Italian Pastas

Ricotta and Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 2 cups shredded smoked Gouda cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs

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

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F.
2. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown.
4. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Add the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, thyme, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a simmer.
5. Reduce the heat to low and add the ricotta cheese and smoked Gouda cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is coated evenly.
7. Pour the mac and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs on top.
8. Cover the dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
9. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 10-15 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
10. 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:
6-8 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 605
Fat: 29g
Saturated Fat: 18g
Cholesterol: 94mg
Sodium: 761mg
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 10g
Protein: 29g

Substitutions for ingredients:
- You can use any type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni.
- You can substitute the smoked Gouda cheese with any other type of smoked cheese, such as smoked cheddar or smoked mozzarella.

Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham for a meaty version.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
- Use different types of cheese, such as fontina, gruyere, or parmesan.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to whisk the cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps from forming.
- If the mac and cheese is too thick, you can add more milk to thin it out.
- To make the breadcrumbs extra crispy, you can toast them in a dry skillet before sprinkling them on top of the mac and cheese.

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

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

Presentation ideas:
- Serve the mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color.

Garnishes:
- Chopped parsley or chives
- Crumbled bacon or ham

Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Pair with a crisp white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.

Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Grilled asparagus

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thin, you can add more cheese to thicken it up.
- If the mac and cheese is too dry, you can add more milk to make it creamier.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the macaroni until al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy.
- Store leftover mac and cheese in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
- Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food that originated in the 18th century. It was originally made with macaroni and a simple white sauce, but over time, different cheeses and seasonings were added to create new variations.

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 barbecue.

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Taste: Creamy, Smoky, Cheesy, Rich, Comforting