Gourmet Cheddar and Comté Macaroni Bake
Indulge in this creamy and luxurious Gourmet Cheddar and Comté Macaroni Bake, inspired by Fairway Market favorites. With the perfect combination of Wisconsin extra-sharp cheddar and French Comté cheeses, this dish delivers a rich flavor profile that elevates traditional macaroni and cheese to gourmet status. Baked to perfection with a golden breadcrumb topping, this recipe is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or a comforting weeknight dinner. Serve it alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
N/A
Servings
379
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
2 tablespoons (plus extra for greasing the pan)
elbow macaroni
1 lb (cooked al dente)
flour
2 tablespoons (for making the roux)
half-and-half
3 cups (for the cheese sauce)
shredded Wisconsin extra-sharp cheddar cheese
4 cups (for flavoring the sauce)
shredded French Comté cheese
2 cups (for flavoring the sauce)
kosher salt
to taste (for seasoning)
fresh ground white pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
plain breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Generously butter a 13x9 inch baking pan and set aside.
2
Fill a large pot with salted water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain the macaroni well and transfer it to a large mixing bowl.
3
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 2 tablespoons of butter. Gradually whisk in the flour until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps, creating a roux.
4
Slowly pour in the half-and-half, whisking constantly. Increase the heat to medium-high and bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring frequently.
5
Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium and stir in the shredded Wisconsin extra-sharp cheddar cheese and French Comté cheese until fully melted and the sauce is creamy.
6
Season the cheese sauce with kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste.
7
Pour the cheese sauce over the cooked macaroni and mix until every piece is well-coated.
8
Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking pan, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle the top with plain breadcrumbs for a crunchy topping.
9
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is bubbly and golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving, and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
34g
Carbs
15g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Cheddar and Comté Macaroni Bake?
It is a creamy and luxurious baked pasta dish inspired by Fairway Market favorites, featuring a blend of extra-sharp cheddar and French Comté cheeses.
What types of cheese are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses Wisconsin extra-sharp cheddar cheese and French Comté cheese.
What is the recommended oven temperature for baking?
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
What type of pasta is required?
The recipe calls for 1 lb of elbow macaroni.
How long should the elbow macaroni be cooked?
The macaroni should be cooked until al dente, which typically takes about 8-10 minutes.
What size baking pan is needed?
A 13x9 inch baking pan is recommended.
How should I prepare the baking pan?
The baking pan should be generously buttered before adding the macaroni mixture.
How is the cheese sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by creating a roux with butter and flour, then adding half-and-half.
What liquid is used for the cheese sauce base?
The recipe uses 3 cups of half-and-half.
How much Wisconsin extra-sharp cheddar is needed?
You will need 4 cups of shredded Wisconsin extra-sharp cheddar cheese.
How much French Comté cheese is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of shredded French Comté cheese.
What seasonings are used in this macaroni bake?
The dish is seasoned with kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper to taste.
What is used for the crunchy topping?
Plain breadcrumbs are sprinkled on top before baking.
How long does the dish need to bake?
Bake it in the oven for 20-25 minutes.
What are the total calories per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 379 calories.
How much fat is in one serving?
There are 21g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate content?
Each serving has 34g of carbohydrates.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 15g of protein per serving.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total.
What is the oven temperature in Celsius?
The oven temperature is 175°C.
What specific brand of cheddar is mentioned?
The recipe suggests using Wisconsin extra-sharp cheddar.
Is white pepper or black pepper used?
The recipe specifically calls for freshly ground white pepper.
When should the cheese be added to the sauce?
Add the cheese once the half-and-half mixture has reached a gentle boil and the heat is reduced.
What should the top of the bake look like when finished?
The top should be bubbly and golden brown.
Should the macaroni bake cool before serving?
Yes, let it cool slightly before serving to allow the sauce to set.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is ideal for family gatherings, potlucks, or comforting dinners.
What side dishes go well with this macaroni bake?
It serves well alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables.
How much butter is used for the roux?
2 tablespoons of butter are used for the roux, plus extra for greasing the pan.
How much flour is needed for the sauce?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of flour.
What is the texture of the breadcrumb topping?
The breadcrumb topping provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy pasta.