Grown-up Mac 'n' Cheese

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

Suggestions


Indulge in the rich, creamy comfort of our Grown-up Mac 'n' Cheese, a sophisticated twist on a beloved classic that’s perfect for those seeking a delightful meal with a touch of elegance. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish serves up to six hungry souls, making it an ideal choice for a cozy dinner gathering or a satisfying lunch. Imagine al dente ziti pasta enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce made from a delightful blend of Italian fontina and gruyère cheeses, delivering a melt-in-your-mouth experience unlike any other.

The addition of thick-cut bacon introduces a savory crunch, elevating the flavor profile to new heights while fresh chives add a pop of color and a hint of freshness. With a caloric breakdown that balances indulgence and nourishment, this mac 'n' cheese strikes the perfect chord, with 536 calories per serving. Whether you're entertaining guests or simply treating yourself to a comforting meal at home, this dish is sure to impress with its gourmet flair.

Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to recipe; its creamy texture, tantalizing flavors, and convenient preparation make it the ultimate grown-up comfort food. Gather your ingredients, and let’s transform a simple pasta dish into an extraordinary culinary experience!

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