Best 3 Grown Up Macaroni Cheese Recipes

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Are you looking for a recipe for a grown-up macaroni and cheese that is both delicious and sophisticated? This elevated version of the classic comfort food combines creamy cheese, tender pasta, and a variety of savory ingredients to create a dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a cozy night in. Packed with flavor and sure to impress, this recipe will take your taste buds on a culinary journey.

Here are our top 3 tried and tested recipes!

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

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 :

Tips:

  • Selecting the Right Cheese: Use quality, flavorful cheese to elevate the dish. Consider using a mix of sharp cheddar, creamy Gruyère, and pungent Parmesan for a rich and complex flavor profile.
  • Cooking the Macaroni Al Dente: Don't overcook the macaroni; aim for a slightly firm texture that will hold its shape well in the cheesy sauce.
  • Creating a Roux: Preparing a roux (mixture of butter and flour) ensures a smooth, creamy sauce. Cook the roux gently over low heat until it turns light golden brown.
  • Adding the Milk: Gradually whisk in the milk to the roux, stirring continuously to prevent lumps. Bring the mixture to a simmer, allowing it to thicken slightly.
  • Flavoring the Sauce: Season the sauce generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg for a classic macaroni and cheese flavor. Additional spices and herbs like garlic powder, paprika, or thyme can also be added for extra depth.
  • Incorporating the Meat: For meat-based variations, brown the chosen meat (bacon, sausage, chicken, etc.) separately before adding it to the cheese sauce. This enhances the meat's flavor and prevents it from becoming dry.
  • Using Fresh Vegetables: If adding vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, or peas, blanch them briefly to retain their crisp texture and vibrant color.
  • Baking the Casserole: Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased baking dish. Top with a layer of crispy breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese for a golden crust.
  • Resting Before Serving: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes before serving. This helps the dish set and makes it easier to portion.

Conclusion:

Grown-up macaroni and cheese is a versatile dish that can be customized to suit different tastes and preferences. With its rich, creamy sauce, flavorful cheese blend, and optional additions like meat and vegetables, this elevated version of a classic comfort food is sure to impress at any gathering. So, grab your apron, gather your ingredients, and embark on a delightful culinary journey to create a grown-up macaroni and cheese that will tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving more!

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