Best 2 Sun Dried Tomato And Basil Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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In the realm of culinary delights, few dishes evoke the essence of comfort and indulgence quite like macaroni and cheese. Its rich and creamy texture, enveloped in a blanket of golden-brown breadcrumbs, has captivated taste buds for generations. For those seeking a culinary adventure, sun-dried tomato and basil macaroni and cheese beckons, offering a vibrant symphony of flavors. The sun-dried tomatoes, imbued with the warmth of the Mediterranean sun, lend a delightful tanginess while the fragrant basil adds an herbaceous touch, elevating the classic macaroni and cheese to a gourmet masterpiece.

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SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL MACARONI AND CHEESE



SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL MACARONI AND CHEESE image

Categories     Pasta     Vegetarian     Dinner

Number Of Ingredients 25

16 oz (one bag) Conchiglie pasta, or whichever shape you want
Filling:
1 yellow onion diced
1 head of garlic diced
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, diced (about 7 sprigs)
1/4 cup fresh basil finely chopped
1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, diced
Béchamel Sauce:
4 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoon flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup shredded Parmesan
1 cup shredded Gruyere
1 cup shredded Cheddar
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon Cayenne (optional, but I like the little kick it gives)
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon black pepper
1 teaspoon dijon mustard
Breadcrumbs:
2 cups breadcrumbs
1/4 cup diced parsley
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon black pepper

Steps:

  • Saute the diced onion in butter and olive oil over low heat until translucent. (About 15 minutes.) Add the diced garlic to the pan and continue cooking until they are both caramelized. (About 1o more minutes.) While sautéing, chop the basil, thyme and sun-dried tomatoes. When the onion and garlic are caramelized combine them with diced the basil, thyme and sun-dried tomatoes. Set aside. Make the breadcrumbs as the onions are cooking. For the breadcrumbs I used a leftover baguette, but sliced bread fine. Slice the baguette into rounds and put them in the oven for 5 minutes to toast them. Then chopped the bread into little pieces. Toss with olive oil, salt, pepper, and parsley. Set aside. Boil water for the pasta. Cook pasta for 3 minutes less than the directions say. The pasta should be cooked only on the outside. The inside should be hard. It will have a white strip in the middle. Warm 2 cups of milk in another pan, making sure not to boil it. Make the béchamel sauce: Wipe the onion pan clean and melt 4 tablespoons of butter. When the butter stops bubbling add the flour and quickly stir together. Cook until the mixture is golden. Slowly add the warmed milk to the butter-flour mixture, whisking constantly. Start with 1/2 cup of milk, once that is fully incorporated add more. Once all the milk is added cook for 1 or 2 minutes more until the sauce has thickened. Then add the nutmeg, pepper, salt, cayenne, and mustard. Mix. Add all 3 cups of cheese. It will be very cheesy. Add the onion, garlic, sun-dried tomato, and basil mix to the cheese sauce and combine. Then add the pasta to the sauce. Place macaroni and cheese into individual ramekins to bake. (Sometimes I bake the whole thing in the same cast iron pan I made it in.) Top with breadcrumbs. Garnish with basil. Bake for 20 minutes at 375 F.

SUN-DRIED TOMATO AND BASIL MACARONI AND CHEESE?



Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Macaroni and Cheese? image

this new macaroni and cheese recipe you gonna try,it filled with sun dried tomatoes and basil,one bite your tastebuds will love flavor of italy

Provided by raymond spencer

Categories     Pasta Sides

Time 40m

Number Of Ingredients 12

2 c chopped sun dried tomatoes,divided
2 c shredded parmesan cheese,divided
1 (8-ounce) package large elbow macaroni
1 c refrigerated basil pesto
5 Tbsp magarine
5 Tbsp all purpose flour
3 c milk
4 Tbsp cream cheese,softened
1 c shredded colby jack cheese
1 c shreddded sharp cheddar cheese
2 tsp chopped fresh basil
3/4 c grated parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.Grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.Add 1 cup chopped sun dried tomatoes and 1 cup shredded parmesan cheese;mix well.
  • 2. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil.Add macaroni and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente;drain.Transfer macaroni into large bowl,add basil pesto,mix together until blended.Set aside.
  • 3. In a medium saucepan,melt margarine and stir in flour to make a roux.Cook 3 minutes,stirring constantly,then whisk in milk.Bring to a boil,then reduce heat and simmer.Mix in cream cheese and remaining chopped sun dried tomatoes and stir frequently until the sauce is thickens.
  • 4. Remove from heat and stir in colby jack,sharp cheddar and remaining parmesan cheese and basil.Combine pesto macaroni mixture and stir well.
  • 5. Pour into a prepared baking dish.Cover with alumnum foil.Bake in preheated oven for 35 minutes.Remove the foil,sprinkle with grated parmesan cheese.Return the oven for 10 minutes.

Tips:

  • Use high-quality ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the macaroni and cheese will be. Use a good quality cheese, such as cheddar, Gruyère, or Parmesan, and fresh herbs.
  • Don't overcook the pasta: The pasta should be cooked al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will be mushy and not hold its shape.
  • Make a roux: A roux is a mixture of butter and flour that is used to thicken the sauce. A roux will help to create a smooth and creamy sauce.
  • Use milk or cream: Milk or cream will help to make the sauce rich and creamy. You can use whole milk, low-fat milk, or even heavy cream.
  • Add flavorings: You can add a variety of flavorings to the macaroni and cheese, such as sun-dried tomatoes, basil, garlic, or paprika.
  • Top with cheese: Before baking the macaroni and cheese, top it with a layer of cheese. This will help to create a golden brown crust.
  • Bake until bubbly: Bake the macaroni and cheese until it is bubbly and the cheese is melted and gooey.

Conclusion:

Sun-dried tomato and basil macaroni and cheese is a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion. With its creamy sauce, flavorful sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil, this macaroni and cheese is sure to please everyone at the table.

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