Perfect Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese Recipe: Comfort Elevated

Barefoot Contessa Grown-Up Mac And Cheese transforms a childhood favorite into a sophisticated culinary experience that sparks serious dinner excitement.

Sophisticated palates will adore this elevated comfort classic with its complex flavor profile and unexpected ingredients.

Creamy textures blend seamlessly with sharp cheese notes, creating an irresistible combination that feels indulgent yet refined.

Each carefully selected ingredient contributes remarkable depth and nuanced character to this reimagined comfort dish.

Crispy elements provide delightful contrast against the smooth, velvety cheese sauce, elevating the entire eating experience.

Professional home cooks appreciate how simple techniques can dramatically transform familiar recipes into gourmet masterpieces.

Storing Leftovers with That Just-Baked Feel

• Vacuum Sealing: Lock in freshness by using a vacuum sealer to remove air completely. Portion the mac and cheese into meal-sized containers, seal tightly, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. This method prevents freezer burn and maintains the creamy texture better than traditional storage techniques.
• Glass Container Technique: Transfer cooled mac and cheese into airtight glass containers with secure lids. Glass prevents odor absorption and allows easy microwave reheating. Stack containers efficiently in the refrigerator, keeping the dish at a consistent 40°F or below to maximize food safety and quality.
• Shallow Pan Cooling: Spread leftovers in a shallow, wide pan before refrigerating to help the dish cool quickly and evenly. Rapid cooling prevents bacterial growth and preserves the delicate cheese sauce's consistency.

Fancy Twists That Elevate Your Mac Game

• Smoky Southwestern Spin: Mix in diced green chiles, swap blue cheese for pepper jack, and top with crushed tortilla chips for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Medley: Replace bacon with crispy pancetta, add sun-dried tomatoes, and swap basil for chopped oregano to create a Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Truffle Luxe Edition: Drizzle white truffle oil over the finished dish, use a blend of fontina and parmesan cheeses, and garnish with fresh chives for an elegant upgrade.
• Vegetarian Harvest: Substitute bacon with roasted butternut squash and caramelized onions, use smoked gouda for depth, and add fresh thyme for an earthy vegetarian alternative.

One Last Bite of Mac That Grows with You

Mac and cheese elevates comfort cuisine with Barefoot Contessa’s sophisticated twist.

Gruyère, Cheddar, and blue cheese create luxurious depth beyond childhood memories.

Crispy bacon adds smoky complexity to creamy pasta perfection.

Herbed breadcrumbs provide delightful crunch against silky cheese sauce.

Elegant yet nostalgic, this recipe bridges gourmet technique with familiar warmth.

So grab those ingredients, channel your inner chef, and let delectable magic unfold.

Why Grown Up Mac and Cheese Feels is a Must-Try

• Gourmet Comfort Food Upgrade: This mac and cheese transforms the classic childhood dish into an elegant, sophisticated meal that adults will absolutely love.
• Texture Explosion: Combining crispy bacon, creamy cheese sauce, tender pasta, and crunchy herbed breadcrumbs creates an incredible multi-layered sensory experience that keeps every bite interesting.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: The recipe blends three distinct cheeses (Gruyère, Cheddar, and blue cheese) which delivers a complex, rich flavor profile that's way more exciting than traditional mac and cheese.
• Quick and Easy Technique: Despite looking impressive, this recipe uses straightforward cooking methods that even moderately skilled home cooks can master, making gourmet cooking accessible and fun.

Everything You Need for a Grown-Up Mac Night

Main Ingredients:

• Macaroni: Classic pasta shape perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce.
• Gruyère Cheese: Rich, nutty Swiss cheese adding deep flavor complexity.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp cheese providing classic mac and cheese taste.
• Blue Cheese: Strong, tangy cheese bringing bold and distinctive flavor.

• Milk: Creates smooth base for cheese sauce, ensures silky texture.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps create smooth roux for sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating consistent cheese sauce.

• Bacon: Crispy pork adds smoky, salty crunch to mac and cheese.
• Bread Slices: Transforms into crunchy breadcrumb topping for texture.
• Fresh Basil: Herb brings bright, fresh note to rich dish.
• Salt: Enhances overall flavor of the mac and cheese.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle warmth and spice.
• Nutmeg: Warm spice complementing cheese sauce.
• Vegetable Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking during cooking.

How to Make Mac and Cheese That’s Anything But Ordinary

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Bacon

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and arrange bacon slices in a single layer. Bake for 15–20 minutes until crispy. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and crumble once cooled.

Step 2: Cook Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, adding a drizzle of vegetable oil. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions (about 6–8 minutes). Drain well and set aside.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Cheese Sauce

• Gruyère
• Cheddar
• Blue cheese

Add salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Stir until fully melted.

Step 4: Combine and Assemble Dish

Stir cooked pasta and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce. Divide into two individual gratin dishes or one small baking dish.

Step 5: Craft Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Pulse bread slices in a food processor to create coarse crumbs. Add chopped basil and pulse again. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture evenly over mac and cheese.

Step 6: Bake to Golden Perfection

Place in the oven and bake for 35–40 minutes until bubbly and golden brown on top.

Step 7: Serve and Savor

Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy this grown-up mac and cheese while warm, soaking in the rich, creamy flavors.

Clever Tips for Making It Creamy and Sophisticated

• Grate Cheese Fresh: Skip pre-shredded cheese, which contains anti-caking agents that block smooth melting. Hand-grating Gruyère and Cheddar guarantees a silky, luxurious cheese sauce.
• Warm Milk Gently: Heating milk before adding to the roux prevents lumpy sauce. Warm milk blends seamlessly with butter and flour, creating a velvety base for your mac and cheese.
• Cook Pasta Perfectly: Aim for slightly undercooked pasta, as it will continue cooking in the oven. This technique prevents mushy, soggy noodles and maintains a delightful al dente texture.
• Create Golden Crust: Achieve a crispy, bronzed top by baking until bubbly. For extra crunch, broil briefly at the end, transforming the dish into a golden masterpiece.
• Control Blue Cheese Intensity: Moderate blue cheese's bold flavor by reducing the quantity or substituting with more Cheddar or Gruyère. This lets you customize the taste to your preference.

Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s grown-up mac and cheese elevates comfort pasta with sharp cheddar, gruyère, and blue cheese. Sophisticated ingredients and crispy breadcrumb topping make this classic dish irresistible for dinner parties and indulgent nights you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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Cheeses:

• 4 ounces (113 grams) Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
• 3 ounces (85 grams) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about ¾ cup)
• 2 ounces (57 grams) blue cheese (such as Roquefort), crumbled

Proteins and Pasta:

• 4 ounces (about 4 slices) thick-sliced bacon
• 2 cups (240 grams) elbow macaroni or cavatappi

Sauce and Seasonings:

• 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) whole milk
• 2 tablespoons (30 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg
• 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven environment by heating to 400°F (200°C), ensuring an optimal temperature for baking.
2. Arrange bacon slices on a baking rack positioned over a sheet pan, creating a single layer. Roast for 15–20 minutes until achieving a crisp, golden texture. Transfer to a paper towel-lined surface and allow to cool before crumbling into bite-sized pieces.
3. Fill a large pot with salted water, incorporating a small amount of vegetable oil to prevent pasta sticking. Submerge macaroni and cook according to package guidelines, typically 6–8 minutes, until reaching an al dente consistency. Thoroughly drain and reserve.
4. Gently warm milk in a small saucepan over low heat, avoiding boiling. In a separate medium pot, melt butter, then gradually incorporate flour, whisking continuously for 2 minutes to create a smooth roux. Slowly introduce warm milk while stirring, cooking an additional 1–2 minutes until the mixture thickens and becomes glossy.
5. Remove sauce from heat and fold in Gruyère, Cheddar, blue cheese, salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a hint of nutmeg. Stir until cheeses completely melt and blend into a creamy consistency.
6. Incorporate cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution. Transfer the mixture into individual gratin dishes or a single small baking dish.
7. Transform bread slices into coarse crumbs using a food processor. Integrate chopped basil and pulse briefly to combine. Generously sprinkle the herbed breadcrumb mixture across the mac and cheese surface.
8. Position the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 35–40 minutes, watching for a bubbling texture and golden-brown topping.
9. Allow the dish to rest and slightly cool before serving, ensuring optimal flavor and temperature for enjoying this decadent mac and cheese.

Notes

• Cheese matters: Freshly grated Gruyère and Cheddar melt smoother and create a luxurious sauce without unwanted additives.
• Temperature tricks: Gently warm milk beforehand to ensure silky, lump-free cheese sauce every single time.
• Pasta perfection: Cook noodles just shy of done to maintain ideal texture when baking, preventing soggy mac and cheese disaster.
• Crispy crowning glory: Bake until top turns golden brown and irresistibly crunchy, using broiler for extra textural magic if needed.
• Flavor balancing: Adjust blue cheese quantity to suit your taste preferences, swapping with milder cheeses for a gentler profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 988.5
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 1,735.7mg
• Fat: 54g
• Saturated Fat: 32.5g
• Carbohydrates: 81.5g
• Fiber: 2.5g
• Protein: 37g
• Cholesterol: 165.7mg