Harvest Mac & Cheese Recipe
Our Corn Chowder sautéed with cavatappi pasta and shredded cheese
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Ingredients
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Corn Chowder Base
Pasta & Cheese
Finish & Garnish
Method
Corn Chowder Base
- 1
Sauté Vegetables
In a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, melt 2 tbs butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, celery and carrot and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and translucent, about 6–8 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook 30–45 seconds until fragrant.
- 2
Make Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the softened vegetables and stir constantly for 1–2 minutes to cook the raw flour taste and form a light roux.
- 3
Add Liquids and Simmer
Gradually whisk in the stock until smooth, then add the milk and cream. Increase heat to bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- 4
- 5
Optional Slightly Mash
Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, lightly mash about one-third of the soup so the chowder becomes creamy while still retaining whole corn and potato pieces. Keep the chowder warm over low heat while you prepare the pasta.
Pasta & Cheese
- 6
Cook Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook 10 oz cavatappi according to package directions until just shy of al dente (about 1 minute less than package). Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
- 7
Combine Pasta with Chowder
Transfer the drained cavatappi directly into the pot with the warm corn chowder. Stir to combine over low heat so the pasta absorbs some chowder flavor, about 1–2 minutes.
- 8
Add Cheeses & Seasoning
Remove the pot from direct heat. Stir in the shredded sharp cheddar, gruyère, grated parmesan, Dijon mustard and, if using, hot sauce. Stir until cheeses melt and the sauce is smooth. If the mixture is too thick, add reserved pasta water a few tablespoons at a time until you reach a creamy consistency. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste.
Finish & Garnish
- 9
- 10
Serve
Ladle the Harvest Mac & Cheese into warmed bowls. Top each portion with crumbled crispy bacon or toasted breadcrumbs if desired for crunch. Serve immediately.