How To Make The Perfect Mac And Cheese

Anne Dolce|Jan. 22, 2013 4:40 pm EST

There's something about mac and cheese that makes it hard not to love. For one, it's comforting, a quality most Americans love in their meals. A mac and cheese's velvety, smooth sauce always has the ability to soothe anyone's soul. It's also easy — it may take one or two pots to put together, but the concept is straightforward and it makes it a cinch to feed a crowd.

The best part about mac and cheese, though, is that it's versatile. Whether you're feeding a hungry group of meat eaters or vegetarians, or serving it as a main or a side dish, there's a way to make it so that everyone at the table will be licking their lips.

Because it's such a crowd-pleaser, it's important to know how to make it right, and to learn this we turned to cheese expert Laura Werlin, author of Mac & Cheese, Please!, for some advice on how to create the perfect mac and cheese. No matter what kind you're making or how you'll be serving it, Werlin has a few simple tips to keep in mind to make sure the process is as smooth as that cheese sauce.

Werlin not only imparts some of her wisdom for perfecting mac and cheese, but she also shares some delicious and innovative recipes. Can't get enough breakfast for dinner? Her spicy "home fries" mac and cheese is a surefire way to serve it; and for those of you with Italian-roots, you'll love her meatballs mac and cheese made with mouthwatering burrata cheese. Along with Werlin's out-of-the-box creations, we also have the Ultimately Perfect Mac and Cheese, along with some other exciting creations to share, so no matter what mac and cheese you'll be charming your guests with, it'll be done perfectly.

Anne Dolce is the Cook Editor at The Daily Meal. Follow her on Twitter @anniecdolce