5 Incredible Side Dish Recipes for Your Next BBQ or Party

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: low-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Low-fat cheese reduces calories while maintaining flavor.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: evaporated milk

Almond milk is lower in calories, while evaporated milk is often cheaper.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often less expensive.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated Romano cheese

Nutritional yeast is dairy-free, while Romano is often cheaper.

Shred 8 ounces of medium cheddar cheese, 8 ounces of sharp cheddar cheese, and 8 ounces of Gruyere cheese using a food processor with a grater attachment.

Mix all the shredded cheeses together in a big bowl and set aside in the fridge.

Heat a pot of salted water on the stove.

Melt an entire stick of butter in a big enamel dutch oven.

Add a small yellow onion and jalapeno, both finely chopped, and cook until softened.

Add 1/2 cup of all purpose flour and whisk until a buttery paste forms, cooking for a minute.

Gradually pour in 2 1/2 cups of half and half, whisking constantly, followed by 1 1/2 cups of whole milk.

Let the mixture come to a simmer over medium heat while whisking regularly.

Add cavatappi noodles to the sauce and boil until just shy of al dente.

Stir in 3 cups of the shredded cheese mixture, one cup at a time, until melted and smooth.

Add seasonings: kosher salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Drain the pasta and fold it into the cheese sauce until combined.

Transfer half of the noodle mix into a casserole dish or disposable baking pan.

Sprinkle half of the remaining cheese over the top, then add the rest of the noodle mix, followed by the rest of the cheese.

Bake at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 30 minutes, optionally broiling for a couple minutes at the end.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens