Last Updated on July 16, 2023
Franco American macaroni and cheese is a classic recipe that has been around for generations. It is a comfort food staple in the U.S., with its creamy and cheesy combination of pasta and cheese sauce.
This dish originated from French-American cuisine, which combines the best of both worlds – French cooking techniques combined with American ingredients to create delicious and unique dishes.
The Franco American macaroni and cheese recipe is a simple dish that can be made in just about 30 minutes and enjoyed as either a side dish or main course.
In this recipe, we’ll go over the ingredients, steps for making the cheesy goodness in your own kitchen, and what to serve it with. Read on to learn about this delicious Franco American macaroni and cheese recipe.
What is Franco American macaroni and cheese?
Franco American macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food dish that consists of white noodles in a creamy yellow cheese sauce. It was originally sold as a canned product by the Franco American company, but has since been discontinued.
Fortunately, there are many copycat recipes available online that allow you to recreate this delicious dish at home.
The basic ingredients for Franco American macaroni and cheese include bucatini spaghetti, condensed cheddar cheese soup, whole milk, and butter.
No matter how you choose to make it, Franco American macaroni and cheese is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike!
What does it taste like?
Franco American macaroni and cheese has a creamy, cheesy texture with the perfect balance of salty, sweet and savory flavors. The pasta is cooked al dente and the cheese sauce combines cheddar cheese soup and whole milk, creating the perfect balance of flavor. The dish has a rich, creamy texture that will make your taste buds sing with delight.
How did I first get introduced to the Franco american macaroni and cheese?
I first got introduced to Franco American macaroni and cheese when I was a child. My parents would make this dish for special occasions or as a comfort food on cold winter days. The creamy, cheesy flavor was something that I looked forward to every time it was served. It wasn’t until years later that I realized how simple it is to make this dish at home and have now been making it regularly since.
How to make Franco american macaroni and cheese?
Making Franco American macaroni and cheese is a fast, easy, and delicious process. All you need are a few simple ingredients, 10 minutes of prep time, 25 minutes of cooking time and you have yourself one comforting bowl of mac and cheese.
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted Butter
- 2 10.75 Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
- 1 ½ cup Organic Whole Milk
- 1 lb Pasta Fat spaghetti with a hole down the centre
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then add the spaghetti pasta to it. Boil for 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
Step 2
While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the milk and cheese soup to the melted butter, stirring until all combined.
Step 3
When the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool to touch. Grease an 8”x8” baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
Step 4
Once the pasta is cool, place it in the baking dish and then pour over the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all is combined, ensuring that all of the pasta is coated with the cheese sauce.
Step 5
Place in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
Tips
- If you want to add extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper.
- For an added crunchy topping, sprinkle some crumbled bacon or crushed crackers on top before baking.
- To make this mac and cheese gluten-free, substitute the spaghetti pasta with a gluten-free alternative.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup unsalted Butter
- 2 10.75 Condensed Cheddar Cheese Soup
- 1 ½ cup Organic Whole Milk
- 1 lb. Pasta Fat spaghetti with a hole down the centre
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, and then add the spaghetti pasta to it. Boil for 8-10 minutes or until al dente.
- While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the milk and cheese soup to the melted butter, stirring until all combined.
- When the pasta is done cooking, drain it in a colander and rinse with cold water until cool to touch. Grease an 8”x8” baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- Once the pasta is cool, place it in the baking dish and then pour over the cheese mixture. Stir everything together until all is combined, ensuring that all of the pasta is coated with the cheese sauce.
- Place in preheated oven for 25 minutes or until golden and bubbly. Serve warm.
Video
Notes
- If you want to add extra flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or freshly cracked black pepper.
- For an added crunchy topping, sprinkle some crumbled bacon or crushed crackers on top before baking.
- To make this mac and cheese gluten-free, substitute the spaghetti pasta with a gluten-free alternative.
Nutrition
Nutrition Information
Per serving (1/4 of recipe):
- Calories 397
- Total Fat 17.5g,
- Saturated Fat 10.3g,
- Cholesterol 41mg,
- Sodium 832 mg,
- Carbohydrates 43.6g,
- Fiber 2.2 g,
- Sugars 4.6g,
- Protein 13.1 g
What to serve with Franco American macaroni and cheese?
Franco American Macaroni and Cheese is already a complete meal on its own but if you’re looking for something extra to accompany it, try pairing it with a side salad or steamed veggies. Also, some crusty French bread or garlic toast is always a great addition too.
How to store leftover Franco American macaroni and cheese?
If there are any leftovers, place them in an air-tight container before refrigerating for up to four days. To reheat, you can either put the dish in the oven for 15 minutes or microwave on medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes.
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, Franco American Macaroni and Cheese is safe for pregnant women to consume in moderation as long as all of the ingredients are within date and cooked properly. However, it’s best to consult with your doctor before eating any food during pregnancy.
FAQs
What kind of pasta should I use?
You can use any type of shortcut pasta such as elbow macaroni, penne, shells, or mini farfalle.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes! To make this ahead of time, you can cook the pasta and prepare the cheese sauce separately. Once both components are cooled, combine them in a baking dish, cover with aluminum foil and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Is this recipe vegan?
No, this recipe is not vegan as it contains dairy ingredients such as butter, milk and cheese. However, you can easily veganize this dish by substituting the dairy ingredients for plant-based alternatives. You would also need to use a gluten free pasta as well.
Can I freeze this dish?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked and cooled Franco American Macaroni and Cheese for later use. Place in an airtight container or freezer bag before freezing for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, just thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat in the oven or microwave.
Wrapping Up
Franco American Macaroni and Cheese is a classic comfort food that everyone loves. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor and can be made ahead of time for an effortless meal any night of the week.
With just a few ingredients, you can have a delicious dish on the table in no time! Try this recipe today and enjoy a classic made with love.
This dish is also a great way to indulge in some comfort food while still being mindful of what you eat. With the added bonus of having made-ahead and freeze capabilities, this dish can easily become a staple in your dinner rotation.
Please share this recipe with family and friends and let us know how your Franco American Macaroni and Cheese turns out. Thank you.
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Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more
