Cheese is the key to our hearts. Add a little sprinkle of cheddar, a dash of parmesan, or some creamy mozzarella to practically any recipe, and we’ll be yours forever. “More cheese please!” is always the answer. You don’t have to tell Ina Garten, though. The Barefoot Contessa just shared a recipe that contains over 1 pound of cheese, and each bite is more heavenly than the last.
Garten’s Mac & Cheese recipe, which was originally published in her 2002 Barefoot Contessa Family Style cookbook, calls for 12 ounces of Gruyère cheese and 8 ounces of extra-sharp cheddar cheese. (This is not your kids’ Kraft mac & cheese!) Start by drizzling oil into boiling water, and cooking elbow macaroni or cavatappi. Drain the noodles and set aside.
Make the creamy sauce in a large pot, which requires milk (heated on the stove), butter, cheese, spices, and other ingredients. Pour the cooked noodles into the thickened sauce, then transfer the entire recipe into a 3-quart baking dish. You’ll add more butter and other ingredients to create a topping, then bake it until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned.
Imagine this side dish with BBQ ribs or smoked brisket? Even with grilled chicken and a salad it would be good. Pair that with some homemade sweet, iced tea, and you have the perfect summertime side dish!
Garten is queen of cheesy recipes, which make for the perfect comfort food. Like her yummy truffled mac & cheese or overnight mac & cheese. She is so decadent with the cheese, you can’t go wrong with any of these.
Get Garten’s full Mac & Cheese recipe online HERE.
Before you go, check out Garten’s best dinner recipes below:
