DONATELLA'S ITALIAN MAC & CHEESE
Forget that cardboard box and cheese powder! Well, maybe keep it for the kids. Try the real deal with four different types of real cheese making this baked pasta dish truly comforting. A sprinkling of homemade garlic bread crumbs creates a toasty crust, and a drizzle of truffle oil (optional, I've never used it) is a luxurious touch
Provided by Annacia
Categories Macaroni And Cheese
Time 1h5m
Yield 12 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 17
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 400°F Butter ten to twelve 10-oz. ovenproof bowls or ramekins; set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water with 1 tablespoon of salt to boiling. Add pasta, stir just until water returns to boiling. Cook pasta according to package directions just until tender to the bite (al dente). Drain, shaking well. Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl beat egg whites with electric mixer to stiff peaks.
- In Dutch oven, melt butter over medium-low heat. Add onion and cook until softened. Sprinkle the flour over onion; stir constantly for 2 minutes (do no allow flour to brown). A little at a time, add 1 cup of the milk, stirring constantly until smooth.
- For an herb bundle, in an 8-inch square double-thickness of cheesecloth, place the bay leaf, thyme, and peppercorns. Gather corners and tie with 100% cotton string. Add herb bundle to Dutch oven 1 to 2 teaspoons of salt and remaining 2 1/2 cups of milk. Increase heat to medium-high and bring to boiling, stirring frequently (do not let the mixture boil over). Boil for 1 minute; reduce heat to low so milk barely simmers. Cook, stirring frequently, for 10 minutes more. Remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes. Remove and discard herb bundle. Immediately stir in plenty of ground blackpepper, the nutmeg, and the cheeses. Stir just until cheeses are melted.
- Stir cooked macaroni into cheese mixture. Fold in beaten egg whites. Spoon mac and cheese into prepared bowls. Top with Garlic Bread Crumbs.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until heated through (160°F) and crumbs are toasted. To serve, top with truffle oil and fresh thyme.
- *Garlic Bread Crumbs: In a food processor, process 5 oz. (3 thick slices) country-style white bread, crusts removed, to coarse crumbs. Transfer to a bowl. Toss with 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoons salt; and 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper. Add 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil. With a rubber spatula, work oil into the crumbs.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 421, Fat 18.8, SaturatedFat 11.3, Cholesterol 52.5, Sodium 720.2, Carbohydrate 42.4, Fiber 1.8, Sugar 5.7, Protein 19.7
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Nungamya Giovanni
[email protected]This is a great recipe! I've made it several times and it always turns out perfect. The cheese sauce is so creamy and flavorful.
Jamshaid Asghar
[email protected]I made this recipe for a potluck and it was a huge hit! Everyone loved it and asked for the recipe. Thanks for sharing!
DJ Ahmed
[email protected]This dish was a bit too rich for my taste, but my husband loved it! I think I'll try using a different cheese next time.
Mannan Kamboh
[email protected]I substituted the Italian sausage for ground beef and it was still really good! The spinach and sun-dried tomatoes added a nice touch.
TD gaming
[email protected]This recipe is easy to follow and the end result is delicious! I love the creamy cheese sauce and the crunch of the panko breadcrumbs. Definitely a keeper!
B.T.O SOHAG
[email protected]I followed the recipe exactly and it turned out perfectly! My family loved it! Thank you for sharing this recipe!
Ariana Reid
[email protected]This is the best mac and cheese I've ever had! The cheese sauce is so rich and flavorful, and the pasta is cooked perfectly. I highly recommend this recipe.
QASIM GAMER (BLOCH)
[email protected]I'm not a huge fan of mac and cheese, but this recipe changed my mind! It's so creamy and cheesy, with a perfect balance of flavors. I will definitely be making this again.
Lesedi serarile
[email protected]I made this dish last night and it was a hit with my family! My husband kept going back for seconds, and my kids loved it too. The only thing I would change is to add a little more spice.
Gabriel Takang
[email protected]This mac and cheese is a game-changer! It's so creamy and flavorful, with just the right amount of cheese. I love the addition of the Italian sausage and spinach, which give it a unique and delicious twist.