Best 4 Grown Up Mac And Cheese Recipes

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Are you tired of the same old mac and cheese? Ready to step up your mac and cheese game with a more sophisticated and flavorful version? Look no further! In this article, we'll take you on a culinary journey to discover the best recipe for a grown-up mac and cheese that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more. Say goodbye to bland and boring mac and cheese and hello to a creamy, cheesy, and utterly delectable dish that will impress your friends and family.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

MAC AND CHEESE



Mac and Cheese image

Raise the volume with Ina Garten's creamy Mac and Cheese recipe, made with Gruy�re, fresh tomatoes and nutmeg for warmth, from Food Network's Barefoot Contessa.

Provided by Ina Garten

Categories     side-dish

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 12

Kosher salt
Vegetable oil
1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi
1 quart milk
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3/4 pound fresh tomatoes (4 small)
1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, 1 tablespoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.
  • Slice the tomatoes and arrange on top. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

JOHNSONVILLE® GROWN UP MAC & CHEESE



Johnsonville® Grown Up Mac & Cheese image

Brought to you by The Kitchen at Johnsonville® Sausage.

Provided by Taste of Home

Time 25m

Yield 5

Number Of Ingredients 9

2 cups uncooked whole grain elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 cup fat-free milk
1 cup panko bread crumbs
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
8 ounces processed American cheese, cubed
1 link (half of 13.5 ounce package) Johnsonville® Smoked or Three Cheese Italian Style Premium Cooking Sausage, quartered and sliced

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni according to package directions; drain., Mix panko, parsley, and olive oil together in a bowl., Meanwhile, in another saucepan, melt butter over medium heat., Stir in flour until smooth; gradually whisk in milk., Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened., Add cheese; cook and stir until melted., Stir in macaroni and sausage., Spread panko mixture on top and bake at 350?F for 25 minutes., Enjoy.

Nutrition Facts :

GROWN UP MAC AND CHEESE



Grown up Mac and Cheese image

Make and share this Grown up Mac and Cheese recipe from Food.com.

Provided by cookiedog

Categories     One Dish Meal

Time 1h10m

Yield 2 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

4 ounces thick-sliced bacon
vegetable oil
kosher salt
2 cups elbow macaroni or 2 cups cavatappi pasta
1 1/2 cups milk
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 ounces gruyere cheese, grated
3 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, grated
2 ounces blue cheese, such as Roquefort, crumbled
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 pinch nutmeg
2 slices white bread, crusts removed
2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and arrange the bacon in 1 layer on the baking rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp. Remove the pan carefully from the oven - there will be hot grease in the pan! Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and crumble when it is cool enough to handle.
  • Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
  • Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan do not let it come to a boil. Melt the butter in a medium pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or 2 more, until thickened and smooth. Take off the heat and add the Gruyere, Cheddar, blue cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon and stir well. Pour into 2 individual size gratin dishes.
  • Place the bread slices in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until you have coarse crumbs. Add the basil and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the pasta. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1470.7, Fat 87, SaturatedFat 45.5, Cholesterol 223.2, Sodium 1549.6, Carbohydrate 107.4, Fiber 4.3, Sugar 4.5, Protein 62.9

GROWN-UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Grown-Up Macaroni and Cheese image

This is the only way my husband will eat macaroni and cheese, a food our 4 year old asks for constantly. It is my take on a mac and cheese I had at a nice bistro on our first date. I serve it 2 ways - extra creamy or baked. If you prefer your mac and cheese baked, reduce the half & half by 1/2 cup and reserve 1/2 cup or so of the cheeses or simply shred some extra. I also cut a minute or so off the pasta cooking time so they don't get mushy when baking. Feel free to add or substitute other veggies (broccoli and tomatoes are especially good) or leave out the sausage for a meatless meal. Leftover Easter ham also works great with this. It is a bit of work because I highly recommend shredding your own cheese from the block as the pre-shredded cheese in a bag has a powder substance on it that can make the sauce grainy.

Provided by Baking Barb

Categories     Macaroni And Cheese

Time 40m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup flour
2 cups half-and-half cream (I use fat free and it turns out fine)
2 tablespoons softened cream cheese, low fat works great, fat free not so much
8 ounces sharp white cheddar cheese, shredded
8 ounces smoked gouda cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon ground mustard
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 dash nutmeg (optional)
1 lb cooked pasta (we prefer elbow, rigatoni, or medium size shells)
16 ounces sliced mushrooms, I use a mix of white and brown (baby bellas or cremini)
1 (16 ounce) package smoked sausage, cut into coins (I use turkey)
1/2 tablespoon olive oil

Steps:

  • Sauté mushrooms in a little olive oil until cooked down; set aside.
  • Sauté sausage coins in same skillet you used for the mushrooms until warmed through and lightly caramelized; combine with the mushrooms and keep warm.
  • In a saucier or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat until bubbles subside (you don't want to burn it or create a fully browned butter but want to head that direction for a nuttier taste to the sauce).
  • Add flour and cook the roux, stirring constantly, for 2-3 minutes or until flour is fully cooked and mixture has reached a light, golden brown.
  • Add 1/4 cup half & half, cream cheese, ground mustard, and pepper. Stir until fully incorporated into the roux.
  • Slowly add remaining half & half, whisking constantly to break up any lumps and stir for 1-2 minutes or until you can just notice a slight thickening. This makes a very thin, creamy sauce. If you like it a lot thicker reduce half & half by 1/2 cup.
  • Add shredded cheese (either reserve a small amount or shred extra if baking as a casserole) and stir for 1 minute.
  • Reduce heat to low and let cook for 10-15 minutes, stirring every few minutes, until cheese has fully melted and flavors incorporate.
  • While cheese sauce is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions and drain.
  • There are 2 serving options:.
  • Most of the time I simply combine pasta, cheese sauce, mushrooms, and sausage in a large serving bowl and eat it extra creamy.
  • My husband prefers it baked. Combine all components in the pasta pot and then pour into a greased baking dish. Top with reserved/extra cheese and some breadcrumbs (if desired - we don't) and bake at 350 for 15 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 831.9, Fat 62.5, SaturatedFat 31.6, Cholesterol 177.2, Sodium 1295, Carbohydrate 32.9, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 3.6, Protein 36.2

Tips:

  • Use a variety of cheeses: Aim for a mix of textures and flavors, such as a combination of cheddar, mozzarella, and parmesan.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This will prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that helps to thicken the sauce and give it a velvety texture.
  • Season the sauce well: Use a combination of salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni and cheese: It should be cooked until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted, but not browned.
  • Garnish with fresh herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley or chives, add a pop of color and flavor.
  • Try different add-ins: Cooked bacon, diced tomatoes, or roasted vegetables are all great additions to macaroni and cheese.
  • Serve with a side salad: A side salad is a great way to balance out the richness of the macaroni and cheese.

Conclusion:

Macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. By following these tips, you can create a delicious and memorable macaroni and cheese dish that will be loved by everyone. Whether you are looking for a simple weeknight meal or a special occasion dish, macaroni and cheese is always a good choice.

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