Mac and Cheese
Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that's a comfort food staple. Made with cavatappi pasta and a blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan cheeses, this rich, baked version features a crispy breadcrumb topping
Servings 6 people
Ingredients
- 1 Shallot
- 3 Garlic Cloves
- 8 oz Parmesan Cheese
- 8 oz Fontina Cheese
- 16 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 cup Heavy Cream
- 2 cups Whole Milk
- 6 tbsp Butter
- 1/2 cup Bread Crumbs
- 1 tbsp Dijon Mustard
- 4 tbsp Flour
- 16 oz Cavatappi Pasta
- 1 tsp Paprika
Instructions
Prep Cheese & Produce
- Shred the cheeses: sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Fontina, and Parmesan.
- Finely chop the shallot and garlic for the sauce base.
Make Cheese Sauce
- Melt 6 tbsp butter in a pan. Add chopped shallots and cook until translucent. Add garlic and cook briefly.
- Sprinkle in 4 tbsp flour, stirring to form a roux, and cook until golden.
- Gradually whisk in 2 cups whole milk and 1 cup heavy cream, allowing the mixture to thicken.
- Slowly stir in the shredded cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
- Add 1 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tsp paprika for extra flavor.
Cook & Combine Pasta
- Cook 16 oz of cavatappi pasta until al dente. Drain well.
- Combine the cooked pasta with the cheese sauce, ensuring the pasta is fully coated.
Make & Bake Topping
- Mix 1/2 cup bread crumbs with a little melted butter and some extra shredded cheese.
- Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish, spread the bread crumb topping evenly over the pasta, and bake or broil until golden brown.
Enjoy Your Mac and Cheese!
- Allow the dish to cool slightly before serving for the best creamy texture and flavor.