Gourmet Creamy No-Roux Mac & Cheese

Gourmet Creamy No-Roux Mac & Cheese

45 mins
easy
8 servings

A decadent and easy mac and cheese recipe, perfect for a comforting weeknight meal or a special occasion. This recipe skips the roux for a smoother, richer sauce.

Comfort FoodMac and CheeseVegetarian

Equipment Needed

  • Baking Dish (13x9")
  • Large Pot
  • Medium Dutch Oven
  • Whisk

Ingredients

  • 1.00 lbMedium Shell Pasta(Cooked al dente)
  • 1.00 TbspKosher Salt(or 1 3/4 tsp Morton)
  • 3.00 TbspUnsalted Butter(divided)
  • 1.00 smallOnion(grated)
  • 2.50 cupsWhole Milk
  • 12.00 ozAmerican Cheese(grated)
  • 2.00 tspSmoked Paprika
  • 0.50 tspGround Mustard
  • 0.25 tspCayenne Pepper
  • 0.25 tspGround Turmeric(optional)
  • 12.00 ozSharp Yellow Cheddar Cheese(grated, divided)
  • 8.00 ozFontina Cheese(grated)
  • Freshly Ground Black Pepper(to taste)

Instructions

1

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.

Estimated time: 8 minutes

2

Melt 1 tbsp butter in a pot. Sauté grated onion until softened. Add milk and bring to a simmer.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

3

Stir in American cheese until melted. Add cooked pasta, paprika, mustard, cayenne, turmeric (if using), salt, and remaining butter.

Estimated time: 4 minutes

4

Whisk constantly until sauce is smooth and coats pasta.

Estimated time: 3 minutes

5

Stir in Fontina cheese and season with pepper.

Estimated time: 2 minutes

6

Transfer to a baking dish.

Estimated time: 1 minutes

7

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese over the top, concentrating around the edges.

Estimated time: 2 minutes

8

Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly.

Estimated time: 10 minutes

9

Let cool slightly before serving.

Estimated time: 5 minutes

10

Serve hot and enjoy!

Estimated time: 1 minutes