Creamy Dreamy Michael Symon Mac And Cheese Recipe Everyone Loves

Mac and cheese whispers comfort in every gooey, decadent bite.

This beloved classic transforms ordinary pasta into a culinary symphony of creamy indulgence.

Cheese lovers rejoice as sharp cheddar and velvety Gruyere dance together in a luxurious sauce.

Each forkful promises a sensational blend of rich, melted goodness that melts hearts and soothes souls.

Crispy breadcrumb toppings add a delightful crunch, elevating this dish from simple to spectacular.

Homemade recipes blow boxed versions out of the water with their depth of flavor and irresistible charm.

Get ready to Check out a mac and cheese experience that will have everyone begging for seconds.

Best Ways to Store Mac and Cheese

• Refrigerate and Reheat Wisely: Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy texture.
• Freeze for Future Comfort: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil. Frozen mac and cheese stays delicious for 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Portion and Preserve: Divide into individual serving sizes for quick weeknight meals. Use small glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids to maintain freshness and prevent freezer burn.
• Revive Creamy Goodness: When reheating, stir occasionally and add a little milk or cream to prevent drying out. Warm in the oven at 350°F for best results, creating a crispy top and creamy interior.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 700 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients in Michael Symon’s Mac and Cheese Recipe

• Elbow Macaroni: Choose high-quality pasta with ridged surfaces for better sauce absorption.
• Olive Oil: Select extra virgin for a subtle, fruity undertone to prevent pasta clumping.

• Butter: Use unsalted, high-fat European-style butter for richer flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour: Opt for fresh, finely milled flour to create smooth, lump-free roux.
• Half and Half, Whole Milk: Select organic, full-fat dairy for luxurious, velvety texture.

• Sharp Cheddar Cheese: Pick aged, tangy variety for robust flavor profile.
• Monterey Jack Cheese: Choose creamy, mild cheese for smooth melting consistency.
• Parmesan Cheese: Select freshly grated, authentic Italian for deep, nutty undertones.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Use freshly ground sea salt and cracked black pepper for vibrant seasoning.
• Garlic Powder: Select high-quality, aromatic powder for subtle background warmth.

What Tools to Use for Michael Symon’s Mac and Cheese

• Large Saucepan: Perfect for creating smooth, velvety cheese sauce without lumps.
• Whisk: Essential for blending roux and creating lump-free sauce.
• 9×13 Inch Baking Dish: Ideal size for even baking and serving multiple portions.
• Cheese Grater: Helps shred cheese quickly and uniformly.
• Colander: Necessary for draining pasta perfectly.
• Measuring Cups: Ensures precise ingredient quantities.
• Wooden Spoon: Great for stirring sauce and mixing pasta.
• Cooking Spray or Butter: Prevents mac and cheese from sticking to baking dish.

Cooking Method for Symon’s Mac and Cheese

Whip Up Creamy Mac and Cheese

• Prep Your Cooking Space

Get your oven warmed up to a cozy 325°F and give your baking dish a quick butter or spray massage to prevent sticking.

• Cook Pasta Like a Pro

Boil your pasta just shy of the package directions, creating that perfect al dente magic. Give it a quick olive oil drizzle to keep those noodles from clinging together.

• Craft Your Cheesy Masterpiece

Melt butter in a roomy pan and sprinkle in flour, whisking like you’re creating culinary art. Slowly pour in creamy dairy, stirring until the mixture transforms into a smooth, dreamy sauce.

• Build Flavor Layers

Stir in your cheese blend until it melts into a velvety river of deliciousness. Toss the pasta through this cheesy wonderland, making sure every noodle gets a luxurious coating.

• Assemble and Bake

Transfer your cheesy creation to the prepared dish, spreading it evenly and topping with an extra shower of cheese. Slide into the oven and bake until the top turns golden and bubbly, about 15 minutes.

• Serve and Savor

Let your mac and cheese rest for a few minutes – this allows the flavors to mingle and the texture to become perfectly creamy. Scoop out generous portions and enjoy the ultimate comfort food experience.

Tweaks and Variations for Mac and Cheese

• Customize Mac and Cheese Magic: Explore exciting twists on this classic comfort dish.
• Protein Power-Up: Fold in crispy bacon bits, shredded rotisserie chicken, or diced ham to transform the mac and cheese into a heartier meal.
• Veggie Boost: Mix in roasted broccoli florets, sautéed spinach, or caramelized onions for added nutrition and depth of flavor.
• Spice Sensation: Kick up the heat with diced jalapeños, a dash of cayenne pepper, or stir in some sriracha sauce for adventurous taste buds.
• Global Flavor Remix: Experiment with different cheese combinations like smoked gouda, sharp white cheddar, or add herbs like fresh thyme and rosemary to create a unique culinary experience.

Presentation Tips for Mac and Cheese

• Pair with Crisp Green Salad: Serve beside a light, tangy salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a zesty vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy mac and cheese.
• Create Protein-Packed Side: Add grilled chicken strips, crispy bacon bits, or sautéed shrimp on top to transform this dish into a more substantial meal.
• Elevate with Crunchy Topping: Sprinkle toasted breadcrumbs or crushed buttery crackers over the final cheese layer for an irresistible textural contrast and golden-brown crunch.
• Serve with Comfort Companions: Pair alongside roasted vegetables like broccoli or Brussels sprouts, or complement with a tangy pickle spear to cut through the dish's richness.

Creamy Michael Symon Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 14 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Michael Symon’s mac and cheese delivers creamy comfort with sharp cheddar and smoky bacon. Rich pasta promises indulgent flavor that will make diners swoon at first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (454 g) elbow pasta
• 4 cups shredded medium cheddar cheese
• 2 cups shredded gruyere cheese
• ½ cup (113 g) unsalted butter
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 2 ½ cups (600 ml) half and half
• ½ cup (60 g) all-purpose flour
• ½ tbsp (7.5 g) salt
• ½ tsp (2.5 g) black pepper
• ¼ tsp (1.25 g) smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 325°F and grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil pasta in salted water until slightly undercooked, then drain and toss with olive oil to prevent sticking.
3. Cheese Preparation: Grate all cheeses and divide into three portions for layering and sauce creation.
4. Sauce Development: Melt butter in a saucepan, whisk in flour to form a roux, then gradually incorporate half and half and whole milk, stirring until the mixture thickens to a smooth, condensed soup-like consistency.
5. Cheese Integration: Blend selected spices and 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese into the sauce until fully melted and uniform.
6. Initial Layering: Combine pasta with cheese sauce, transfer half the mixture to the baking dish, and sprinkle 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese over the first layer.
7. Final Assembly: Add remaining pasta mixture, top with the final 1 1/2 cups of cheese, and bake for 15-20 minutes until the surface turns golden brown and edges become crispy and bubbling.

Notes

• Pasta Doneness Check: Cook pasta slightly under al dente to prevent mushiness during final baking, ensuring a perfect texture.
• Cheese Layering Technique: Divide cheese portions precisely to create rich, creamy layers with balanced flavor and melting consistency.
• Roux Mastery: Whisk flour and butter thoroughly to eliminate lumps, creating a smooth base that guarantees a silky, luxurious sauce.
• Golden Brown Perfection: Watch closely during final baking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown top without burning the cheese.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 700
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 40 g
• Saturated Fat: 25 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 64 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg