The Ultimate Comfort Food Delight: Saucy and Creamy Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese with a Flavorful Twist
If you're a fan of comfort food, get ready to indulge in the ultimate Saucy and Creamy Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese recipe.
This dish is all about rich flavors, tender pasta, and a gooey cheese sauce that will leave you craving more. Plus, the best part is that it's all made in one pot, making it a convenient and hassle-free meal option.
Dehydrated Tomato Peel Powder: A Flavorful Twist
- Before we dive into the delicious mac and cheese recipe, let's talk about a unique ingredient that adds a burst of flavor to this dish. Have you ever tried dehydrating tomato peels to create a powder for winter? It's a brilliant way to utilize every part of the tomato and enhance your recipes with a concentrated tomato flavor. The first batch is out and ready for the next, so let's put it to good use in our mac and cheese.
- To make the dehydrated tomato peel powder, begin by removing the peels from ripe tomatoes. Lay the peels on a dehydrator tray and let them dry out completely. Once dry, grind the peels into a fine powder using a blender or spice grinder. The result is a vibrant and aromatic tomato peel powder that can be used to elevate the flavors of various dishes. In this mac and cheese recipe, we'll add a sprinkle of this homemade powder to infuse the dish with a delightful tomato essence.
Ingredients:
- - 12 oz (340g) elbow macaroni or any other pasta of your choice
- - 4 cups (1 liter) chicken or vegetable broth
- - 2 cups (500ml) milk
- - 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- - 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- - 4 cups (400g) shredded cheese (a combination of tasty or cheddar cheese and provolone dolce or mozzarella)
- - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- - 2 teaspoons dehydrated tomato peel powder (optional)
- - Salt and pepper, to taste
- - Chopped parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions:
- 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- 2. In a large oven-safe pot or Dutch oven, add the macaroni, broth, and milk. Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook until the macaroni is al dente, stirring occasionally. This should take about 10-12 minutes.
- 3. While the pasta is cooking, prepare the cheese sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the flour and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes until the mixture turns golden brown and has a nutty aroma.
- 4. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid any lumps. Continue whisking until the mixture thickens and comes to a gentle simmer.
- 5. Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, dehydrated tomato peel powder (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- 6. Once the pasta is cooked, drain any excess liquid if necessary. Return the pasta to the pot and pour in the cheese sauce. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- 7. Place the pot in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbling.
- 8. Remove from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
- 9. Serve the saucy and creamy Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese hot and enjoy the delightful flavors.
Tips and Variations:
- - The dehydrated tomato peel powder adds a unique twist to the mac and cheese, intensifying the tomato flavor. However, if you don't have it on hand, the dish will still be delicious without it.
- - Feel free to add some cooked bacon, sautéed mushrooms, or diced tomatoes to the mac and cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- - For a crispy and golden top, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
- - If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cheese sauce.
- - This recipe can easily be doubled or halved to suit your needs.
- - Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Now it's time to savor the saucy and creamy delight of this Baked One Pot Mac and Cheese.
The combination of tender pasta, rich cheese sauce, and the subtle hint of tomato peel powder will make every bite a burst of comfort and flavor. Enjoy the warmth and satisfaction**as you indulge in this ultimate comfort food delight!**
FAQs:
1. Can I make the dehydrated tomato peel powder without seeds?
- Yes, the dehydrated tomato peel powder is made solely from the peels of the tomatoes. There are no seeds in the powder, so you can enjoy the concentrated tomato flavor without any concerns.
2. Can I use different types of pasta in this recipe?
- Absolutely! While this recipe calls for elbow macaroni, you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Feel free to experiment with penne, fusilli, or even shells to add a unique touch to your mac and cheese.
3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
- Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian by using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. The result will be a delicious and satisfying vegetarian version of the saucy and creamy baked mac and cheese.
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