Caprese Mac Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this vibrant Caprese Mac & Cheese—a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic Italian salad. This irresistible dish combines tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, intertwined with bursts of juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze ties it all together, adding a gourmet touch to this quick, 40-minute recipe. Perfect as a main course or a side dish, this Caprese-inspired creation is the ultimate fusion of hearty mac & cheese and fresh, summery flavors. Serve it warm and watch it become an instant favorite at the table!
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Ingredients
- 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 0.5 cups Fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic glaze
Directions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Step 3
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Step 4
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Step 5
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
Step 6
Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
Step 7
Transfer the Caprese mac & cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls.
Step 8
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for a tangy and flavorful finish.
Step 9
Garnish with additional basil leaves or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1873.4g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 3325.7 |
| Total Fat 139.4g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 78.0g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 0.8g | |
| Cholesterol 412.5mg | 0% |
| Sodium 4886.7mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 357.8g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 18.5g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 74.7g | |
| Protein 154.9g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 322.1IU | 0% |
| Calcium 3231.3mg | 0% |
| Iron 18.9mg | 0% |
| Potassium 2327.3mg | 0% |
Source of Calories