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Darius Cooks Mac And Cheese

Darius Cooks Mac And Cheese Recipe

  • Author: Anabelle McLean
  • Prep Time: 15
  • Cook Time: 25
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

Darius Cooks’ Mac and Cheese is a luxurious version of the classic dish, featuring several types of cheeses melted into a creamy sauce, combined with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s then baked to perfection with a golden, crispy top, making every bite rich and satisfying. This dish is all about flavor and indulgence, with a blend of sharp, tangy, and creamy cheeses that elevate the traditional macaroni and cheese.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or your preferred pasta
  • 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 2 cups Colby-Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
  • 1 cup gouda cheese, shredded
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
  • 2 tablespoons butter (melted, for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
  2. Make the Cheese Sauce: In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly, until the mixture is smooth and lightly golden.
  3. Add the Milk and Cream: Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream, making sure there are no lumps. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Add the Spices and Cheese: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually add the sharp cheddar, Colby-Jack, mozzarella, gouda, and Parmesan cheeses, stirring until fully melted and smooth.
  5. Combine the Pasta and Cheese Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  6. Prepare for Baking: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased baking dish. If you want a crispy topping, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the melted butter and sprinkle them over the top of the mac and cheese.
  7. Bake: Bake the mac and cheese for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly. If you prefer an extra crispy top, broil for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
  8. Serve: Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and let it sit for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy the cheesy goodness!

Did you make this recipe?

Find it online: https://bellesbestbites.com/darius-cooks-mac-and-cheese/