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+ servings

Mac and Cheese Bar

A fun and customizable mac and cheese bar featuring creamy cheese sauce and a variety of toppings.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: American
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

Pasta
  • 8 oz elbow macaroni or any pasta shape
Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tbsp butter unsalted
  • 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups milk whole or 2%
  • 2 cups cheddar cheese shredded
  • 1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
Toppings
  • 1 cup bacon bits cooked and crumbled
  • 1 cup green onions sliced
  • 1 cup bread crumbs for crunch
  • 1 cup jalapeños sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1 cup extra cheese for topping

Method
 

Prepare the Pasta
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Cheese Sauce
  1. In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden.
  2. Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens.
  3. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses until melted and smooth. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
Combine and Serve
  1. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta and cheese sauce, mixing well.
  2. Transfer to a baking dish and top with additional cheese and desired toppings.
  3. Bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 15-20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
  4. Serve hot with a variety of toppings for guests to customize their mac and cheese.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 600kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 25gFat: 30gSaturated Fat: 15gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 80mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 400mgFiber: 2gSugar: 3gVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 400mgIron: 2mg

Notes

Feel free to customize the toppings based on personal preference. This dish is perfect for parties or family gatherings.

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