baked macaroni and cheese
My mom's boyfriend used to have baked mac and cheese as a boy. His mom would make it for him. One Christmas a few years back, we decided not to have a traditional holiday meal because he was allergic to fowl. I volunteered to make this dish. He bit into it, and literally teared up and said, "This reminds me of my mom, and I love it." He never had seconds of anything, but that night, I believe he had thirds. Since then, I have had to email my mom the recipe so she can make him his favorite meal.
Blue Ribbon Recipe
Thanks to the choice of cheese, this is a slightly elevated baked macaroni and cheese. It has the classic shredded sharp cheddar, and also adds both Asiago and Gorgonzola cheese. Both have robust flavors. The Asiago cheese adds richness while Gorgonzola gives the cheese sauce a little tang. When combined with the roux and milk, they create the creamiest, tastiest cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces rotini pasta
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 2 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
- 1 cup grated Asiago cheese
- 1 cup crumbled Gorgonzola cheese
How To Make baked macaroni and cheese
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Step 1In a large pot, prepare macaroni as directed. Drain and set aside. -
Step 2In a large skillet, melt butter and saute garlic until slightly golden over medium-high heat.
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Step 3Add flour and make a roux. It should be a slight golden brown.
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Step 4Add a little milk and whisk to break up the roux so there are no lumps. Continue adding milk and whisk so no lumps form. Add salt and pepper to taste.
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Step 5Continue to cook and stir over medium heat until the sauce starts to thicken.
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Step 6Add 2 cups of cheddar cheese, Asiago cheese, and Gorgonzola cheese.
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Step 7Constantly stir until melted, and the sauce is thick.
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Step 8Mix the sauce and the cooked pasta.
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Step 9Add 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and stir.
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Step 10Pour into a prepared 9x12 rectangle baking pan. Top with the remaining cheese.
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Step 11Bake at 350 degrees F for 35-45 minutes until the cheese on top is a nice golden brown. Remove from oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Then serve.
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Step 12Cheeses can be less or more to your preference. I also like to add fresh mushrooms, onions, and broccoli for a twist. You can also use Parmesan cheese or Italian bread crumbs on top with the cheddar cheese for a crunchier top.
- Last Step: Don't forget to share! Post a picture of your finished recipe here and on your favorite social network. Don't forget to tag Just A Pinch and include #justapinchrecipes!
