Easy Barefoot Contessa Mac And Cheese Recipe for Cozy Nights

Barefoot Contessa’s mac and cheese represents the ultimate comfort food fantasy for passionate cheese lovers seeking indulgent culinary magic.

Classic mac and cheese transforms into something extraordinary through careful ingredient selection and precise cooking techniques.

Rich, creamy textures emerge from carefully chosen cheese combinations that elevate this traditional dish beyond basic expectations.

Professional chefs understand that mac and cheese requires strategic layering of flavors and exceptional dairy selections.

Sophisticated yet approachable, this recipe bridges gourmet technique with nostalgic home cooking sensibilities.

Warm, melted cheese creates an irresistible golden blanket that promises pure satisfaction with every delectable bite.

Homecoming memories and elegant dinner parties merge seamlessly in this remarkable recipe: prepare to be amazed.

Why Contessa Mac and Cheese Is Ultimate Comfort

• Creamy Cheese Explosion: Indulge in a luxurious mac and cheese experience with a rich blend of melted cheeses that create an irresistibly smooth and velvety sauce coating every single pasta noodle.
• Gourmet Comfort Food Upgrade: Transform the classic mac and cheese into a sophisticated dish with fresh tomato slices and a crispy bread crumb topping that adds exciting layers of texture and depth of flavor.
• Quick and Easy Weeknight Winner: Prepare this restaurant-quality mac and cheese in just 55 minutes, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious homemade meal without spending hours in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients for Contessa Mac and Cheese

Main Ingredients:

• Kosher Salt: Essential for seasoning the pasta water and enhancing overall flavor.
• Elbow Macaroni: Classic pasta shape that holds the creamy cheese sauce perfectly.
• Whole Milk: Provides rich, creamy base for the cheese sauce and adds smoothness.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a smooth roux and adds richness to the dish.
• Gruyère Cheese: Brings a nutty, complex flavor to the mac and cheese.
• Cheddar Cheese: Offers sharp, classic cheese taste and great melting quality.

• All-Purpose Flour: Helps thicken the cheese sauce and create a smooth texture.
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the overall flavor.
• Nutmeg: Provides a warm, slightly sweet background note to the cheese sauce.

• Fresh Tomatoes: Adds color, freshness, and a slight acidity to the dish.
• Fresh Bread Crumbs: Creates a crispy, golden topping that adds textural contrast.

Cooking Contessa Mac and Cheese

Step 1: Preheat The Oven

Set your oven to 375°F and prepare a 3-quart baking dish.

Step 2: Cook The Macaroni

• Add a drizzle of olive oil
• Add macaroni

Cook for 6 to 8 minutes according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and set aside.

Step 3: Create Creamy Cheese Sauce

• Melt of butter
• Add flour
• Cook on low heat while stirring for 2 minutes
• Gradually add hot milk
• Whisk continuously until mixture thickens

• Grated cheddar cheese
• Grated gruyere cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Ground nutmeg

Fold in the cooked macaroni until evenly coated.

Step 4: Layer And Decorate

Transfer macaroni mixture to the prepared baking dish.

Slice fresh tomatoes and arrange on top of the mac and cheese.

Step 5: Add Crispy Topping And Bake

Melt of butter and mix with bread crumbs.

Sprinkle the buttery bread crumb mixture over the mac and cheese.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes until golden brown and bubbling.

Let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips for Contessa Mac and Cheese

• Preserve Creaminess: Cold cheese grates more uniformly, melting smoothly into sauce without clumping or sticking together.
• Elevate Texture: Slightly toasting bread crumbs before sprinkling creates a golden, crispy layer that adds delightful crunch to every forkful.
• Layer Flavor Dynamically: Season strategically through each cooking stage – pasta water, cheese sauce, and final dish – building depth and complexity.
• Moisture Management: Hot milk splash during stirring prevents sauce from drying out, maintaining luxurious, silky consistency throughout baking.
• Cheese Complexity: Combine freshly grated Gruyère and sharp cheddar for a multi-dimensional flavor profile that transforms ordinary mac and cheese.

Storing Contessa Mac and Cheese

• Freeze in Portions: Divide mac and cheese into individual serving sizes before freezing. Wrap each portion tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn and maintain flavor integrity. Label containers with the date to track storage time.
• Refrigerator Revival: Store leftovers in an airtight container for maximum freshness. Add a splash of milk when reheating to restore the creamy texture and prevent dryness. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and quality.
• Gentle Reheating: Warm individual portions in the microwave using 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly. Alternatively, reheat in the oven at 350°F until the dish is hot and bubbly. Avoid multiple reheating cycles to preserve the mac and cheese's delicious consistency.

Ways to Spice Up Contessa Mac and Cheese

• Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Add diced jalapeños and a dash of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce for a fiery mac and cheese experience. Sprinkle extra pepper jack cheese on top for more heat.
• Mediterranean Fusion: Mix in crumbled feta cheese, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh basil. Top with toasted pine nuts for a Mediterranean-inspired version that brings exciting new flavors to the classic dish.
• Bacon Lover's Dream: Crisp up bacon pieces and fold them into the mac and cheese mixture. Sprinkle additional crispy bacon bits on top before baking for a smoky, crunchy texture that elevates the comfort food.
• Truffle Mushroom Elegance: Sauté wild mushrooms like shiitake and porcini, then fold them into the cheese sauce. Finish with a drizzle of truffle oil and fresh thyme for a luxurious and earthy transformation of the classic recipe.

Reflections on Contessa Mac and Cheese

Barefoot Contessa’s mac and cheese elevates comfort classics with gourmet sophistication.

Ina Garten’s signature recipe transforms simple ingredients into culinary magic.

Sharp cheddar and gruyère create luxurious cheese depths unseen in traditional versions.

Sliced tomatoes add elegant brightness while crisp bread crumbs deliver perfect textural contrast.

Mediterranean inspirations meet midwestern nostalgia in this crowd-pleasing masterpiece.

When friends gather around this golden, bubbling dish, pure deliciousness speaks louder than words – so go ahead, savor each creamy bite, share this recipe, spark conversation, and let culinary passion shine through social media love.

Barefoot Contessa Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s mac and cheese elevates comfort classics with sharp cheddar and gruyère blending luxurious flavors. Rich, creamy pasta topped with golden breadcrumbs delivers pure culinary satisfaction you’ll savor to the last delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Cheese Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) Gruyère cheese, grated
• 8 ounces (227 grams) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated

Pasta and Tomatoes:

• 1 pound (454 grams) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
• ¾ pound (340 grams) fresh tomatoes

Other Ingredients:

• 1 quart (946 milliliters) milk
• 8 tablespoons (113 grams) unsalted butter
• ½ cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1–½ cups (120 grams) fresh white bread crumbs
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg
• Kosher salt
• Vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring the rack is positioned in the center for even heating.
2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent pasta from sticking, then carefully introduce the macaroni. Cook for 6 to 8 minutes until al dente, stirring occasionally. Drain thoroughly in a colander and set aside.
3. In a heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt 6 tablespoons (85 grams) of unsalted butter over medium-low heat. Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour, creating a smooth roux. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
4. Slowly pour in the hot milk, whisking vigorously to eliminate any lumps. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, approximately 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Remove the sauce from heat and incorporate the shredded cheddar and gruyère cheeses. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground nutmeg. Stir until the cheeses melt completely and form a smooth, creamy sauce.
6. Gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce, ensuring each pasta piece is evenly coated.
7. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a 3-quart (2.8-liter) baking dish. Arrange thinly sliced tomatoes in an even layer across the top.
8. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons (28 grams) of butter and mix with breadcrumbs until they are evenly coated and golden.
9. Sprinkle the buttered breadcrumbs over the tomato layer, creating a crisp and flavorful topping.
10. Bake in the preheated oven for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top turns golden brown and the edges are bubbling. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.

Notes

• Creamy, indulgent mac and cheese transforms into a gourmet experience with unexpected cheese combinations.
• Sharp Gruyère and classic cheddar create a luxurious flavor profile that elevates the traditional comfort dish.
• Fresh tomato slices burst with tangy brightness, cutting through the rich cheese sauce for perfect balance.
• Crunchy homemade bread crumb topping adds irresistible texture and golden-brown elegance to every bite.
• Nutmeg whispers warmth throughout the sauce, bringing depth and sophistication to this classic comfort meal.
• Meal prep champions will love that this dish freezes beautifully and reheats like a dream for easy entertaining.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 642 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 610 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 68 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg