Name: recipe creamy mac and cheese
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 250g (9oz) Elbow Macaroni: Uncooked pasta for the base.; 30g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter: For creating a rich roux.; 30g (2 Tbsp) All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the sauce.; 480ml (2 cups) Whole Milk: Provides a creamy base.; 120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Enhances the sauce’s richness.; 200g (7oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grated for classic flavor.; 100g (3½oz) Mozzarella Cheese: Grated for stretch and creaminess.; ½ tsp Ground Turmeric: Adds color, flavor, and health benefits.; ½ tsp Smoked Paprika: For a hint of smokiness.; ¼ tsp Ground White Pepper: Delicate peppery kick.; ½ tsp Salt: To enhance flavors.; 2 Cloves Garlic: Minced for the crumb topping.; 2 Tbsp Olive Oil: For coating breadcrumbs and drizzling.; 60g (½ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping.; 1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped for the crumb topping.; 2 Tbsp Fresh Chives: Sliced for garnish.

Description

This turmeric-infused mac and cheese elevates the classic comfort food with warm, earthy flavors and a crispy garlic crumb topping. It’s a satisfying and surprisingly wholesome dish that’s sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Scale

250g (9oz) Elbow Macaroni: Uncooked pasta for the base.
30g (2 Tbsp) Unsalted Butter: For creating a rich roux.
30g (2 Tbsp) All-Purpose Flour: To thicken the sauce.
480ml (2 cups) Whole Milk: Provides a creamy base.
120ml (½ cup) Heavy Cream: Enhances the sauce’s richness.
200g (7oz) Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Grated for classic flavor.
100g (3½oz) Mozzarella Cheese: Grated for stretch and creaminess.
½ tsp Ground Turmeric: Adds color, flavor, and health benefits.
½ tsp Smoked Paprika: For a hint of smokiness.
¼ tsp Ground White Pepper: Delicate peppery kick.
½ tsp Salt: To enhance flavors.
2 Cloves Garlic: Minced for the crumb topping.
2 Tbsp Olive Oil: For coating breadcrumbs and drizzling.
60g (½ cup) Panko Breadcrumbs: For a crispy topping.
1 Tbsp Fresh Parsley: Chopped for the crumb topping.
2 Tbsp Fresh Chives: Sliced for garnish.

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil macaroni until al dente, then drain.
Make Roux: Melt butter, sauté garlic, then whisk in flour for 1 minute.
Add Creaminess: Gradually whisk in milk and cream, simmer until thickened.
Infuse with Spice: Whisk in turmeric, paprika, pepper, and salt.
Melt Cheese: Stir in cheddar and mozzarella until smooth.
Combine: Add pasta to sauce and mix well.
Prepare Topping: Combine breadcrumbs, parsley, and olive oil.
Bake: Top with breadcrumbs and bake until golden brown.
Rest & Serve: Let rest, drizzle with oil, and garnish with chives.

Notes

For a smoother sauce, add cheese gradually and stir continuously. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses or pasta shapes.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Pasta
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 450 kcal
Sugar: 8 g
Sodium: 600 mg
Fat: 25 g
Saturated Fat: 15 g
Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 40 g
Fiber: 2 g
Protein: 15 g
Cholesterol: 80 mg