Introduction
Welcome to this delicious recipe for Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese (Gratin-Style). This comforting dish is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends. The blend of creamy cheese sauce and perfectly cooked shellbows pasta, topped with a crispy golden crust, will leave everyone craving for more.
Mac and cheese is a classic dish loved by many, and this recipe takes it up a notch with the addition of a gratin-style twist. Whether you are a fan of traditional mac and cheese or looking to try a new variation, this Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Get ready to indulge in a decadent and flavorful experience with this recipe. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps required to create this mouthwatering dish.
Ingredients
For this Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
Cheese Sauce:
– 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese
– 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 3 cups of milk
– 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour
– 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Shellbows Pasta:
– 1 pound of shellbows pasta
– Water for boiling
– Salt for seasoning
Gratin Topping:
– 1 cup of breadcrumbs
– 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
– 2 tablespoons of melted butter
– Salt and pepper to taste
Steps
Follow these steps to create your Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese:
1. Preparing the Cheese Sauce:
1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
4. Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
2. Cooking the Shellbows Pasta:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the shellbows pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and set aside.
3. Assembling the Mac & Cheese:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shellbows pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
3. Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
4. In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper for the gratin topping.
5. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
Variations
Get creative with your Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese by trying out these variations:
1. Bacon & Jalapeño:
Add crispy bacon bits and sliced jalapeños to the mac and cheese for a spicy and savory twist.
2. Broccoli & Ham:
Include steamed broccoli florets and diced ham for a wholesome and satisfying meal.
3. Truffle Oil Drizzle:
Finish off the mac and cheese with a drizzle of truffle oil for a luxurious and aromatic touch.
Tips
Here are some helpful tips to elevate your Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese:
1. Cheese Selection:
Experiment with different cheese combinations like Gruyère, fontina, or Gouda for unique flavor profiles.
2. Breadcrumb Crunch:
To achieve a crispier topping, broil the mac and cheese for a few minutes at the end of baking.
3. Make-Ahead Option:
You can prepare the mac and cheese ahead of time and bake it when ready to serve for a convenient meal option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese (Gratin-Style) is a delightful dish that combines rich cheese sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and a crispy topping. Whether you enjoy it as a main course or a side dish, this recipe is sure to please your taste buds and satisfy your cravings for comfort food.
Try out this recipe with different variations and make use of the helpful tips to customize your mac and cheese experience. Share this delicious dish with your loved ones and enjoy the warm and cheesy goodness together.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese:
Q: Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
A: Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shapes like elbows, penne, or fusilli for a unique twist.
Q: How can I make this dish vegetarian?
A: Simply omit the bacon or ham and consider adding extra vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this mac and cheese?
A: Yes, you can freeze the leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven for a delicious meal anytime.
Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese (Gratin-Style)
Indulge in a decadent and flavorful experience with this Creamy Baked Shellbows Mac & Cheese recipe. The dish features a blend of creamy cheese sauce, perfectly cooked shellbows pasta, and a crispy golden crust, making it a comforting and satisfying meal for any occasion.
Ingredients
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2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
-
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
-
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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3 cups milk
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1/4 cup all-purpose flour
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1/4 cup unsalted butter
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 pound shellbows pasta
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Water for boiling
-
Salt for seasoning
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1 cup breadcrumbs
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2 tablespoons melted butter
Directions
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In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
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Whisk in the flour and cook for about 2 minutes to make a roux.
-
Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.
-
Cook the sauce, stirring constantly, until it thickens.
-
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the shredded cheddar, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheeses until melted and smooth.
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
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Add the shellbows pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
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Drain the pasta and set aside.
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Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shellbows pasta with the cheese sauce until well coated.
-
Transfer the mixture to a greased baking dish.
-
In a separate bowl, mix the breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, melted butter, salt, and pepper for the gratin topping.
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Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese in the baking dish.
