Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese Recipe

Forget everything you thought you knew about mac and cheese! This isn't your grandma's recipe – it's a gourmet upgrade with a creamy, dreamy sauce, thanks to a clever roux-less technique. We're replacing some of the cheddar with pungent gorgonzola for an irresistible depth of flavor and adding a crunchy crumb topping for the perfect textural contrast. This elevated mac and cheese is surprisingly easy to make and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Get ready to impress!

Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 60 mins
Calories 1053.8 kcal
Protein 112g
Rating Be the first
Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese 90

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Forktionary editorial kitchen team

The Forktionary Kitchen Team

Adapted from Food.com, then tested & standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese

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How to Make Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese

  1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta cooking water before draining.
  3. While pasta cooks, heat milk in a microwave-safe bowl until hot (about 3-4 minutes).
  4. In a large bowl, combine shredded cheddar, gorgonzola, Gruyere (if using), and Parmesan (if using). Stir in cornstarch until cheese is lightly coated.
  5. Gradually whisk hot milk into the cheese mixture, a little at a time, until smooth and creamy. Return to microwave in 30-second intervals if needed to keep the cheese melted and sauce smooth. Stir constantly.
  6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  7. Spray a 13x9 inch casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray.
  8. Add cooked pasta to the prepared dish. Pour cheese sauce over pasta and gently stir to coat.
  9. In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  10. Bake for 30 minutes, or until golden brown and bubbly.

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

93 g

Sugar

4g

Fat

188g

Carbs

23g

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to make Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese?

Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese takes about 75 minutes from start to finish — roughly 15 minutes to prepare and 60 minutes to cook.

How many calories are in Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese?

Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese has approximately 1053.8 calories per serving, with about 112 g protein, 23 g carbohydrates and 93 g fat.

What ingredients do I need for Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese?

The key ingredients for Not Your Mama's Mac N Cheese are Penne Rigate, Milk, Cheese, Cornstarch, Ground Mustard, Ground Nutmeg. See the full list with measurements above.

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