President Reagan'S Favorite Macaroni And Cheese
A rich, cheesy baked macaroni dish favored by President Reagan, combining sharp cheese, mustard, and a creamy texture perfect for comforting family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook the macaroni as directed and drain well.
- Stir in butter and beaten egg.
- Mix dry mustard and salt with 1 tablespoon hot water.
- Add the mustard and salt mixture to the milk.
- Add most of the grated cheese to the macaroni, saving some for topping.
- Pour the mixture into a buttered dish.
- Add the milk mixture to the dish.
- Sprinkle remaining cheese on top.
- Bake at 350°F for 45 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider using a mix of cheeses like Gruyère or Fontina alongside sharp cheddar. You can also substitute whole milk with half-and-half for added richness. If you're short on time, pre-shredded cheese works, but freshly grated cheese melts better. For a kick, add a pinch of cayenne or some cooked bacon.
Serving Suggestions
This mac and cheese is delightful as a main dish or a side. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal. It also goes well with fried chicken or barbecued ribs, making it a perfect comfort food option. For an elevated dessert, serve with a slice of Mandarin Cream Cake.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in a baking dish and cover with foil to prevent drying out. Bake at 350°F until heated through, about 20-25 minutes. You can add a splash of milk before reheating to restore creaminess.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of President Reagan'S Favorite Macaroni And Cheese contains roughly 1909 calories, with 5g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 185g fat. It is a good source of calcium (15% of the Daily Value), protein (10% of the Daily Value), and iron (10% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1966mg per serving (85% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this macaroni and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dish up to the baking step, then cover and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready to serve, bake straight from the fridge, but you may need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the baking time.
Can I use gluten-free pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! Gluten-free pasta varieties work well in this recipe. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as gluten-free pasta may cook faster or slower than traditional macaroni.
What can I add to enhance the flavor?
You can enhance the flavor by mixing in ingredients like cooked broccoli or sautéed mushrooms. For a touch of sweetness, consider adding caramelized onions. This mac and cheese also pairs beautifully with Parmesan Spinach for a nutritious twist.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).