Mac And Cheese Recipe
Cavatappi, Smoked Pimento Cheddar Sauce, Herbed Breadcrumbs
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Ingredients
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Ingredients
Method
Directions
Cook the Pasta
In a large pot, bring water to a boil. Add a generous amount of salt to the water. Stir in the cavatappi pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically about 8-10 minutes. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Cheese Sauce
In the same pot, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the all-purpose flour until smooth and cook for about 2 minutes until it’s a light golden color. Gradually pour in the milk while continuously whisking to avoid lumps. Cook until the mixture thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Add Cheese
Remove the pot from heat and stir in the smoked pimento cheddar cheese until fully melted and creamy. Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and dried basil to taste.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add the drained cavatappi pasta to the cheese sauce. Stir well to ensure all pasta is covered in the sauce.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with a tablespoon of melted butter and mix well. This will help the breadcrumbs brown nicely when baked.
Bake the Mac and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture into a baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Serve
Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy your delicious Mac and Cheese!