The Simplest Mac and Cheese: A Guide to Melting Cheese Perfectly

Building a mac and cheese dish doesn't have to be complicated. In fact, it can be as simple as boiling some water and adding pasta and cheese. In this guide, we will walk you through the easiest and most foolproof methods to create the perfect mac and cheese, all thanks to a cleverly overlooked ingredient: sodium citrate.

Ingredients

Pasta (as much and of whatever type you desire) Shredded or grated cheese (a bit less than desired, but don't skimp on it!) Sodium citrate (for the secret ingredient) Clean water (not from Flint, MI, or Vancouver, WA)

The Secret Ingredient: Sodium Citrate

Unlike salt, which can make cheese too salty, sodium citrate is a "melting salt" that enhances the flavor and texture of your cheese. Simply add a tablespoon of sodium citrate per litre of water and you're on your way to a creamy and delicious mac and cheese. You can find it easily at most supermarkets or on Amazon.

Boiling Pasta with Sodium Citrate

To start, place your dry pasta into a pot of water, just above the level of the pasta. This trick ensures that the starches leached out of the pasta make the sauce creamy and smooth. Don't drain the pasta—keep it boiling to avoid any interruption in the cooking process.

After about 4 minutes, taste a noodle to see if it's to your liking. Once it's fully cooked, remove the pot from the heat, add about a tablespoon of sodium citrate per litre of water, and stir well. This will help the cheese melt smoothly and remain creamy.

Melting the Cheese

Gradually add the cheese, one cup at a time, stirring until it melts completely. The sodium citrate will make your cheese melt smoothly and stay creamy. Keep stirring to ensure the cheese blends seamlessly into a luxurious sauce. For a typical dish, use about 2-3 cups of cheese for 1.5 litres of dry pasta, which results in about 2 litres of cooked pasta once combined.

Adding Extras (Optional)

If you fancy, you can add other ingredients like chopped chicken, peas, or broccoli florets during the boiling process. I personally like to add them for added flavor, but be wary of too much fishy taste when using shrimp or prawns.

Serving and Enjoying

Once everything is combined and your mac and cheese is creamy, smooth, and delicious, you're ready to eat. This method is so easy that it's easier than making a Kraft dinner. Just add pasta, cheese, and sodium citrate and you're all set!

The simplicity and effectiveness of this method make it perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. So, if you're looking for a hassle-free way to enjoy a delicious mac and cheese, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!