Panko Cavatappi Baked Mac and Cheese
I really wanted to kick off the barbecue season with a mac and cheese recipe that you guys could easily rely on. It’s a side that is a definite crowd pleaser, but can fall short if not taken seriously. But do not fret my cheesy little friends, I have simplified it enough, where you cannot possibly mess it up. Also, once you feel comfortable enough with this recipe, you can change it however you’d like, adding bacon, baking it longer, different cheeses, the choices are honestly endless.
I usually write my recipes with different categories for the ingredient list, but I feel like this is the best way to keep it straightforward, and fun, just like this Panko Cavatappi Baked Mac And Cheese.
Things to know about this recipe!
I chose to do a panko crust versus a cheese crust just because I have a cheesy layer in the middle already. I love the panko for contrast in texture, color and taste!
Cavatappi noodles are my favorite since they hold so much sauce, and are so fun to eat. Also, they look incredibly fancy. :3
I chose sharp cheddar, monterey jack cheese, and gruyere cheese as I feel like these are simple enough to get at your local grocery store, yet carry enough depth to create a delectable and exciting side dish. Also, shredding your cheese is not an option here. Pre shredded cheese has a powdery finish that prevents it from sticking together, and inevitably does not melt well.
When we create our sauce, we are creating a bechamel, which is just a fancy word for a roux type sauce. This is what makes the dish creamy, and prevents separating when baking. Now let’s get it mackin’.
DA DRY:
1 box of cavatappi noodles
½ cup of all purpose flour
2 cups of panko crumbs
DA WET:
1 teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil
7 tbsp of unsalted butter + 6 tbsp of unsalted butter
3 cups of whole milk
1 ½ cup of heavy whipping cream
DA CHEESE:
4 cups of sharp cheddar
2 cups of gruyere cheese
1 cup of of monterey jack cheese
½ cup of parmesan cheese
DA SEASONING:
1 tablespoon of smoked paprika
1 tablespoon of onion powder
1 tablespoon of garlic powder
1 teaspoon of garlic salt
Salt and pepper to taste
DA TOOLS:
A large baking dish
2 large pots
Strainer
Whisk
Grater
and a complete disregard for everyones waistline
Directions:
Grate your cheese and add them all in a large pot for easy access, except for the parmesan cheese, which you will set to the side.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil
Add in your cavatappi noodles
Stir and make sure it does not stick to the bottom and cook for about 6 minutes (Just about one minute before all the way cooked)
Once done, drain your noodles and toss in a teaspoon of extra virgin olive oil, set aside
Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit
Take a large pot and add 7 tablespoons of unsalted butter on medium high heat
Once melted gradually whisk in your ½ cup of flour, and constantly whisk.
Once it begins bubbling and becomes a cohesive roux, gradually add in your 3 cups of whole milk
Constantly stir, and once it begins bubbling again, add in your 1 ½ cup of heavy whipping cream
Stir until it boils again
Lower your medium high heat to medium heat
Add 3 cups of grated cheese and stir
Add your 1 tablespoon of onion powder, 1 tablespoon of garlic powder, 1 teaspoon of garlic salt
Add another 2 cups of grated cheese and stir
Congrats! You officially have a cheese mixture for your yummy noodles
Turn off your heat but leave your pot on the stove top,
Add salt and pepper to taste
When it is to your liking, add in your cooked noodles and coat with your mixture
Butter the sides of a deep dish pan then add half of your noodles to the deep dish.
Layer the rest of your shredded cheese
Add the other half off your noodles on top of your layered cheesy goodness
In a bowl, microwave 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter
Add in 2 cups of panko crumbs, ½ cup of parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika and stir
Add on top of your mac and cheese and bake for 25-30 minutes
After, let it cool, and then romance with the grill master of your choice since you will now have the best side at your next summer potluck.
