Magnolia Table Mac & Cheese...

I'm finally getting around to trying recipes from Joanna Gaines' cookbook, Magnolia Table.


I thought I would start out with something relatively easy for me...trying new recipes is much like my craft projects...I have to wade in.  I am not one of those who jump in with both feet and hope for the best!  I have to test the water and then slowly swim towards the deep end!  And what better recipe to start with than macaroni and cheese!

While mac & cheese is loved by 99.9% of all children and is considered something even the pickiest picky eaters will eat (picky eater writing here), this version gives it an adult twist.


I found that while it had a few extra steps in the prep and ingredients arena, it was well worth it!  The best part of this recipe is that I didn't get burned boiling water or taking the dishes in/out of the oven!  YAY me! :-)

By using different types of cheeses, this recipe has so much depth and the heavy cream gives it a rich, silky texture.


There are just so many layers to this dish...the taste of nutmeg is faint, but what a surprise ingredient!  The panko gives it some crunch and the bit of garlic doesn't overwhelm your taste buds.


We really enjoyed this recipe and I think you will also.  There are several others that we will be trying over the next few weeks...I will try to share them with you guys.



Yield: 6

Becki's Mac & Cheese

prep time: 10 minscook time: 45 minstotal time: 55 mins

ingredients:


  • Kosher Salt
  • 16 oz elbow macaroni without ridges
  • 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter
  • 8 oz Velveeta cheese, cut into cubes
  • 8 oz Gruyere cheese, grated (approx 2 cups)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons ground dry mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated nutmeg
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ground black pepper
  • 8 oz white Cheddar, grated (approx 2 cups)
Crispy Topping (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3 cups panko
  • 2 pinches kosher salt

instructions


  1. +Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Prepare the noodles according to package instructions, cooking until al dente. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a large bowl.
    +Position a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the oven to 350°F.
    +Combine the milk, cream, and butter in a small saucepan and heat over medium-low heat until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm. Pour over the noodles in the bowl. Add the processed cheese, Gruyère, dry mustard, nutmeg, pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt and stir until well combined.  Pour the noodles into a large baking dish and spread evenly. Top with the Cheddar. Bake about 25 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
    +While the mac and cheese is baking, make the crispy topping, if desired: In a large skillet, melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic and cook until softened, about 1 minute. Add the panko and salt and toss to coat completely with the butter and garlic. Increase the heat to medium-low and toast in the pan, stirring often, until lightly browned, 7 to 8 minutes.
    +Remove the baked mac and cheese from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes. Top with the crispy topping, if using, just before serving.
    Store leftovers in a covered container for up to 3 days. Reheat in a preheated 300°F oven until warmed through.
Created using The Recipes Generator

26 comments

  1. I love mac and cheese and so does my hips Benita, but I eat it anyway. I love the different cheeses and cream in this recipe and the nutmeg would certainly be a different ingredient. I will add this to my recipe file. Thanks for a different recipe for an old time comfort food that will definitely feel like warm hugs.
    Kari @ Me and My Captain

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    1. Mine too Kari! LOL You are very welcome and thank you! I love the old recipes with a new twist! Have a great one! Hugs!

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  2. Mac & cheese, woohoo! I think I tasted one very similar to this at the recent Mac & cheese cook off event, a lot of cheesy mixes, and the panko. There isn't a bad mac & cheese, in my opinion. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. That event you went to seemed marvelous!! I’m with you, there is no such thing as bad mac & cheese…well, unless it is completely dried out…LOL Thanks so much and you are welcome! Love and hugs!

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    1. Thanks so much Penny! Have a great one! Hugs!

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  4. OOH, I may have to try this recipe! My bunch mac and cheese. I usually make mine a little different than most but who doesn't love mac and cheese? Printing the recipe and appreciate you sharing. Happy Week to you dear lady. Hugs and blessings, Cindy

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    1. Cindy, you will love it! Mac and cheese is something everyone likes and you just can’t go wrong with it! Thank you so much and you are very welcome! Love and hugs to you!

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  5. Who doesn't love mac and cheese?
    Brenda

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    1. Exactly! I can't think of anyone who doesn't love it...great comfort food on a cold day! Love and hugs!

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    1. Thank you so much and you are welcome! Have a great one!

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  7. Hey let's face it, Benita, you can't go wrong with mac n cheese at any time!!!

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    1. I'm with you! It is one of those dishes that you can't screw up and you know everyone will eat! Love and hugs!

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  8. I could live on cheese. but alas.
    this recipe though does sound amazing. I'm trying to imagine the nutmeg flavor in it! I also loved your wintertime potato chowder!
    soup and stews and chowders are the best part of winter! xoxo

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    1. We do live on cheese sometimes…LOL We can never run out…the hubster would go into DTs of the worst kind…LOL The nutmeg is very faint, but adds flavor you don’t expect to be in this dish…it was so good! Thank you so much! I’m with you…soups, stews, chowders and chilis are perfect for this time of year! Love and hugs sweet friend…I hope you are doing well! ❤

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  9. I have tried that recipe and I agree. It isn't your run of the mill mac and cheese and it was well worth the extra work. Thanks for reminding me that I have that cookbook and I have to try other recipes in it!

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    1. Awesome! So what did you think about the nutmeg? Definitely a little different! The recipe was delicious! Thanks so much and you are welcome! Love and hugs!!

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  10. Printer's running right now! I have to make this even though RH won't be able to try some with all that dairy. I bought that cookbook for my daughter's birthday along with Joanna's other books. I love your pretty blue dishes used here, Benita! Very nice presentation.

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    1. You will like it and I hate he won’t be able to eat it…it is very good! I’m also glad I found that recipe generator app so that I could put a nice recipe form on the blog. Thank you so much! I found those cute dishes at HomeGoods…the color blue is so soft and looks nice up against the yellow-ish of the mac & cheese. Love and hugs to you sweet friend! Hope you are doing well and ready for the holidays!

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  11. Velveeta ..that is something that seems to be coming back in recipes.
    We do love a good Mac and Cheese. Thank you for sharing and looking forward to more recipes.
    Carla

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    1. Velveeta is a great cheese to use in recipes...has such a smooth texture and melts pretty easily. Thanks so much Carla! Love and hugs!

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  12. Mac and cheese is my weakness...I just had the most decadent one at a shop this weekend. I think I gained 5 pounds just looking at it!! Yum...xoxoxo

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    1. It is one of mine also…I just love it! Rita @Panopoly recently went to a Mac & Cheese festival…I would have been in cheese heaven!! LOL Love and hugs!

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  13. Isn't it good to try out new recipes, many thanks for sharing this.

    Because husband Eddie is diabetic we often enjoy a lower carb version like this Cauliflower Broccoli 'Macaroni' and Cheese
    https://thelowcarbdiabetic.blogspot.com/2017/12/cauliflower-broccoli-macaroni-and.html

    All the best Jan

    PS I think your photographs are very good :)

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    1. Jan, you are very welcome and thank you for the new recipe! Since the hubster and I try to stay in shape, I do like fixing things that are lower carbs sometimes. I like having an alternative. I will definitely give the low carb mac & cheese a try! Thank you for the sweet words about my photos! Have a great one! Love and hugs!

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