The Science Behind the Stir: How Cleveland’s Best Mac Gets Mixed
When it comes to comfort food in Cleveland, or just about anywhere in the US, you can’t really beat a perfectly baked mac and cheese. Whether you’re fighting off the winter chill of the lake effect winds on Lake Erie or celebrating a Browns, Guardians or Cavs win, that golden, gooey, goodness is not just a perfect side for most any meal. The classic mac can serve as a snack or full dinner all by itself. One of the tricks to making perfect, small-batch mac and cheese is in the stirring technique and timing.
Technically, mac and cheese is a type of casserole. The benchmark of church dinners and cookouts, beloved by everyone from kids to gourmands. In fact, the “lowly” casserole is a common form of a cassoulet or Tian Provencal. One of the secrets to a perfect casserole, mac and cheese included, is making sure the butter, cheeses and other ingredients are perfectly blended so they can melt together. Excess water is your enemy heat, leading to a mushy product especially if kept in the fridge for a few days. For many home cooks, and even Cleveland-based restaurants, that’s enough, but at MacAttack, we feel the magic really happens when you find just the right time to stir before the baking is finished. Give your mac and cheese a gentle stir, ensuring you do your best to maintain noodle integrity during the process.
It’s an essential part of what sets apart MacAttack mac and cheese. Part of the trick is making sure all ingredients, from butter to spices to your cheese blend, are fully arranged properly during the initial baking process. Once all the ingredients are mixed and melted in the first round, we wait until the sauce and noodles form the perfect consistency.
Mixing before it’s fully baked will ensure even heat distribution. As any Cleveland native cani tell you, if you don’t like the weather in northeastern Ohio, don’t worry. Yup, just wait a few minutes it’s sure to change! The unpredictable weather and fluctuation of both temperature and humdity due to the nearby Great Lake means cooking conditions can change at the drop of a hat.
Dairy is a great source of protein. Those cheese proteins separate during an extended baking session. Stirring before the mac is finished reincorporates the pasta, butter, cheese and any other ingredients maintaining a silky, smooth consistency that melds perfectly with the rich, buttery cheese. Another secret of stirring allows the interior to mix while the top bakes to a perfect, golden brown. We do use time and temperature in our kitchen but the visual appeal and an occasional taste-test is more important than either.
Cleveland Climate Cooking Tips
Cleveland’s ever-changing temperature and humidity coupled with the importance of keeping moisture out of your casserole means you can ensure a more consistent result. Once again, you can’t just count on the numbers, the texture, taste and appearance will let you know when it’s just right. Another important tip, whether cooking a baked mac or other casserole, or even a grilled steak or burger is the wait time. You have to let your mac and cheese rest just a bit once it’s out of the oven letting the cheese set.
What are your favorite Cleveland casserole cooking tips? Any regional cooking hacks to share with the community or suggestions for future articles? Feel free to share in the comments below.
Still craving a second serving of Mac&Chat? Check out some suggestions for perfect pairings of burgers and wine with mac and cheese.