Flavorful Mac and Cheese

Dec 22, 2023 | Dinner, Food, Holiday Food

I’m not a Mac and Cheese Lover, but my little people are! Therefore, I had to establish a recipe packed with flavor that would fill their bellies and hearts!

Prep Time: 10 minutes (quicker if you buy veggies diced already)

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Serves: 10 people

Kitchen Tools Needed: Boiler, sauce pot, cheese grater, wooden spoon, baking dish, measuring cups

 

Ingredients

  • 16 oz Pasta (Shells or elbow noodles)
  • 6 cups Chicken Broth (I used powder and added tablespoons to water.)
  • 1 stick Garlic and Herb Butter
  • 1 stick Salted Butter 
  • Salt (to taste)
  • White and Black Pepper (to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
  • ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
  • ½ Mustard powder
  • Eggs (optional)
  • 1 cup Heavy Whipping Cream
  • 1 cup Half and Half
  • ½ Parsley – fresh or dried
  • 4 oz Cream Cheese and 4 oz Velveeta Cheese —adds some amazing texture and moisture
  • 8 oz American & 8 oz Cheddar  Cheese—adds amazing flavor 
  • 8 oz each: Mozzarella, Colby Jack, and Mexican Blend Cheese 
  • Egg – This helps hold layers together (optional). I don’t use it unless I’m doubling the recipe.

Prep and Cooking Instructions:

Step 1

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
  • Place Garlic and herb Butter, chicken broth( I use powder form) water in a large stock pot (boiler), and bring to a boil. Add in pasta and cook to desired tenderness (don’t overcook).

Step 2

  • Add marinara, salt, pepper, sugar, parsley and all other spices to taste-I usually use at least a teaspoon of all; bring to a simmer, then cover and simmer for 5 minutes.

Step 3

  • Make the cheese filling – Combine half and half, heavy whipping cream, all the cheeses, and seasonings into a sauce pot to create cheese sauce.
  • Prep – Once pasta is done draining, put it back in the pot, add a stick of salted butter, and allow it to melt. Then add the cheese sauce mixture.

Step 4

  • Assemble – Pour mac and cheese into a baking dish and top with extra cheese. Sprinkle some smoked paprika and parsley on top.

Step 5

  • Bake –35 minutes if the egg is added. If the egg is not used, bake only until the cheese is melted and the crust is bubbly.
  • Rest – Let it rest for about 10 minutes before serving

Additional Cooking Tips: Don’t forget to add an additional abundance of LOVE!