How can I make ahead and bring to a pitch in?

I love this recipe, but have only made it and served it from home. I volunteered to bring it to a pitch in for 12, but won't have access to an oven What do you suggest other than bringing something else :)? Thank you. I love your website--recipes, videos and shop.

susan
  • Posted by: susan
  • May 21, 2021
  • 999 views
  • 9 Comments
Baking Sheet Macaroni and Cheese
Recipe question for: Baking Sheet Macaroni and Cheese

9 Comments

susan May 21, 2021
I love that plan---the foil and possibly the burners. Then I won't be taking up the oven space for the hostess. Thank you all so much for your interest in my project! Love, Susan
 
Amanda H. May 21, 2021
Thanks for your note, Susan! If the gathering you're bringing it to isn't far away, then I'd heat it thoroughly in your oven at home, cover it with foil and bring it -- it should hold its heat for at least 30 minutes covered. Alternatively, if there is a stove on site, you could place the covered baking sheet across two burners and keep the mac and cheese warm over low heat. This approach is a little riskier but if you keep a close eye and turn the stove burners on and off as needed, you can warm it without burning.
 
susan May 21, 2021
Thank you! I was thinking of something else and am now back to going with my original thought of the Baking Sheet Macaroni. Your answer was just in time. I'll let you know how it goes!
 
Emily K. May 21, 2021
Hi Susan! Looks like Nancy shared some super helpful advice below, but just wanted to say that we think your idea to make in advance and then keep warm at the event sounds like a good one, and if you can avoid that bowl, at least at first, we would (to preserve the 50:50 crispy-soft ratio!). Hope it's a huge hit—let us know how it goes!
 
susan May 21, 2021
Thank you so much for your rapid reply.
 
susan May 21, 2021
Hmm, I was hoping to use this as a side dish---not an appetizer. I do have the Salton Hot Tray I could bring. Make the recipe as it says just before I leave home, put it in a serving dish and keep it warm on the hot tray? Would it lose something if put in a bowl after the fact?
Thank you for your rapid response and yes, a pitch in is a pot luck :)
 
Nancy May 21, 2021
If everyone goes through the buffet once immediately after heating up, ok to put in a bowl. But if the dudh duts out for a while, I'd keep it on the hot tray. Either way, good luck.
 
Nancy May 21, 2021
If the dish sits out...
 
Nancy May 21, 2021
Is a pitch-in like a pot luck?
Here's one possible approach.
Amanda Hesser in writing the recipe increased the crunch factor in mac & cheese from 20% to 50%.
As you don't have an oven at the event, maybe take it further (to 80 or 100%) and make this a crispy roasted snack to eat with fingers, not an appetizer dish for forks?
 
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