Gourmet Chipotle Cheddar Mac & Cheese Delight
Indulge in the creamy decadence of this Gourmet Chipotle Cheddar Mac & Cheese Delight, inspired by the renowned Fleming's Steakhouse. This dish brings together the rich flavors of smoked cheddar and sharp cheddar, infused with the warm, smoky heat of chipotle. Perfect for family gatherings or as a main dish for a special occasion, this homemade version will not only satisfy your cravings but also impress your guests. With a golden, crispy breadcrumb topping, this mac and cheese is a comforting classic with an exciting twist, all at a fraction of restaurant prices!
N/A
Servings
350
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
cavatappi pasta
1 lb (uncooked)
salt
2 teaspoons (for boiling water)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for tossing pasta)
onion
3/4 cup (diced (1/2-inch))
unsalted butter
1/2 cup (1 stick, for sauce)
all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons (for thickening)
heavy cream
2 cups (for sauce)
half-and-half
3 cups (for sauce)
kosher salt
2 teaspoons (for flavoring sauce)
white pepper
1 teaspoon (ground, for flavoring sauce)
smoked cheddar cheese
3/4 lb (grated, for sauce)
cheddar cheese
1/4 lb (grated, for sauce)
vegetable oil
1 tablespoon (for breadcrumbs)
dried chipotle powder
1 teaspoon (for seasoning)
panko breadcrumbs
3/4 cup (for topping)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
21g
Fat
28g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Chipotle Cheddar Mac & Cheese Delight?
It is a creamy and decadent macaroni and cheese dish featuring smoked cheddar, sharp cheddar, and a smoky chipotle infusion.
What inspired this mac and cheese recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the famous mac and cheese served at Fleming's Steakhouse.
What type of pasta is used in this dish?
The recipe calls for one pound of uncooked cavatappi pasta.
What gives this recipe its smoky flavor?
The smoky flavor comes from the combination of smoked cheddar cheese and dried chipotle powder.
How many calories are in a serving of this mac and cheese?
There are approximately 350 calories per serving.
What are the two types of cheese used in the sauce?
The sauce uses 3/4 lb of smoked cheddar cheese and 1/4 lb of sharp cheddar cheese.
What kind of topping does this dish have?
It features a golden, crispy topping made from panko breadcrumbs, vegetable oil, and chipotle powder.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
It has a warm, smoky heat due to the inclusion of dried chipotle powder.
How much butter is required for the cheese sauce?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup (or 1 stick) of unsalted butter.
What liquid base is used for the gourmet sauce?
The sauce is made with a rich blend of 2 cups of heavy cream and 3 cups of half-and-half.
How are the onions prepared for this recipe?
You should use 3/4 cup of onions diced into 1/2-inch pieces.
What is used as a thickener for the cheese sauce?
Three tablespoons of all-purpose flour are used to thicken the sauce.
What kind of pepper is recommended for seasoning?
One teaspoon of ground white pepper is used for flavoring the sauce.
How much chipotle powder is needed?
The recipe uses 1 teaspoon of dried chipotle powder for seasoning.
What is the fat content per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 21g of fat.
How much protein is in this dish?
There are 10g of protein per serving.
How many grams of carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 28g of carbohydrates.
What is the purpose of the vegetable oil in the ingredients list?
Vegetable oil is used for tossing the pasta and for preparing the breadcrumb topping.
How many total ingredients are needed for this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can this be served as a main dish?
Yes, it is hearty enough to be served as a main dish or as a side for special occasions.
Is this recipe suitable for family gatherings?
Yes, it is described as a family-friendly comfort food classic with a gourmet twist.
What kind of salt should be used in the sauce?
Two teaspoons of kosher salt are used specifically for flavoring the sauce.
How do I prepare the pasta after boiling?
After boiling in salted water, the pasta should be tossed with one tablespoon of vegetable oil.
What type of breadcrumbs provides the crunch?
Panko breadcrumbs are used to achieve a crispy texture.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include mac and cheese, cheddar, comfort food, gourmet, smoky, and chipotle.
Is this recipe more affordable than a restaurant version?
Yes, it is designed to be a homemade version at a fraction of restaurant prices.
Does the recipe use salted or unsalted butter?
The recipe specifically calls for unsalted butter.
What is the texture of the finished mac and cheese?
It is described as having a creamy decadence with a crispy topping.
How much half-and-half is used?
The recipe requires 3 cups of half-and-half.
What size should the onion pieces be?
The onions should be diced into 1/2-inch pieces.