Creamy Herbed Macaroni and Cheese Delight
Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this Creamy Herbed Macaroni and Cheese Delight. A favorite of my son and daughter-in-law, this recipe combines the rich flavors of tangy Havarti or Muenster cheese with a hint of Italian herbs. The combination of creamy sauces, fresh seasonings, and a crispy breadcrumb topping makes this dish not only delicious but also visually appealing. Perfect for family dinners, cozy nights in, or as a delightful side at gatherings, this one-dish meal is sure to please even the pickiest eaters. Serve it hot, and enjoy the melting cheese and aromatic herbs that create an unforgettable experience!
N/A
Servings
312.5
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
elbow macaroni
7 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
butter or margarine
2 tablespoons (melted)
all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons (for thickening)
Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon (for flavor)
onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (for flavor)
salt and pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
milk
1 cup (added to the cheese sauce)
sour cream
1/4 cup (added to the cheese sauce)
Havarti cheese or Muenster cheese
1/2 cup (cubed and added to the cheese sauce)
cheddar cheese
3/4 cup (shredded, divided)
Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons (grated, for topping)
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the elbow macaroni according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
3
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter or margarine until bubbly.
4
Sprinkle in the all-purpose flour, Italian seasoning, onion powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until a roux forms and the flour is cooked.
5
Gradually whisk in the milk, continuing to stir until the mixture thickens and bubbles gently.
6
Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the sour cream, cubed Havarti or Muenster cheese, and 1/2 cup of the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7
In a 1-1/2 quart baking dish, combine the drained macaroni and the creamy cheese sauce, stirring well to coat the pasta evenly.
8
For the topping, mix together the grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and the remaining 1/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the macaroni and cheese.
9
Bake the dish, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and bubbly.
10
Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes, and serve warm, garnished with additional herbs if desired.
Nutrition Information
17.5g
Fat
30g
Carbs
12.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main dish in this recipe?
The dish is Creamy Herbed Macaroni and Cheese Delight, a comfort food favorite featuring tangy Havarti or Muenster cheese and Italian herbs.
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 7 ounces of elbow macaroni.
What are the primary cheeses used in the sauce?
The sauce uses a combination of cubed Havarti or Muenster cheese and shredded cheddar cheese.
At what temperature should the oven be preheated?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
How long does the macaroni and cheese need to bake?
It should be baked for 15 to 20 minutes.
What ingredients make up the crispy topping?
The topping consists of grated Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoned breadcrumbs, and shredded cheddar cheese.
Is sour cream used in this recipe?
Yes, 1/4 cup of sour cream is stirred into the cheese sauce for extra creaminess.
How much milk is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 1 cup of milk.
What herbs and spices provide the flavor?
Italian seasoning, onion powder, salt, and pepper are used to season the dish.
Should the baking dish be covered or uncovered?
The dish should be baked uncovered to allow the top to become golden brown and bubbly.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 312.5 calories.
How much protein is in this meal?
This recipe provides 12.5g of protein per serving.
What size baking dish is recommended?
A 1-1/2 quart baking dish is ideal for this recipe.
How do you prepare the macaroni?
Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package directions until it is al dente.
What is the purpose of the flour in the recipe?
Two tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to create a roux for thickening the cheese sauce.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 2 tablespoons of butter or margarine.
What is the total fat content?
The dish contains 17.5g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 30g of carbohydrates per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe in total?
There are 12 ingredients listed for this recipe.
What is the first step in making the cheese sauce?
The first step is melting butter in a saucepan and whisking in flour and seasonings to form a roux.
Is Havarti or Muenster cheese better for this dish?
Both work well; Havarti offers a creamy texture while Muenster provides a mild, tangy flavor.
How much cheddar cheese is used in total?
A total of 3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese is used, divided between the sauce and the topping.
What indicates that the dish is finished baking?
The dish is done when the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Is this recipe suitable for family dinners?
Yes, it is described as a family favorite that is perfect for cozy nights or gatherings.
How much onion powder is included?
The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder.
What kind of breadcrumbs should be used?
Italian seasoned breadcrumbs are recommended for the best flavor profile.
How should the macaroni be combined with the sauce?
Stir the drained macaroni and cheese sauce together in the baking dish until the pasta is evenly coated.
Can I garnish the dish after baking?
Yes, you can garnish with additional herbs if desired before serving warm.
How long should the dish cool before serving?
It is recommended to let the dish cool for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.
What are the tags associated with this recipe?
Tags include macaroni and cheese, comfort food, herbed, cheesy, and baked pasta.