Macaroni and cheese, a comforting and versatile dish, is elevated to new heights with this Italian-inspired baked version. This delectable recipe combines the classic flavors of macaroni and cheese with the vibrant and savory ingredients of Italian cuisine. The use of panko breadcrumbs ensures a golden and crispy topping, while the addition of Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses creates a rich and gooey filling. To enhance the Italian flair, sundried tomatoes, basil, and oregano lend a burst of flavor and aroma. This baked macaroni and cheese is a true crowd-pleaser, perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Its creamy texture, flavorful ingredients, and crispy topping make it an irresistible dish that will leave you craving for more.
The article features three variations of this Italian-style baked macaroni and cheese:
1. **Classic Baked Macaroni and Cheese**: This classic version showcases the perfect balance of creamy cheese sauce, tender macaroni, and a crispy panko topping.
2. **Sun-Dried Tomato and Basil Baked Macaroni and Cheese**: This variation adds a burst of tangy sun-dried tomatoes and aromatic basil to the classic recipe, creating a flavorful and colorful dish.
3. **Spinach and Artichoke Baked Macaroni and Cheese**: This recipe incorporates spinach and artichoke hearts, adding a layer of texture and a touch of green to the classic macaroni and cheese.
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
ITALIAN-STYLE MACARONI AND CHEESE
Steps:
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Make macaroni and cheese according to package directions. Transfer to a medium-size baking dish or casserole dish.
- Melt butter in a medium bowl on low power in the microwave. Add bread crumbs to bowl and toss to combine with butter. Sprinkle bread crumb mixture over top of macaroni and cheese. Place in oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until browned on top.
4 CHEESE BAKED MACARONI - ITALIAN STYLE
Make and share this 4 Cheese Baked Macaroni - Italian Style recipe from Food.com.
Provided by msintrepid
Categories Cheese
Time 1h5m
Yield 6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 15
Steps:
- Pre-heat oven to 375.
- Mix first 4 ingredients with a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl; set aside.
- Cook Pasta al dente, drain and rinse under cold water.
- Set pasta aside.
- Heat 4 Tablespoons of the butter, add onions and saute, stirring until onions are translucent.
- Add garlic, stir until garlic is fragrant.
- Add flour; lower heat and cook, stirring frequently.
- Add half and half a 1/2 cup at a time, stirring after each addition, until sauce thickens.
- Stir in the cheeses, saving 1 cup of the Fontina.
- Simmer until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Taste and adjust salt and pepper.
- Add Cayenne.
- Use cooking spray to coat casserole- you should need about a 3 qt size.
- Place pasta in casserole.
- Top with sauce, stir to distribute evenly.
- Place reserved fontina on top.
- Sprinkle bread crumbs.
- Dot with remaining butter.
- Bake 40 minutes, until top is brown and it's bubbly.
ITALIAN THREE-CHEESE MACARONI
My husband is a self-proclaimed mac-and-cheese connoisseur and says that this is his favorite version. The Italian seasoning and tomatoes really complement the pasta and cheeses. -Adriane Mummert, Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Provided by Taste of Home
Categories Dinner
Time 1h20m
Yield 12 servings (1 cup each).
Number Of Ingredients 13
Steps:
- Cook macaroni according to package directions., Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350°. In a small saucepan, melt butter. Stir in flour, Italian seasoning, salt and pepper until smooth; gradually add milk. Bring to a boil; cook and stir 2 minutes or until thickened. Remove from the heat; stir in cheddar and Parmesan cheeses until melted. Drain macaroni., Spread 1 cup cheese sauce in a greased 13x9-in. baking pan. Layer with half of macaroni, tomatoes and cheese sauce. Repeat layers. Sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Combine bread crumbs and butter; sprinkle over top., Cover and bake 40 minutes. Uncover and bake 10-15 minutes longer or until golden brown and bubbly. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 402 calories, Fat 23g fat (13g saturated fat), Cholesterol 66mg cholesterol, Sodium 763mg sodium, Carbohydrate 33g carbohydrate (8g sugars, Fiber 2g fiber), Protein 17g protein.
Tips:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and mozzarella cheeses for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook the macaroni al dente so that it retains a slight bite.
- Make sure the cheese sauce is silky smooth, with no lumps.
- Don't overbake the macaroni and cheese, or it will become dry and rubbery.
- Serve the macaroni and cheese immediately, while it's hot and bubbly.
Conclusion:
This baked macaroni and cheese recipe is a classic Italian dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. It's easy to make, and it's always a hit with kids and adults alike. So next time you're looking for a comforting and delicious meal, give this recipe a try. You won't be disappointed.
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love