Mac and Cheese Charcuterie Board

Likely you have all heard and traditional charcuterie boards by now. They have gained in their popularity in recent years, and are a well-loved appetizer, or meat and cheese board that are often found at gatherings. But have you ever considered making a mac and cheese charcuterie board?

I am so excited to share this recipe and idea with you. It is revolutionary and just might be your new favorite way to make charcuterie or even a fun dinner idea that will take your basic mac and cheese to a whole new level!

Making a mac and cheese charcuterie board is such a fun way to make a meal for family gatherings or other large gatherings. I am going to share the full recipe with you in the details below, but you will want to know that a mac & cheese charcuterie board is a great way to do a different take on your traditional mac & cheese recipe.

Or you can even enjoy a mac & cheese charcuterie board as a snack board if desired. This is simply a fun way to turn a big board into delicious food for any gathering.

The Makings of a Mac & Cheese Board

Like a traditional charcuterie board, can you have a board that is covered with all kinds of delicious goodies. In this case, the mac & cheese charcuterie board features macaroni and cheese, it is surrounded by all kinds of different toppings, or foods that people may enjoy adding to their basic macaroni and cheese.

Let’s start by looking at my favorite macaroni and cheese recipe that I am excited to share with you. Then we will look at some different toppings you might want to include on your charcuterie board. Of course, keep in mind that you don’t have to make your macaroni and cheese from scratch. You can pick up a box of frozen macaroni and cheese if you prefer.

My Favorite Mac N Cheese Recipe

Ingredients Needed:

Elbow Macaroni. I recommend using elbow macaroni if you want traditional-looking macaroni and cheese. However, you can use your favorite choice of pasta if you prefer another type of pasta.

Butter. I recommend using a bit of salted butter, although unsalted butter can definitely be used in its place if desired.

Garlic. A little bit of minced garlic will help to flavor your macaroni and cheese, making it taste delicious.

Cornstarch. I would strongly recommend you use cornstarch to help thicken the cheese sauce, rather than flour. All-purpose flour can be used instead of cornstarch, but it provides a much grittier cheese sauce, whereas cornstarch makes a smooth cheese sauce.

Different Cheeses. There are a few different types of cheeses you can choose to include in your shredded mac & cheese. My favorite is to use a mixture of shredded cheddar cheese, shredded mozzarella cheese, Velveeta, and cream cheese.

You can mix it up and use other types of cheese if desired. Keep in mind the best cheeses to use are going to be kinds of soft cheese.

Milk or Heavy Cream. You can choose to use milk or heavy cream, whatever you prefer. Obviously heavy cream will give you a creamier-flavored macaroni and cheese. My preference is to use whole milk, which still gives you a delicious creamy flavor, but it’s not overwhelmingly creamy.

Paprika. I’d like to add a little bit of paprika to my macaroni and cheese, to flavor it, and add additional color. This is optional, so if you want to skip it feel free.

Other Seasonings. If you like spicier macaroni and cheese, then you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of cayenne pepper if you wish. You can also season the macaroni and cheese with salt and pepper as desired.

Now that you know about the basic ingredients for a delicious stovetop macaroni and cheese, let’s look at how to make your mac & cheese to go in the center of your charcuterie board.

mac and cheese charcuterie board homemade mac

Start With My Favorite Mac and Cheese Recipe

How to Make the Stovetop Macaroni

First, cook the pasta. Keep in mind that the amount of noodles you will want to feed 4 to 6 people is approximately 1 pound of raw pasta noodles.

Bring your water in a medium saucepan to a boil over high heat. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add your desired type of pasta noodles. Boil until the pasta is al dente, then drain the water from the cooked pasta, and set them aside.

Then take a large saucepan and place it over medium-high heat. Add the butter to your saucepan along with garlic and let the butter melt.

When the butter melts, sprinkle your cornstarch, then whisk to combine. Add in milk and allow the mixture to warm over medium heat.

When the milk is warm, add in the Velveeta cheese, cubed cream cheese, and your desired type of shredded cheese. Whisk until all of the cheese is melted.

Season the cheese sauce with paprika, salt, pepper, and any other desired seasoning. Mix in your cooked pasta noodles and stir until they are coated in the cheese sauce.

Your stove-top macaroni and cheese are now ready to serve. Transfer it to a serving dish, then place it into the center of your charcuterie board along with your other desired dishes to serve on your charcuterie board with your mac and cheese.

Let’s look at what other ingredients you might include on your mac and cheese charcuterie board with your macaroni and cheese. Keep in mind they should be types of food that you enjoy eating in or on your macaroni and cheese.

Making the Best Charcuterie Board Featuring Mac and Cheese

Here are a few ideas to get you thinking about what other foods you might enjoy served on your mac and cheese charcuterie board.

Toppings for a Mac & Cheese Board

Additional Types of Cheese

A Bowl of Pre-Shredded Cheese. Cheese lovers can never have too much cheese. Adding a shredded cheese bowl to your charcuterie board is an easy addition.

Cheese Sauce. Some people enjoy adding a lot of cheese sauce to their mac and cheese. This is a fun addition to your board.

Blue Cheese. Blue cheese is not often considered as a type of cheese to add to your mac and cheese, but it is quite tasty.

Crunchy Topping Ideas

Breadcrumb Mixture. Adding a bowl of panko breadcrumbs or other types of breadcrumbs makes a great addition to your charcuterie.

Crushed Crackers. Another crunchy topping idea is to crush up your favorite type of crackers and add them to your charcuterie board as a tasty option.

Baguette Slices. If you like to have a dipping option, placing some baguette slices on your board is another great option.

Meat Ideas

There are a lot of different types of meat you might enjoy including on your mac and cheese charcuterie board. Here are a few favorites.

Cubes of Ham
Cooked chicken Nuggets
Pepperoni Slices
Hot Dogs Sliced and Cooked
Bacon Bits
Lobster Meat
Salami
Prosciutto
Cooked sausage slices

Other Food Ideas

In addition to your crunchy toppings, additional cheeses, and meat ideas, there are several other fruit or vegetable ideas that you might enjoy including in your macaroni and cheese charcuterie board as well. Let’s look at a few of those ideas.

Sweet Pickles
Dill Pickles
Sundried Tomatoes or cut Cherry Tomatoes
Avocado
Peas
Broccoli
Chopped Onions
Jalapeno Peppers (fresh or pickled)
Nuts such as walnuts, pecans, or almonds

Sauce or Dip Ideas

In addition to the cheese sauce, there are a few other types of sauce you might consider including with your macaroni and cheese charcuterie board.

Sour Cream
Hot Sauce
Garlic Aioli Sauce
BBQ Sauce

Fresh Herbs

Fresh herbs can add color and flavor to your macaroni and cheese charcuterie board. Here are a few delicious options that you might want to include.

Cilantro
Rosemary
Parsley
Chives

How to Build the Board

To make your macaroni and cheese charcuterie board, start with making your stovetop macaroni and cheese. You can simply follow the above recipe, or you can cook frozen macaroni and cheese according to the box directions.

When your mac & cheese is ready, transfer it to a serving dish and place it in the center of the board.

Then, select the other types of food you wish to include, add them to their own bowls, and surround your mac & cheese with them. You can add as many different options as you wish.

Feel free to mix things up and make the board into your very own board. Don’t be afraid to take this delicious cheesy goodness to the next level by adding your own twist to the mac and cheese charcuterie board.

Build-Your-Own Mac & Cheese Bowl

One of the best things about this mac and cheese dinner board is that everyone gets to build their own preferred type of mac and cheese bowl. You get to add what toppings you enjoy and skip the rest. This way, everyone is happy!

Storage

Room Temperature. Your mac & cheese charcuterie board should be kept at room temperature for no more than two hours when your room temperature is between 40°F and 90°F.

When the room temperature is 90°F or above then the mac & cheese charcuterie board should be kept at room temperature for no more than one hour before you risk it growing unwanted bacteria and going bad.

In the fridge. To store your mac & cheese charcuterie board for longer minutes of time, it should be transferred to an airtight container and placed into the fridge for up to 3 to 4 days.

What to Serve with the Mac and Cheese Charcuterie Board

Likely, the mac & cheese charcuterie board will be a meal in and of itself, although it can also be served as an appetizer if you wish. In addition to serving your mac & cheese charcuterie board, you can also serve the above-mentioned ingredients with fresh fruit for a balanced meal.

Delicious Macaroni and Cheese Charcuterie Board

A macaroni and cheese charcuterie board is a different take from your traditional charcuterie board. This type of board can be enjoyed as an appetizer, or main meal depending on your preference. There are many different things you can serve on your charcuterie board along with your basic macaroni and cheese.

Feel free to get creative and include different foods that you enjoy with your macaroni and cheese.

I hope that this has been helpful, and now you have a few ideas to get you started making your very own Mac and cheese charcuterie board. I hope you enjoy it! Thank you so much for stopping by!

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