Gourmet Ricotta Macaroni & Cheddar Bake
Elevate your traditional comfort food game with this sophisticated version of mac & cheese. The melding of creamy ricotta and sharp cheddar creates an irresistible sauce, while the sautéed onions add a subtle sweetness. The dish is topped with a buttery cornflake crust for an unexpected crunch. Perfect for special occasions or just a weeknight treat, this dish serves beautifully as a frozen meal for later. Ideal for cheese and pasta lovers alike, this recipe proves there’s always room for a richer, more delectable mac & cheese experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
17
Ingredients
Ingredients
butter
1/2 tablespoon (none)
sweet onions
1 1/2 cups (chopped)
water
3 liters (boiling)
salt
1 tablespoon (none)
cavatappi pasta
4 cups (uncooked)
half-and-half cream
1 cup (none)
low-fat milk
1 cup (none)
butter
1/4 cup (none)
fresh ground black pepper
1 teaspoon (none)
flour
1/4 cup (none)
hot chili sauce
1/2 teaspoon (to start)
ricotta cheese
1 cup (part-skim)
old cheddar cheese
2 cups (shredded)
salt (optional)
1 teaspoon (to taste)
butter
1 tablespoon (melted)
cornflake crumbs
1/2 cup (none)
old cheddar cheese
1/4 cup (shredded)
Instructions
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gourmet Ricotta Macaroni & Cheddar Bake?
It is a sophisticated, elevated version of traditional mac and cheese featuring creamy ricotta, sharp cheddar, and a buttery cornflake crust.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 cups of uncooked cavatappi pasta.
Which cheeses are required for this dish?
This recipe uses a combination of part-skim ricotta cheese and shredded old cheddar cheese.
How many ingredients are in the Gourmet Ricotta Macaroni & Cheddar Bake?
There are 17 ingredients in total for this recipe.
Can I freeze this macaroni and cheese?
Yes, the description notes that this dish serves beautifully as a frozen meal for later.
What makes the topping for this pasta bake?
The topping is a mixture of cornflake crumbs, melted butter, and shredded old cheddar cheese.
What type of onions should be used?
The recipe specifies using 1 1/2 cups of chopped sweet onions.
How much water is needed to boil the pasta?
You will need 3 liters of boiling water.
What type of milk is used for the cheese sauce?
The sauce is made using a combination of half-and-half cream and low-fat milk.
Is there any spice in this recipe?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 teaspoon of hot chili sauce to start.
What is the preparation for the sweet onions?
The onions should be chopped and then sautéed in butter.
How much old cheddar cheese is used in total?
The recipe uses a total of 2 1/4 cups of shredded old cheddar cheese.
What type of ricotta cheese is recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 cup of part-skim ricotta cheese.
How much flour is needed?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of flour for the sauce base.
What provides the crunch to the dish?
An unexpected crunch is provided by a buttery cornflake crust.
Is the salt in the recipe mandatory?
One tablespoon is used for boiling water, while another teaspoon is optional to taste.
What kind of pepper is used?
The recipe calls for 1 teaspoon of fresh ground black pepper.
How much cornflake crumbs do I need?
You will need 1/2 cup of cornflake crumbs for the topping.
What is the preparation for the cheddar cheese?
The old cheddar cheese should be shredded before being added to the sauce and topping.
Is this dish suitable for special occasions?
Yes, it is described as perfect for special occasions or as a weeknight treat.
What is the primary flavor profile of this bake?
It is a rich and savory dish with a blend of sharp cheddar and creamy ricotta flavors.
What kind of pasta shape is cavatappi?
Cavatappi is a corkscrew-shaped pasta that holds the creamy cheese sauce well.
How much butter is needed for the onions?
You need 1/2 tablespoon of butter to sauté the onions.
How much butter is used for the topping?
The topping requires 1 tablespoon of melted butter.
Is this a baked pasta dish?
Yes, it is categorized as a pasta bake and includes instructions for a baked topping.
Who would enjoy this recipe?
This recipe is ideal for cheese and pasta lovers looking for a richer macaroni experience.
What is the role of the sweet onions?
The sautéed sweet onions add a subtle sweetness to the savory cheese sauce.
What are the primary tags for this recipe?
Tags include comfort food, pasta bake, cheesy, and freezer friendly.
How much half-and-half cream is required?
The recipe calls for 1 cup of half-and-half cream.
What is the purpose of the hot chili sauce?
It is added to provide a base level of heat and depth to the cheese sauce.