The Last Macaroni and Cheese Recipe You'll Ever Need | Mad Scientist BBQ

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: reduced-fat cheese

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Reduced-fat cheese lowers calories while processed cheese is often less expensive.

butter

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: margarine

Olive oil provides healthier fats while margarine is a budget-friendly alternative.

milk

🥗Healthier: almond milk

💰Cheaper: water + cornstarch

Almond milk is lower in calories, and a cornstarch mixture can mimic creaminess.

elbow macaroni

🥗Healthier: whole wheat pasta

💰Cheaper: generic pasta

Whole wheat pasta adds fiber while generic options are often cheaper.

Boil water in an enameled cast iron Dutch oven and add a generous pinch of kosher salt to flavor the pasta.

Add cavatappi pasta to the boiling water and cook for about 8.5 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Drain the pasta and set aside.

In the same Dutch oven, add 2 quarts of heavy cream and stir with a wooden spoon.

Reduce the cream by half, using the wooden spoon as a measuring stick to check the volume.

Add a pinch of salt and a pinch and a half of black pepper to the cream while reducing.

Chop up some rosemary and add it to the cream for flavor.

Shred smoked gruyere cheese and smoked sharp cheddar cheese, using about two-thirds gruyere and one-third cheddar for the sauce.

Add about 1 ounce of grated Parmesan cheese to the mixture.

Once the cream has reduced, stir in the shredded cheeses until melted and smooth.

Combine the cooked cavatappi with the cheese sauce until evenly coated.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens