’re coated in buttery goodness, then sprinkle them over the top of your mac and cheese.
Pop the whole shebang into the oven at 350 degrees and let it work its magic. You’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is bubbly and the breadcrumbs are a glorious shade of golden brown. And there you have it – funeral macaroni and cheese, ready to comfort even the most mournful of souls. So next time you find yourself in need of a little pick-me-up, skip the casserole and reach for a bowl of this cheesy goodness instead. Trust me, you won’t regret it.