Cheesy Heaven: Barefoot Contessa’s Grown Up Mac And Cheese Recipe

Comfort food reaches new heights with this Barefoot Contessa grown up mac and cheese recipe that promises to redefine your pasta experience.

Forget bland, boring cheese dishes from childhood memories.

Sharp cheddar and creamy Gruyère mingle beautifully in this sophisticated version of the classic comfort meal.

Crisp breadcrumbs add a delightful crunch to the golden, bubbling surface.

Every forkful delivers rich, complex flavors that make this mac and cheese perfect for elegant dinner parties or cozy weekend nights.

The combination of premium cheeses and carefully selected ingredients elevates this dish from simple side to show-stopping main course.

You’ll want to savor every decadent bite of this irresistible culinary creation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 1 hour

Calories: 585 kcal

Servings: 6

Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese – What’s Inside

• Macaroni: Sturdy pasta perfect for holding creamy cheese sauce, choose high-quality brand for best texture.
• Bacon: Crispy flavor enhancer that adds smoky depth, select thick-cut bacon for maximum crunchiness.
• Vegetable Oil: Prevents pasta from sticking during boiling, helps maintain smooth cooking process.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning pasta water, enhances overall dish flavor.

• Gruyère Cheese: Nutty, complex Swiss cheese that melts luxuriously, select aged variety for robust flavor.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, tangy cheese providing classic mac and cheese foundation, choose extra-sharp for intense taste.
• Blue Cheese: Bold, distinctive cheese adding sophisticated tang, use high-quality artisan variety.
• Milk: Creamy base for sauce, whole milk recommended for richest texture.
• Butter: Creates smooth roux, provides rich underlying flavor, use unsalted for better control.
• Flour: Thickening agent for creating silky sauce, ensure fresh to prevent lumpy texture.

• Bread: Transforms into crispy breadcrumbs, select day-old artisan bread for best results.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb adding bright, fresh note to crunchy topping.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity, freshly ground provides most vibrant flavor.
• Nutmeg: Warm, slightly sweet spice complementing cheese sauce, use freshly grated for maximum impact.

Essentials for Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese

• Large pot: For boiling pasta.
• Baking rack and sheet pan: Crisp bacon evenly.
• Paper towel-lined plate: Drain and cool bacon.
• Small saucepan: Warm milk gently.
• Medium pot: Prepare cheese sauce.
• Whisk: Blend sauce ingredients smoothly.
• Food processor: Create breadcrumb topping.
• Gratin dishes or small baking dish: Assemble and bake mac and cheese.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurately measure ingredients.

Cooking Plan for Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese

• Bacon Preparation

Arrange bacon slices on a baking rack, transforming them into crispy golden delights. Let them cool and crumble into delectable bits.

• Pasta Foundation

Boil water with a splash of oil, cooking macaroni until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside for cheesy magic.

• Cheese SauceAlchemy

Warm milk gently. Melt butter and whisk in flour, creating a silky base. Slowly incorporate milk, stirring until velvety smooth. Fold in rich cheeses – Gruyère, Cheddar, and bold blue cheese – with a whisper of nutmeg and seasoning.

• Flavor Fusion

Combine pasta with crumbled bacon and luxurious cheese sauce, mixing until every noodle is gloriously coated.

• Crispy Topping

Pulse bread into rustic crumbs, blend with fresh basil for an aromatic crunch. Sprinkle generously over the creamy mixture.

• Golden Finish

Bake until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling masterpiece, filling your kitchen with irresistible aromas.

• Serving Moment

Allow to cool slightly, then dive into this grown-up comfort dish that elevates mac and cheese to a gourmet experience.

Ideas to Elevate Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese

• Swap out the blue cheese for smoked gouda or sharp pecorino to create your personal flavor profile.
• Experiment with pancetta or turkey bacon for a different meat twist, or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
• Replace traditional bread crumbs with panko for extra crunch, or mix in crushed crackers and herbs for added texture and depth.
• Prepare the entire dish up to the baking stage, cover tightly with foil, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake directly from the refrigerator, adding 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
• Fold in roasted garlic, caramelized onions, or diced jalapeños into the cheese sauce for a bold flavor enhancement that elevates the classic mac and cheese.

Perfect Presentation for Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese

• Savor with Side Companions: Pair this rich mac and cheese with a crisp green salad dressed in light vinaigrette to balance the creamy, decadent pasta.
• Elevate Your Plate: Serve alongside roasted seasonal vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sprouts to add nutrition and color contrast to the dish.
• Create a Wine Moment: Select a medium-bodied white wine like Chardonnay or a light red such as Pinot Noir to complement the complex cheese flavors and enhance the overall dining experience.
• Transform into Party Bites: Convert the recipe into mini mac and cheese cups by using a muffin tin, perfect for elegant appetizers or casual gathering snacks that will impress guests.

How to Store Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese

• Maximize Freshness: Store leftover mac and cheese in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the best flavor and texture.
• Reheat with Care: Warm individual portions in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to restore creamy consistency. Alternatively, reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap tightly in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Mac and cheese can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Prep Ahead Strategy: Assemble the dish up to 24 hours in advance, keeping the breadcrumb topping separate. Refrigerate covered, then sprinkle crumbs and bake just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Indulgent Barefoot Contessa Grown Up Mac And Cheese Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Barefoot Contessa’s grown-up mac and cheese elevates classic comfort with sophisticated ingredients like Gruyère and blue cheese. Sophisticated flavors merge with creamy pasta, creating an indulgent dish that satisfies gourmet cravings and delivers nostalgic warmth.

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Ingredients

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• 2 cups (240 grams) elbow macaroni or cavatappi
• 4 oz (113 grams) Gruyère cheese, grated (about 1 cup)
• 3 oz (85 grams) extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, grated (about ¾ cup)
• 2 oz (57 grams) blue cheese (such as Roquefort), crumbled
• 4 oz (about 4 slices) thick-sliced bacon
• 1 ½ cups (360 ml) whole milk
• 2 tbsps (30 grams) unsalted butter
• 2 tbsps (16 grams) all-purpose flour
• 2 slices white sandwich bread, crusts removed
• 2 tbsps freshly chopped basil leaves
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pinch ground nutmeg

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Instructions

1. Bacon Preparation: Arrange bacon slices on a baking rack over a sheet pan, roasting at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes until crisp and golden. Cool on paper towels, then crumble into bite-sized pieces.
2. Pasta Cooking: Boil salted water with a touch of vegetable oil, cook macaroni until al dente, then drain thoroughly.
3. Cheese Sauce Creation: Warm milk gently in a saucepan. In a separate pot, craft a roux by melting butter and whisking in flour for 2 minutes. Gradually pour warm milk, stirring until the mixture transforms into a glossy, thickened sauce.
4. Cheese Melding: Remove sauce from heat, blend in Gruyère, Cheddar, blue cheese, salt, black pepper, and nutmeg until achieving a smooth, creamy consistency.
5. Combining Components: Fold cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon into the cheese sauce, ensuring even distribution. Transfer to individual gratin dishes or a single baking dish.
6. Breadcrumb Topping: Pulse bread slices in a food processor, integrate chopped basil, and generously sprinkle the herbed breadcrumb mixture over the mac and cheese.
7. Baking and Finishing: Bake in the preheated oven for 35-40 minutes until bubbling and golden-brown. Rest briefly before serving to allow flavors to settle and temperature to moderate.

Notes

• Bacon Brilliance: Roast bacon on a baking rack for maximum crispiness and even cooking, preventing soggy, greasy results.
• Pasta Perfection: Cook macaroni al dente to maintain a slight bite, preventing mushy texture and ensuring ideal pasta consistency.
• Cheese Melting Magic: Remove sauce from heat before adding cheeses to prevent separation and achieve a smooth, creamy sauce with complex flavor layers.
• Crumb Coating Technique: Pulse breadcrumbs with fresh basil for an aromatic, crunchy topping that adds texture and elevates the entire dish’s gourmet profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 585
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 46 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg