Best 7 Grown Up Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Are you tired of the same old, bland macaroni and cheese? Do you crave a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated? Look no further! In this article, we will take you on a culinary journey to discover the best recipes for grown-up macaroni and cheese. We have searched high and low to find the most delicious and innovative ways to elevate this classic dish. From creamy truffle mac and cheese to spicy chorizo mac and cheese, our recipes will satisfy even the most discerning palate. So grab your apron and get ready to embark on a cheesy adventure!

Let's cook with our recipes!

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.

GROWN UP MACARONI AND CHEESE



Grown up Macaroni and Cheese image

This is a fantastic mac and cheese recipe, with grown up flavors...you've got to give it a try. I made it last year for a dinner party, and after a year of people asking for the recipe (It really is that good!) I decided to just put it on Zaar. The recipe comes from the Fall 2007 edition of The Best of Fine Cooking magazine. This serves 8 people as a main course.

Provided by Chef Johnny Ringo

Categories     Cheese

Time 1h30m

Yield 8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 17

3 cups whole milk
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 medium onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
1 bay leaf
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
1 pinch nutmeg, freshly grated
1/4 teaspoon Tabasco sauce
fresh ground black pepper, to taste
5 ounces gruyere cheese, coarsely grated (about 1 3/4 cup, lightly packed)
1/2 lb blue cheese, crumbled (Maytag blue suggested, about 2 cups)
1 lb penne rigate, dried
1 tablespoon lemon zest, finely grated
11 ounces monterey jack cheese, cut into 1/2 inch dice (about 2 cups)
1/2 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped fresh
2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves
2 1/2 ounces parmigiano-reggiano cheese, freshly grated (scant 1 cup)
3/4 cup fresh breadcrumb

Steps:

  • Heat oven to 350°F.
  • Put a large pot of well salted water on to boil.
  • Heat the milk in a small saucepan over medium low heat to just below a simmer. Remove from heat and cover to keep hot.
  • Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium low heat.
  • add the onion and bay leaf. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion starts to soften, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
  • Gradually whisk in the hot milk, bring to a simmer, and cook for 10 minutes, whisking frequently, until thickened and smooth.
  • Season with 1 tsp salt, the nutmeg, tabasco and pepper to taste.
  • Remove and discard the bay leaf. Stir in the gruyere and blue cheese.
  • Cook the pasta in the boiling water to al dente, following the package directions. Drain well and return to the pot.
  • Toss the lemon zest and half of the Monterey Jack cheese into the pasta while it's still hot; add the cheese sauce and quickly toss to combine.
  • Stir in the parsley and thyme and transfer half of the pasta to a large 3 qt shallow cassserole or lasagna pan.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining Monterey Jack cheese and half of the Parmigiano; top with the remaining pasta.
  • Sprinkle with the remaining Parmigiano and the breadcrumbs.
  • Bake until bubbling and golden, 50 to 60 minutes.
  • Let rest for 5 to 10 minutes before serving.

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

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

MACARONI AND CHEESE FOR GROWN-UPS



Macaroni and Cheese for Grown-Ups image

This is a great side dish or main course. I say for grown-ups, but anyone can enjoy it. Use your choice of cheeses, I like Smoked Gouda, Swiss, Chedder and Munster. Thanks to Alton Brown for the idea of Panko on top as a crust. I don't remember where I got this but I think it was my Nana.

Provided by Lauren4372

Categories     Pasta Shells

Time 35m

Yield 4-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 12

6 cups water
1 teaspoon salt, divided
1/8 teaspoon vegetable oil
1 lb ditalini or 1 lb shell macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk or 2 1/2 cups half-and-half cream
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
4 -6 ounces freshly grated cheese, your choice but I like smoked Gouda, Swiss, Chedder and Munster
2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs, flakes
1 teaspoon fresh parsley

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
  • Put the water, 1/2 teaspoon of salt and oil in a large heavy saucepan over high heat to boil. Add the pasta and cook stiring occasionally until tender, about 8 minutes.
  • In a small heavy saucepan melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook stirring constantly for 2 minutes.
  • Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly.
  • Add the remaining salt and pepper and continue whisking until the sauce is smooth and thick enough to coat the whisk; about 8 minutes.
  • Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheese(s). Continue stiring until smooth and melted.
  • In the microwave melt the remaining butter and mix with Panko. Add the parsley. Set aside.
  • Lightly butter a 1.5 quart casserole or 4- 15 oz. rammikins.
  • Combine chesse sauce and macaroni in casserole mixing well.
  • Top with Panko and bake in 375 degree oven for 20 minutes or until brown on top.
  • Remove and enjoy.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 849.2, Fat 32, SaturatedFat 18.7, Cholesterol 79.2, Sodium 1073.2, Carbohydrate 110.8, Fiber 4.6, Sugar 11.9, Protein 28.2

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 MACARONI & CHEESE



Grown Up Macaroni & Cheese image

The ultimate comfort food by Toronto chef Michael Bonacini. Pair this with his Meat Loaf Muffins & a green veg for a "retro" dinner. You'll never eat Kraft Dinner again!!

Provided by CountryLady

Categories     Cheese

Time 55m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

2 cups elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup milk
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 onion, peeled & chopped
1 bay leaf
2 cups cheddar cheese, grated
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
salt and pepper
3/4 cup breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon chopped parsley
1/4 teaspoon paprika

Steps:

  • Cook macaroni in boiling salted water according to package directions.
  • Drain& add a little butter to prevent sticking.
  • Cover& put aside.
  • Melt butter in a large saucepan over low to medium heat.
  • Add flour& cook gently for 4- 5 mins.
  • Add milk, mix well& allow to simmer for a few mins.
  • Add cream, mix well& cook over low heat, stirring constantly, until sauce starts to thicken (about 10 mins).
  • Add onion& bay leaf; continue cooking for another 15- 20 mins, stirring constantly.
  • Remove from heat, remove bay leaf, stir in mustard& 1 1/2 cups of the cheddar, season with salt& pepper and stir well.
  • Combine with macaroni in an ovenproof casserole dish.
  • Sprinkle the rest of the cheddar over top.
  • Combine bread crumbs, parsley& paprika and sprinkle over the top.
  • Bake in a preheated 350F oven for about 15- 20 minutes or until light golden brown on top.

Tips:

  • Use a flavorful cheese blend: Combine sharp cheddar, Gruyère, Parmesan, and fontina for a rich and complex flavor.
  • Cook the macaroni to al dente: This will prevent it from becoming mushy when baked.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that thickens the sauce and prevents it from separating.
  • Use whole milk: Whole milk will make the sauce creamier and richer than skim or low-fat milk.
  • Add aromatics: Sauté onions, garlic, and shallots in butter before adding the flour to make a flavorful base for the sauce.
  • Season the sauce well: Use a combination of salt, pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper to taste.
  • Top with bread crumbs: A crispy bread crumb topping adds texture and flavor to the macaroni and cheese.
  • Bake until bubbly and golden brown: This will ensure that the macaroni and cheese is cooked through and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Grown-up macaroni and cheese is a delicious and versatile dish that can be customized to your liking. With its rich and creamy sauce, flavorful cheese blend, and crispy bread crumb topping, this dish is sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Whether you're a fan of classic macaroni and cheese or you're looking for something a little more sophisticated, this recipe is sure to please. So next time you're in the mood for a comforting and satisfying meal, give grown-up macaroni and cheese a try. You won't be disappointed!

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