Satisfy your cravings with the ultimate comfort food – 5 Cheese Krack n Cheese! This indulgent macaroni and cheese recipe takes the classic dish to a whole new level, incorporating a rich cheese sauce, savory mix-ins, and a cheesy topping that will leave your taste buds dancing. With a combination of cheddar, cream cheese, and a hint of paprika, this dish is a cheesy delight that promises to be a crowd-pleaser. Follow these simple steps to create a mouthwatering masterpiece that will elevate your mac and cheese experience.
Ingredients: For the Mac:
- 4 oz. elbow macaroni
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 2 qts of water
Mix-Ins:
- 4 strips bacon
- 1 small onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
Cheese Sauce:
- 4 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
- 3 oz. cream cheese
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp flour
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp pepper
- 1/4 tsp salt
The Finisher (Topping):
- 2 oz. cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 tsp paprika
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
- Bring 2 qts of water to boil, add salt for cooking noodles.
- In a medium saucepan, cook bacon over medium heat until crisp, then chop it into pieces.
- Pour out all but 1 tablespoon of fat from the pan and brown onions. Add garlic at the end for about 1 minute. Leave a little crunch in the onions as they will soften in the oven.
Cheese Sauce:
- In a 2-quart saucepan or Dutch oven, melt butter over low heat.
- Whisk in flour after butter melts and cook for 5 minutes or until it turns a straw-like color.
- Slowly add milk while mixing to avoid lumps.
- Cook for 5-6 minutes until it starts to bubble and thicken.
- Stir in cream cheese until thoroughly mixed.
- Next, stir in cheddar cheese and seasonings; Turn off heat once mixed in.
Macaroni:
- Pour in macaroni halfway through making the sauce so it will be ready when the sauce is done.
- Boil macaroni for about 2/3 of the recommended time, so it is still slightly chewy (approximately 6 minutes). The macaroni will soften up while baking.
- Drain the noodles and combine them with cheese sauce, onions, and bacon. Mix thoroughly.
- Pour the mixture into a 2-quart oven-safe dish or individual baking dishes.
- Sprinkle with shredded cheese and paprika.
- Bake in the oven for 20 minutes or until the top layer of cheese has browned.
- Enjoy this cheesy delight!
Conclusion: In conclusion, the 5 Cheese Krack n Cheese recipe transforms the traditional macaroni and cheese into a culinary masterpiece. The combination of multiple cheeses, savory mix-ins, and a golden cheesy topping creates a symphony of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more. Whether you’re serving it as a comforting family dinner or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So, dive into the world of cheesy goodness and savor every bite of this delectable 5 Cheese Krack n Cheese!
