Pasta

Queso Herreño Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Queso Herreño cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.

2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and set aside.

3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.

4. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming.

6. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.

7. Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens.

8. Add the shredded Queso Herreño cheese and Parmesan cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

9. Add the cooked macaroni to the sauce and stir until well coated.

10. Pour the mac and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

11. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.

12. Sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.


- Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
- Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
- Oven temperature: 375°F
Serving size:
- 8 servings

Nutritional information:
- Calories: 540
- Fat: 31g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Protein: 22g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Queso Herreño cheese can be substituted with any other type of melting cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano or Asiago cheese.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or diced ham to the mac and cheese before baking.
- Top the mac and cheese with breadcrumbs or crushed potato chips for added crunch.
- Use different types of pasta, such as penne or fusilli, instead of elbow macaroni.

Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use whole milk and heavy cream for a richer and creamier sauce.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to thicken.

Storage instructions:
- Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
- Reheat the mac and cheese in the microwave or oven until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
- Garnish with additional chopped parsley or grated Parmesan cheese before serving.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a glass of red wine, such as Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot.

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

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk or cream to thin it out.
- If the sauce is too thin, cook it for a few more minutes until it thickens.

Food safety advice:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni and sauce to the proper temperature to prevent foodborne illness.

Food history:
- Queso Herreño is a type of cheese that originated in the Canary Islands, Spain.

Flavor profiles:
- Creamy
- Cheesy
- Smoky
- Savory

Serving suggestions:
- Serve the mac and cheese as a main dish for dinner or as a side dish for a potluck or party.

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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Rich, Tangy