Prepare to revolutionize your mac and cheese game with a mouthwatering twist that will make your taste buds dance! This isn't your ordinary comfort food - it's a gourmet experience that transforms the classic mac and cheese into a culinary masterpiece. By roasting cherry tomatoes to caramelized perfection, we've elevated this beloved dish from simple to sensational. Get ready to impress your family and friends with a mac and cheese recipe that's both comforting and unexpectedly sophisticated!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Spread halved cherry tomatoes on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until they are slightly charred and caramelized.
- While tomatoes are roasting, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove sauce from heat and stir in shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix until cheese is completely melted and sauce is creamy.
- Drain cooked macaroni and return to the pot. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and stir until evenly coated.
- Gently fold in roasted cherry tomatoes, reserving a few for garnish.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with the reserved roasted tomatoes on top.
Tips
- • For the creamiest sauce, always add cheese off the heat to prevent separation • Use freshly shredded cheese instead of pre-packaged for the smoothest texture • Don't overcook the pasta - aim for al dente to prevent mushy mac and cheese • Roast tomatoes until they're slightly charred for maximum flavor development • Use a whisk when making the roux and adding milk to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce • Feel free to experiment with different cheese blends like adding some parmesan or gruyère • Let the dish rest for 2-3 minutes after mixing to allow the sauce to set perfectly • If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk • For extra crunch, consider topping with toasted breadcrumbs before serving
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 32g
Protein: 16g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 13g
Cholesterol: 65mg
