Grown-up Mac 'n' Cheese

Health score
9%
Grown-up Mac 'n' Cheese
30 min.
6
536kcal

Suggestions


If you're ready to elevate your comfort food game, this Grown-up Mac 'n' Cheese is the perfect dish to try. With its creamy, cheesy goodness and a hint of sophistication, this version of the classic favorite will have your taste buds dancing. Imagine perfectly cooked ziti pasta enveloped in a rich, velvety sauce made from the finest Italian fontina and nutty gruyère cheeses, all topped with crispy, thick-cut bacon that adds a delightful crunch and smoky flavor.

This recipe is not just about indulgence; it’s also about balance. With a comforting mix of protein, healthy fats, and carbohydrates, this dish strikes just the right chord in your culinary symphony. It’s ideal for a casual yet classy dinner, a gathering with friends, or even a cozy lunch at home. Garnished with fresh chives, it not only pleases the palate but also the eyes, making it an irresistible addition to your meal rotation.

In just 30 minutes, you can whip up this delectable masterpiece that serves six, bringing smiles to your family and friends. Whether you’re sinking into a bowl after a long day or impressing guests at a dinner party, this Grown-up Mac 'n' Cheese promises to be a hit. Get ready to indulge in a comfort food classic that’s anything but ordinary!

Ingredients

  • tablespoon chives chopped
  • tablespoons flour 
  • ounces fontina shredded italian
  • ounces gruyère cheese shredded
  • cups milk 
  • ounces freshly parmesan cheese shredded
  • ounces bacon thick-cut cut into 1/2-in. pieces
  • 12 ounces ziti pasta 

Equipment

  • bowl
  • frying pan
  • paper towels
  • sauce pan
  • whisk
  • ramekin

Directions

  1. Cook pasta according to the package directions.
  2. Fry bacon meanwhile in a medium saucepan over medium heat until brown and crisp, about 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  4. Pour off all but 1 tbsp. fat from pan.
  5. Add flour and whisk over medium heat.
  6. Pour in milk 1/4 cup at a time, whisking well after each addition (it will be very thick at first) until incorporated and smooth.
  7. Add cheeses in 3 batches, whisking continually and making sure each batch is mostly melted before adding the next.
  8. Drain pasta, then stir into cheese sauce (it will thicken upon standing). Divide pasta among individual ramekins or bowls and top with bacon and chives.

Nutrition Facts

Calories536kcal
Protein20.02%
Fat43.08%
Carbs36.9%

Properties

Glycemic Index
42.33
Glycemic Load
20.01
Inflammation Score
-5
Nutrition Score
16.296087154876%

Flavonoids

Isorhamnetin
0.03mg
Kaempferol
0.05mg
Quercetin
0.02mg

Nutrients percent of daily need

Calories:535.83kcal
26.79%
Fat:25.41g
39.09%
Saturated Fat:12.94g
80.87%
Carbohydrates:48.97g
16.32%
Net Carbohydrates:47.08g
17.12%
Sugar:5.88g
6.53%
Cholesterol:71.37mg
23.79%
Sodium:597.02mg
25.96%
Alcohol:0g
100%
Alcohol %:0%
100%
Protein:26.57g
53.14%
Selenium:49.64µg
70.91%
Calcium:520.45mg
52.04%
Phosphorus:464.83mg
46.48%
Manganese:0.55mg
27.6%
Vitamin B12:1.27µg
21.12%
Zinc:3.03mg
20.23%
Vitamin B2:0.3mg
17.48%
Magnesium:56.45mg
14.11%
Vitamin B1:0.19mg
12.52%
Vitamin A:586.04IU
11.72%
Vitamin B6:0.22mg
11.09%
Vitamin B3:2.03mg
10.17%
Copper:0.19mg
9.54%
Potassium:326.11mg
9.32%
Vitamin B5:0.9mg
8.95%
Vitamin D:1.24µg
8.3%
Fiber:1.89g
7.58%
Iron:1.09mg
6.06%
Folate:18.99µg
4.75%
Vitamin K:2.54µg
2.41%
Vitamin E:0.31mg
2.08%
Source:My Recipes