Pastas

Berner Alpkäse Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups grated Berner Alpkäse cheese
- 1 cup grated Gruyere cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Large saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil

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 large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns golden brown.
5. Gradually whisk in milk until mixture is smooth.
6. Add salt, black pepper, nutmeg, and cayenne pepper. Whisk until combined.
7. Cook sauce for 5-7 minutes until it thickens, stirring constantly.
8. Add Berner Alpkäse, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
9. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until macaroni is coated evenly.
10. Pour mac and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
11. Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs on top of the mac and cheese.
12. Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
14. Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.


Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
5. Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 560
Fat per serving: 31g
Carbohydrates per serving: 45g
Protein per serving: 24g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Berner Alpkäse cheese can be substituted with any other hard cheese such as cheddar or Gouda.
- Gruyere cheese can be substituted with Swiss cheese.
- Whole milk can be substituted with 2% or skim milk.
- Panko breadcrumbs can be substituted with regular breadcrumbs or crushed crackers.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the mac and cheese for a meaty version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Use different types of cheese for a different flavor profile.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Don't overcook the macaroni as it will continue to cook in the oven.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the cheese to set.

Storage instructions:
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
To reheat, place the mac and cheese in a microwave-safe dish and microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Alternatively, place the mac and cheese in a baking dish and bake in the oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation. Top with fresh herbs such as parsley or chives.

Garnishes:
Top the mac and cheese with additional grated cheese, breadcrumbs, or chopped herbs.

Pairings:
Serve the mac and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk until desired consistency is reached.
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, add more cheese until desired consistency is reached.

Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the macaroni and cheese to an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safe to eat.

Food history:
Berner Alpkäse is a Swiss cheese made from the milk of cows that graze on Alpine pastures. It has a nutty and slightly sweet flavor that pairs well with mac and cheese.

Flavor profiles:
This mac and cheese has a creamy and cheesy flavor with a hint of nutmeg and cayenne pepper.

Serving suggestions:
Serve the mac and cheese with a glass of white wine or a cold beer.

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Region: Swiss

Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Nutty, Rich