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
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded Queso de Benabarre cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Special Equipment Needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a large 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, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until combined.
7. Cook the sauce for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens.
8. Add the Queso de Benabarre cheese and cheddar 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 the macaroni is coated.
10. Pour the mac and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
11. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.
12. Cover the 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 crispy.
14. Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 45 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories per serving: 550
Fat per serving: 32g
Saturated fat per serving: 19g
Cholesterol per serving: 105mg
Sodium per serving: 550mg
Carbohydrates per serving: 43g
Fiber per serving: 2g
Sugar per serving: 5g
Protein per serving: 20g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Queso de Benabarre cheese can be substituted with any other semi-hard cheese, such as cheddar, gouda, or fontina.
- 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 diced ham to the mac and cheese for a meaty version.
- Add diced tomatoes and jalapeños for a Tex-Mex twist.
- Add chopped spinach or broccoli for a healthier version.
Tips and Tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- Use a good quality cheese for the best flavor.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving to prevent burns.
Storage Instructions:
Leftover mac and cheese can be stored 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 cute presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish the mac and cheese with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.
Pairings:
Serve the mac and cheese with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested Side Dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Grilled asparagus
Troubleshooting Advice:
- If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of milk to thin it out.
- If the mac and cheese is too dry, add a little more milk to the sauce.
Food Safety Advice:
- Be sure to cook the macaroni until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Store leftover mac and cheese in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before eating.
Food History:
Queso de Benabarre is a semi-hard cheese from the Benabarre region of Spain. It is made from cow's milk and has a nutty, buttery flavor.
Flavor Profiles:
The Queso de Benabarre Mac and Cheese has a creamy, cheesy sauce with a hint of smokiness from the paprika and a little kick from the cayenne pepper.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve the Queso de Benabarre Mac and Cheese as a main dish for a cozy dinner at home.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A
Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Comforting