Indulge in a culinary delight with our baked macaroni and cheese, a symphony of flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. This dish seamlessly blends the creamy comfort of macaroni and cheese with the earthy notes of kale and the hearty texture of Great Northern beans.
In this article, we'll guide you through three variations of this delectable dish, each offering a unique twist on the classic. From a traditional rendition to a vegan delight and a gluten-free option, these recipes cater to diverse dietary preferences and ensure that everyone can savor this delectable meal.
MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH KALE
Give classic mac and cheese a healthy makeover with the addition of sauteed kale.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Time 1h5m
Yield 8-12
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente. Reserve 1 3/4 cups of the cooking water and then drain. Set aside.
- Heat 3 tablespoons oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the kale and garlic and cook, stirring, until the kale begins to wilt. Add 1/2 cup of water, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until the kale wilts and is crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- Carefully wipe out the saucepan. Bring the half-and-half, cayenne and nutmeg to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Gradually whisk in the Cheddar and Havarti cheeses, a handful at a time, until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta and reserved cooking water to the sauce and stir to combine. Stir in the kale and season with additional salt and pepper. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake until bubbly and lightly browned, about 10 minutes.
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Provided by Trisha Yearwood
Categories side-dish
Time 50m
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 10
Steps:
- For the macaroni: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Butter a 2-quart casserole dish.
- Bring 4 quarts of water to a boil in a large saucepan. Add the salt and macaroni. Bring the water back to a boil and cook the macaroni until tender, about 12 minutes. Drain well.
- For the cheese sauce: Meanwhile, melt the butter in a 1-quart saucepan. Using a wire whisk, stir in the flour and salt, stirring and cooking over medium heat until the roux bubbles and the flour turns pale brown, about 3 minutes. Slowly whisk in 1 cup of the milk and then whisk in the remaining 1 cup milk. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Add the cheese and stir until it melts. Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix thoroughly.
- For the topping: In a small bowl, stir the breadcrumbs with the butter until the crumbs are moistened.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese to the prepared baking dish and top with the buttered breadcrumbs. Bake until the dish bubbles around the edges, about 15 minutes.
HOMEMADE MAC AND CHEESE WITH KALE
A skillet macaroni and cheese made heartier and healthier with homemade kale!
Provided by Tracy
Categories Kid Friendly Main Course
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Clean your kale by rinsing it in cold water and then removing the leaves from the stems. Chop into small pieces.
- Heat olive oil on medium in a cast iron skillet or another large skillet (with a lid). Add onion and garlic and cook for approximately 90 seconds.
- Add kale and coat with oil and mix with garlic and onion. Let saute for another minute, add 1 teaspoon of salt, mix, and then add the stock. Cover and let braise in stock for about 10 minutes, or until most of the stock has cooked off.
- Meanwhile, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil. Add noodles and boil until al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water to prevent sticking.
- When your kale is done, remove from skillet and set aside.
- WIth skillet on medium, add butter and as it melts, add the flour and whisk to create a roux.
- Slowly add the milk, 1 cup at a time, and whisk it to incorporate it all before adding more milk and half and half.
- Let the sauce cook, whisking constantly to prevent from burning, until it begins to thicken. Add cheese, 1 cup at a time, and whisk to combine. Reduce to medium-low.
- Let the sauce thicken and then start adding the cheese, a handful at a time, whisking until it is all fully melted before adding more cheese. Repeat for 2 cups of cheese.
- Once cheese sauce is thickened, add 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and mustard and mix. Add kale and mix well. This will ensure that the kale is more evenly distributed in the dish.
- Once the kale is well mixed in, then add the cooked pasta and mix well.
- This is where you can stop and set aside if preparing in advance. Or you can serve it now, as is. Otherwise, pre-heat oven to broil and set rack to top third.
- Add last 1/2 to 1 cup of cheese to the top of skillet and add to oven to melt and crisp up cheese for 3-5 minutes.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 322 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Protein 8 g, Fat 14 g, SaturatedFat 4 g, TransFat 1 g, Cholesterol 15 mg, Sodium 679 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 6 g, UnsaturatedFat 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving
CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH KALE AND MUSHROOMS
Don't be alarmed by how much kale you start with for this recipe. It will cook down quite a bit and pairs deliciously with the creamy pasta and shiitake mushrooms.
Provided by Food Network Kitchen
Categories main-dish
Time 1h5m
Yield 8 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Set an oven rack about 6 inches from the heat source and preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until it is al dente, about 6 minutes. Strain, reserving 1 3/4 cups of the pasta water. Set aside.
- Heat a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add 3 tablespoons of the olive oil and the shiitake mushrooms and cook, stirring constantly, until the mushrooms are lightly browned in spots and softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Lower the heat to medium and add the kale, garlic and 1/2 cup of water, scraping up any browned bits at the bottom of the pan with the back of a wooden spoon. Add 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and stir to combine. Cook until the kale is wilted but still crisp-tender, about 3 minutes. Remove the vegetables to a bowl and set aside.
- Carefully wipe out the saucepan (or give it a quick rinse if it is really dirty). Add the half-and-half and cayenne and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook until reduced to 1 1/2 cups, about 15 minutes. Add the cream cheese and stir until melted. Whisk in the Cheddar and Gruyere until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the macaroni and reserved pasta water to the saucepan and stir to combine. (The mixture will look very loose, but the pasta will suck up a lot of the sauce as it bakes.) Gently fold in the reserved vegetables. Season to taste with additional salt if needed. Pour into a 13-by-9-inch baking dish. Toss the bread crumbs, remaining 1/4 cup olive oil and a large pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl and sprinkle evenly over the macaroni and cheese. Bake until the cheese is bubbly and the bread crumbs are lightly browned and crispy, about 10 minutes.
CLASSIC BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
Think Stouffer's without the freezer. While it can be enjoyed straight from the pot, this macaroni and cheese has a slightly looser sauce than the stovetop variety to allow for thickening in the oven. Bread crumbs, while optional, make it truly spectacular.
Provided by Alison Roman
Categories dinner, lunch, casseroles, pastas, main course, side dish
Time 1h
Yield 4 to 6 servings
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it's barely al dente. (It should be more al dente than your average pasta: It's going to continue to cook in the oven.) Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat butter in a medium pot over medium heat. (The pot should be large enough to hold all the pasta when cooked.) Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, until the flour is foamy and just starting to turn a light golden brown, about 4 minutes. Slowly whisk in milk to avoid clumping. Add garlic, paprika and season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer, whisking constantly and paying special attention to the edges of the pot to make sure the flour mixture is totally incorporated.
- Add grated cheese and whisk to blend until the cheese is completely melted. (The sauce will seem thick at first and thin out as the cheese melts; it will thicken while it bakes.) Season with salt and pepper and add cooked pasta, stirring to coat well.
- Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil (to catch any cheesy drips).
- Make the optional topping: Combine bread crumbs, melted butter and Parmesan, if using, in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper and, using your hands, mix well to ensure the bread crumbs are evenly coated.
- Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 3-quart or 9 x 13 baking dish and scatter bread crumbs, if using, evenly over the top. Place on prepared baking sheet and bake until macaroni and cheese is bubbling, thickened and creamy, and bread crumbs are evenly golden brown, 25 to 30 minutes. Let cool slightly before serving.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1076, UnsaturatedFat 24 grams, Carbohydrate 85 grams, Fat 61 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 46 grams, SaturatedFat 31 grams, Sodium 1027 milligrams, Sugar 12 grams, TransFat 1 gram
BAKED HOMEMADE MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe was given to me by my friend Katie. It's a longtime favorite in her family.
Provided by Jody
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time 1h15m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 8
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).
- Fill a large pot with lightly salted water and bring to a boil over high heat. Stir in the macaroni, and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the pasta has cooked through, but is still firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in flour and salt. Cook, stirring constantly, for 2 minutes. Whisk in milk and simmer, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens slightly, about 5 minutes.
- Turn off heat and stir in Cheddar cheese until the cheese is melted. Add the macaroni and stir to coat. Pour the mixture into a 9x13-inch baking dish. Mix the 1/4 remaining cup melted butter and crushed crackers together in a bowl; scatter the cracker mixture evenly over the macaroni mixture.
- Bake in preheated oven until golden brown on top, about 45 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 810.1 calories, Carbohydrate 57.3 g, Cholesterol 133.1 mg, Fat 49.9 g, Fiber 2.5 g, Protein 32.4 g, SaturatedFat 28.9 g, Sodium 1011.5 mg, Sugar 9.8 g
BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
A friend of mine sent this recipe to me when I got my first apartment, because she knows how much I hate cooking! It's really easy -- even I can make it -- and tastes great. I'm not sure where she found the recipe, but it included the note 'Good source of protein, vitamin A, B group vitamins, calcium.'
Provided by Meredith
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Yield 3
Number Of Ingredients 6
Steps:
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 2-quart baking dish.
- In a large pot of salted water, lightly boil the macaroni for about 5 minutes until half-cooked.
- Whisk the egg and milk together in a large cup. Add butter and cheese to the egg and milk. Stir well.
- Place the lightly cooked macaroni in the prepared baking dish. Pour the egg and cheese liquid over the macaroni, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and stir well. Press the mixture evenly around the baking dish.
- Bake uncovered, for 30 to 40 minutes, or until the top is brown.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 968.1 calories, Carbohydrate 92.6 g, Cholesterol 194.2 mg, Fat 45.4 g, Fiber 3.6 g, Protein 45.6 g, SaturatedFat 27.6 g, Sodium 736 mg, Sugar 11.2 g
CREAMY BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE
This recipe, inspired by Stouffer's macaroni and cheese, delivers the best of all worlds: creamy, saucy comfort, with a consistency that's slightly more set than a stovetop version, thanks to a final bake in the oven. It stays voluptuous and molten as a result of a higher ratio of sauce to noodles, which are cooked completely so they don't soak up as much liquid. The Velveeta is necessary here, as it has sodium citrate, which prevents the sauce from separating in the oven. Elbow macaroni works fine, but cavatappi is an especially fun shape to eat with its telephone-cord bounciness.
Provided by Eric Kim
Time 1h
Yield 6 to 8 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat oven to 350 degrees.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon, until just past al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Return the empty pot to the stove (no need to clean it) and set over medium heat. Melt the butter and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the butter stops spurting and quiets down, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth like gravy, about 1 minute.
- Whisk in the milk. Raise the heat to high and bring to a simmer, whisking constantly, then immediately reduce the heat to low and continue simmering until the sauce lightly coats the back of a spoon, 2 to 5 minutes. At this stage, the sauce should be smooth but relatively loose. Take the pot off the heat.
- To the pot, add the Cheddar, Velveeta, Pecorino Romano, mustard powder, onion powder and cayenne, and season generously with salt and black pepper. Whisk until the cheese is melted and smooth like nacho cheese. Add the drained pasta, breaking up any clumps, and stir until evenly coated in the cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Transfer to a 9-by-13-inch baking pan or dish and bake until bubbling at the edges, 15 to 20 minutes. Serve immediately.
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh kale and Great Northern beans will give your macaroni and cheese the best flavor.
- Don't overcook the macaroni: Cook the macaroni according to the package directions, but be careful not to overcook it. Overcooked macaroni will be mushy and not hold its shape.
- Use a good quality cheese: The cheese is the star of this dish, so use a good quality cheese that you enjoy. A sharp cheddar or Gruyère cheese will give you the best flavor.
- Don't be afraid to experiment: This recipe is a great starting point, but feel free to experiment with different ingredients and flavors. You could add other vegetables, such as broccoli or cauliflower, or you could use different types of cheese.
Conclusion:
This baked macaroni and cheese with kale and Great Northern beans is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a weeknight meal. It's also a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy dinner, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed!
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