Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups grated Meia Cura cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Colander for draining pasta
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Whisk for stirring cheese sauce
- Large mixing bowl for combining pasta and cheese sauce
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
- Oven
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns golden brown.
4. Slowly whisk in milk and cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
5. Add salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper to the saucepan. Continue to stir until mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon.
6. Remove saucepan from heat and stir in Meia Cura and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
7. In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked macaroni and cheese sauce. Stir until pasta is evenly coated.
8. Pour macaroni and cheese mixture into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs over the top.
9. Cover baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
10. Remove foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until breadcrumbs are golden brown and cheese is bubbly.
11. Let baked macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 35-40 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 550
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 100mg
Sodium: 770mg
Carbohydrates: 46g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 6g
Protein: 22g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Meia Cura cheese can be substituted with Gouda or Cheddar cheese.
- Heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half or whole milk.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the macaroni and cheese mixture before baking.
- Top baked macaroni and cheese with sliced tomatoes or roasted vegetables for a healthier twist.
- Use different types of cheese, such as blue cheese or goat cheese, for a unique flavor.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to stir the cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a high-quality Meia Cura cheese for the best flavor.
- Let baked macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns.
Storage instructions:
Baked macaroni and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
To reheat baked macaroni and cheese, preheat oven to 350°F. Cover baking dish with foil and bake for 15-20 minutes until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve baked macaroni and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
Garnishes:
Sprinkle chopped parsley or chives over the top of baked macaroni and cheese for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Baked macaroni and cheese pairs well with roasted chicken or grilled steak.
Suggested side dishes:
Serve baked macaroni and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk or cream to thin it out.
- If breadcrumbs are not browning, broil the macaroni and cheese for a few minutes until golden brown.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook macaroni until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the cheese sauce.
Food history:
Macaroni and cheese is a classic American comfort food that originated in the 18th century.
Flavor profiles:
Baked macaroni and cheese with Meia Cura cheese has a rich and creamy flavor with a hint of nutmeg and cayenne pepper.
Serving suggestions:
Serve baked macaroni and cheese with a glass of red wine or a cold beer.
Related Categories
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Region: Portuguese
Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Comforting