Indulge your taste buds with a creamy, dreamy dish that takes comfort food to a whole new level—Havarti Mac n Cheese! This American classic is not just your average mac and cheese; it's a velvety, cheesy delight that will have you coming back for seconds (and thirds!). With just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can whip up a batch that serves four, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. Are you ready to elevate your mac and cheese game? Dive into this recipe and discover the secrets to crafting the ultimate cheesy masterpiece!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk
- 2 cups shredded Havarti cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add the elbow macaroni to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until the pasta is al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it becomes smooth and starts to bubble slightly.
- Sprinkle the all-purpose flour over the melted butter and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux. This helps prevent lumps in your sauce.
- Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to incorporate the roux and create a smooth, creamy base. Continue cooking and stirring for 3-4 minutes until the mixture thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded Havarti cheese to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and taste, adjusting seasonings if needed.
- Drain the cooked macaroni in a colander, shaking off excess water. Return the pasta to the pot.
- Pour the hot Havarti cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and stir gently to ensure all pasta is evenly coated.
- Let the mac and cheese sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the sauce to thicken slightly before serving.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional black pepper or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Perfect Pasta: To achieve the ideal al dente texture, make sure to stir the elbow macaroni occasionally while it cooks. This prevents it from sticking together and ensures even cooking.
- Smooth Sauce: When making the roux, whisk continuously to avoid lumps. This step is crucial for a silky cheese sauce that clings perfectly to the pasta.
- Cheese Choices: While Havarti is delicious, feel free to mix in other cheeses like sharp cheddar or gouda for added flavor and complexity. Just remember to adjust the quantities to maintain that creamy texture.
- Seasoning Matters: Taste your cheese sauce before mixing it with the pasta. You can always add more salt, pepper, or garlic powder to suit your personal palate.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes after mixing in the sauce helps it thicken up beautifully, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Garnish Wisely: Elevate your dish with a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, a dash of paprika, or even some chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 70mg
