Creamy Fontina & Gorgonzola Macaroni
Elevate your classic macaroni and cheese with this creamy and decadent dish featuring the rich flavors of Fontina and Gorgonzola cheeses. This recipe harmoniously blends the nutty, buttery notes of Fontina with the tangy punch of Gorgonzola, creating a luxurious sauce that envelops each piece of tender elbow macaroni. It’s a delightful twist that will impress adults while still satisfying the kids – comfort food at its finest!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
1 lb (uncooked)
Fontina cheese
1/4 lb (shredded)
Gorgonzola cheese
1/4 lb (crumbled)
butter
2 tablespoons (unsalted)
half-and-half
1/2 cup (liquid)
fresh ground black pepper
to taste (seasoning)
fresh chives
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
1. In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil. Add a generous pinch of salt and the elbow macaroni. Cook according to package instructions until the macaroni is al dente, about 8 to 10 minutes.
2
2. While the macaroni cooks, prepare your cheese sauce. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat.
3
3. Once the macaroni is cooked, drain it in a colander and immediately return it to the pot over low heat.
4
4. Pour the melted butter into the pot with the macaroni. Gradually stir in the half-and-half, followed by the Fontina and Gorgonzola cheeses. Mix until the cheeses have melted and the macaroni is well-coated in a creamy sauce.
5
5. Season with fresh ground black pepper to taste and ensure the mixture is warmed through.
6
6. Remove from heat and gently fold in the chopped chives for freshness and a pop of color.
7
7. Serve immediately, garnished with additional chives if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Fontina & Gorgonzola Macaroni?
It is an elevated version of classic macaroni and cheese that uses a blend of Fontina and Gorgonzola cheeses for a rich, gourmet flavor.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What kind of pasta is recommended for this dish?
The recipe calls for 1 pound of elbow macaroni.
How long should I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni in boiling water for about 8 to 10 minutes until it is al dente.
What are the flavor profiles of the cheeses used?
Fontina provides nutty and buttery notes, while Gorgonzola adds a tangy punch to the sauce.
Can I substitute the half-and-half?
Yes, you can use whole milk, though the sauce may be slightly less creamy than with half-and-half.
What is the best way to melt the cheese?
Stir the shredded Fontina and crumbled Gorgonzola into the cooked macaroni over low heat to ensure a smooth, creamy sauce.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Yes, it is a family-friendly comfort food that satisfies kids while offering a sophisticated twist for adults.
What type of butter should I use?
The recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter.
How do I prepare the chives?
The chives should be chopped fresh and folded in at the end for flavor and color.
Should I rinse the pasta after draining?
No, return the drained macaroni immediately to the pot to keep it warm for the cheese melting process.
How do I prevent the sauce from being lumpy?
Gradually stir in the half-and-half and cheeses over low heat to ensure they incorporate smoothly into the pasta.
What seasoning is used in this macaroni?
The dish is seasoned with fresh ground black pepper to taste.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, shapes like shells or penne would also work well with this creamy cheese sauce.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it can be served as a complete one-dish meal or as a decadent side dish.
What can I substitute for Fontina cheese?
If Fontina is unavailable, Provolone or Gruyere are excellent substitutes with similar melting qualities.
What can I substitute for Gorgonzola?
Any blue cheese or Roquefort can be used, though the intensity of the flavor may vary.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
The recipe recommends bringing 4 quarts of water to a rolling boil.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes, cooked chicken, bacon bits, or ham would pair beautifully with these cheeses.
How should leftovers be stored?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How do I reheat this macaroni?
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or half-and-half to loosen the sauce.
Can I freeze this macaroni and cheese?
Freezing is not recommended as the cream-based cheese sauce may separate when thawed.
What is 'al dente'?
Al dente means the pasta is cooked so it is still firm to the bite, rather than soft.
Is this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, as written with standard cheeses, this recipe is vegetarian-friendly.
What does the butter do in this recipe?
The butter adds richness and helps create a silky base for the cheese sauce.
Can I use dried chives?
While fresh chives are preferred for their bright flavor, you can use dried chives in a smaller quantity.
What side dishes go well with this?
A crisp green salad or roasted broccoli helps balance the richness of the cheese.
Should I salt the pasta water?
Yes, add a generous pinch of salt to the boiling water to season the macaroni from within.
How do I know the sauce is finished?
The sauce is ready once the cheeses have completely melted and the macaroni is well-coated and warmed through.
What is the garnish for this dish?
Garnish the finished macaroni with additional fresh chopped chives if desired.