Savory Mac & Cheese Recipe | The Perfect Baked Side For Father's Day

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while maintaining flavor.

cream cheese

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: sour cream

Greek yogurt adds creaminess with fewer calories.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil is healthier, while margarine is often cheaper.

parmesan cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: grated pecorino

Nutritional yeast is a lower-calorie alternative with a cheesy flavor.

Boil water in a large pot.

Add cavatappi pasta to boiling water and cook for 6 to 8 minutes until al dente; stir occasionally.

In a Dutch oven, melt 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Once melted, add 1/2 cup of flour to the butter and stir to create a roux.

Heat 4 cups of whole milk in the microwave until warm (about 1 minute).

Gradually add the warm milk to the roux, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and optionally dry mustard or nutmeg to taste.

Turn off the heat and stir in the sharp and medium cheddar cheeses, reserving some cheese for topping.

Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the cheese sauce, mixing well to combine.

Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to the same Dutch oven to bake, saving on cleanup.

Top with reserved cheese and optional bacon if desired.

Bake in the oven until bubbly and golden brown.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens