Everyone loves a classic, comforting bowl of mac and cheese. Whether you have it as a side dish or a main course, this all-time favorite has many delicious variations. We’ve curated three mouthwatering mac and cheese recipes for you to try at home, each with its unique twist on the beloved dish. So, prep your ingredients, preheat those ovens, and let’s dive into these delectable dishes!
1. Gourmet mac and cheese with garlic and breadcrumbs
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1 pinch paprika
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat then stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk to the roux while stirring constantly.
- Stir in cheeses and cook until fully melted.
- In a separate pan, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
- Stir in bread crumbs to the garlic-butter mixture and keep stirring until well combined.
- Combine cooked macaroni with cheese sauce and stir thoroughly.
- Transfer macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe dish and top with breadcrumb-garlic mixture. Sprinkle with paprika.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until breadcrumbs are golden brown.
This gourmet mac and cheese recipe has a luxurious taste from sharp cheddar and parmesan cheeses and is topped with crispy, garlicky breadcrumbs for added texture and flavor. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy date night at home!
2. Spicy jalapeño bacon mac and cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
- 3 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 2 1/2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled
- 1/4 cup chopped pickled jalapeños
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt 1/4 cup butter over medium heat then stir in flour to make a roux.
- Gradually add milk to the roux while stirring constantly.
- Stir in pepper jack, cheddar, and parmesan cheeses until fully melted.
- Add cooked bacon and chopped jalapeños to cheese sauce, mixing well.
- Combine cooked macaroni with spicy cheese sauce and stir thoroughly.
- Transfer macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe dish and bake for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden.
If you like your mac and cheese with a kick, look no further! This spicy jalapeño bacon mac and cheese recipe brings together the creaminess of cheese with the bold flavors of jalapeño and smoky bacon. Perfect for when you need a little heat to warm up your day.
3. Creamy vegan mac and cheese
Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups raw cashews, soaked for at least 2 hours
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions:
-
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook macaroni according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
- In a blender combine soaked cashews, water, nutritional yeast, lemon juice, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, turmeric, salt, and pepper.
- Blend until smooth and creamy.
- Combine cooked macaroni with vegan cheese sauce and stir thoroughly.
- Transfer macaroni and cheese to an oven-safe dish and bake for 15-20 minutes or until bubbly and slightly golden.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving (optional).
For those searching for a delicious dairy-free alternative, this creamy vegan mac and cheese recipe hits the spot! The rich, creamy taste comes from soaked cashews and flavorful nutritional yeast. You won’t believe it’s entirely plant-based!
