Best 2 Fancy Mac And Cheese Recipes

Indulge in a culinary journey of creamy goodness with our exquisite collection of fancy mac and cheese recipes. Prepare to tantalize your taste buds with an array of delectable variations that elevate this classic comfort food to a gourmet masterpiece. From the sophisticated flavors of lobster and truffle to the crispy indulgence of bacon and jalapeño, each recipe offers a unique symphony of textures and flavors that will leave you craving for more. Whether you're looking to impress your dinner guests or simply treat yourself to a comforting and indulgent meal, these fancy mac and cheese recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings.

**Lobster and Truffle Mac and Cheese:** Experience the luxuriousness of lobster and the earthy aroma of truffles in this decadent mac and cheese. Tender lobster meat and shaved black truffles blend seamlessly with a creamy cheese sauce, creating a dish that is both elegant and comforting.

**Bacon and Jalapeño Mac and Cheese:** For those who love a bit of heat, the bacon and jalapeño mac and cheese is the perfect choice. Crispy bacon and spicy jalapeños add a delightful kick to the creamy cheese sauce, while a crispy breadcrumb topping provides the perfect finishing touch.

**Butternut Squash and Sausage Mac and Cheese:** This hearty and flavorful mac and cheese combines the sweetness of butternut squash with the savory goodness of sausage. Roasted butternut squash adds a vibrant color and natural sweetness, while crumbled sausage provides a satisfying savory element.

**Spinach and Artichoke Mac and Cheese:** For a healthier and equally delicious twist, try the spinach and artichoke mac and cheese. Fresh spinach and artichoke hearts create a vibrant and nutritious filling, while a creamy cheese sauce brings it all together.

**Truffled Mushroom Mac and Cheese:** Indulge in the earthy flavors of mushrooms and the luxurious aroma of truffles in this sophisticated mac and cheese. Sautéed mushrooms and shaved black truffles elevate the creamy cheese sauce to new heights of flavor, creating a dish that is both comforting and elegant.

**Crab and Corn Mac and Cheese:** Celebrate the flavors of the sea with this crab and corn mac and cheese. Succulent crab meat and sweet corn kernels add a delightful coastal touch to the creamy cheese sauce, while a crispy panko topping adds a satisfying crunch.

**Chorizo and Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese:** Embark on a culinary adventure with this vibrant chorizo and sweet potato mac and cheese. Spicy chorizo and roasted sweet potatoes add bold flavors and textures to the creamy cheese sauce, while a sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a refreshing touch.

Let's cook with our recipes!

FANCY MAC AND CHEESE

Fancy Mac and Cheese image

This is one of those recipes that can definitely be described as ridiculous, where ridiculous means so decadent, delicious, and divine that it almost renders the person eating it speechless. A little goes a long way with this one. Invite lots of guests... preferably guests you really, really like!

Provided by Ree Drummond : Food Network

Time 1h55m

Yield 12 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

Ingredients

1 pound white button or cremini mushrooms, quartered
Olive oil, for drizzling
Kosher salt and ground black pepper
8 slices thick-cut bacon
2 yellow onions, peeled, halved and thinly sliced
5 tablespoons butter, plus more for buttering the pan
1 1/2 pounds macaroni
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/3 cup half-and-half
2 eggs, beaten
3/4 cup grated fontina
3/4 cup grated gruyere
3/4 cup grated Parmesan
4 ounces crumbled goat cheese (chevre)
4 ounces crumbled gorgonzola or other blue cheese

Steps:

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
Drizzle the mushrooms with olive oil, and then sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Roast in the oven until deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Set aside. Try not to eat them before the macaroni's done. Turn down the heat to 350 degrees F.
Next, fry the thick slices of bacon until chewy, but not yet crisp. Chop up the bacon into bite-size bits. Set aside. Try not to eat them before the macaroni's done.
In a large skillet over medium-low heat, saute the onions in 1 tablespoon of the butter, stirring occasionally, until golden brown, about 15 minutes. Set aside. Try not to... oh, never mind.
Cook the macaroni until just undercooked. Set aside.
To make the sauce, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, whisking to combine. Let the roux cook for a minute or so, whisking constantly. Then pour in the milk, whisking constantly. Cook the white sauce until thick and bubbly, 3 to 5 minutes. Next, add the half-and-half, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
Spoon some of the hot white sauce into the beaten eggs to temper them, stirring with a fork to incorporate the mixture without cooking the eggs. Pour the tempered eggs into the white sauce, stirring constantly as you add them. Add the fontina, gruyere, Parmesan and goat cheeses. Stir until the cheese all melts. Add the cooked macaroni and stir to coat. Splash in a little milk or hot water if needed for thinning.
Butter a 9- by 13-inch baking pan. Lay on half the onions, half the macaroni, half the mushrooms, half the gorgonzola and half the bacon. Repeat the layers, ending with the bacon. Bake until bubbly and hot, 20 to 25 minutes.
This is the stuff that dreams - and love handles - are made of.

FANCY MANCHEGO MAC AND CHEESE WITH CHORIZO

Fancy Manchego Mac and Cheese With Chorizo image

From Rachel Ray Magazine (published in the March 2009 edition). Love manchego cheese, this should be a good combination.

Provided by Marz7215

Categories < 60 Mins

Time 50m

Yield 1 pasta dish, 6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 13

Ingredients

1 lb cavatappi pasta (hollow corkscrew) or 1 lb other short- cut pasta
extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
1/2 lb raw chorizo sausage, casting dicarded, chopped
3 tablespoons butter
2 shallots, chopped
3 -4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
3 tablespoons flour
1/3 cup dry sherry
1 cup chicken broth
1 cup whole milk or 1 cup half-and-half
2 cups shredded manchego cheese
2 cups frozen peas, thawed1/4 cup chopped jarred pimiento peppers
1/2 cup coarsley chopped flat leaf parsley

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to boil, salt it. Add the pasta and cook until aldente. Drain.
While the pasta is working, in a large skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chorizo and cook until crisp, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate.
In a medium saucepan, over medium heat add the shallots and garlic and cook until tender about 5 minutes. Whisk in the flour and whisk in the sherry. Stir in the chicken broth andmilk and cook until thickened; season with pepper. Stir in the cheese. Fold in the peas and pimientos.
Drain the pasta, toss with sauce and top with chorizo and parsely.

Tips:

Use a good quality cheese. A sharp cheddar or a Gruyère are both great options.
Make sure the cheese sauce is thick and creamy. If it's too thin, it won't coat the macaroni well.
Don't overcook the macaroni. It should be al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
Add your favorite mix-ins. Some popular options include bacon, ham, broccoli, and peas.
Top the macaroni and cheese with a crispy breadcrumb topping. This will give it a nice crunch.

Conclusion:

Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. This fancy mac and cheese recipe is a step up from the traditional dish, with a creamy cheese sauce, a crispy breadcrumb topping, and your favorite mix-ins. It's perfect for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner.