Easy Baked or Smoked Mac and Cheese | Made In 20 Minutes

Yo foodies, picture this: a creamy cascade of cheese, interspersed with cavatappi pasta, seasoned to perfection and kissed by a blanket of smoky or oven-baked goodness. That’s our Easy Baked or Smoked Mac and Cheese, made in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re catering to little tykes with gourmand taste buds, or throwing a comfort food-themed feast for friends, this dish is a surefire winner. And the best part? It’s easy peasy, lemon-squeezy.

The melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of the mac and cheese speaks for itself, and the smoky undertone just takes it to another level. Trust us, once you hook your fork into this baby, you won’t look back. Prep time, cook time, yada yada yada, let’s get right down to the details.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Yield: 4 cups of mac and cheese

Alright, enough jibber-jabber, let’s get down to the good stuff. Buckle up folks, for the cheesiest ride of your life!

Ingredients & Equipment You’ll Need

• 200g of cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups of shredded cheese (combination of sharp cheddar and mozzarella)
• 2 cups of milk
• 1/4 cup of butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

Equipment: Stove, Saucepan, Strainer, Oven or Smoker.

The secret of this recipe lies in the cheese combo. Sharp cheddar lends the depth of flavor while mozzarella takes care of the cheesy pull. Don’t skimp on that smoked paprika too, it’s the secret X-factor for that smoky flavor.

How To Make Easy Baked or Smoked Mac and Cheese

1. Start with boiling the cavatappi pasta in salted water. Cook it few minutes shy of the package instructions; more cook time coming in the oven or smoker.
2. While your pasta is boiling, let’s move to your sauce. Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat, then whisk the flour in to make a roux.
3. Add the milk slowly to the saucepan, while continuously stirring to avoid lumps. Once the sauce thickens, add your shredded cheese combo.
4. Once everything is melty and homogenised, season it with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Now, drain your pasta and mix it with this sexy cheese sauce.
5. The final step is baking it in a preheated oven at 400��F for 10 minutes, or smoke it for 10 minutes if you love some extra buzz. If you’re smoking, pre-soak some wood chips for extra flavor.

Tips For The Best Results

• Always salt your pasta water, it’s essential for flavor.
• Use freshly ground pepper and not the pre-ground stuff. There’s a world of difference.
• Don’t forget to stir often while making the sauce to prevent it from burning.

Storage Tips

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheat in the oven (not the microwave) for best taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use other types of cheese?

A: Sure, you can experiment, but the cheddar-mozzarella combo really hits the spot.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?

A: Absolutely! Just substitute the pasta and flour with gluten-free options.

Q: Can I freeze the mac and cheese?

A: Yes, but for the best texture and flavor, we recommend consuming it soon after it’s freshly made.

Nutritional Facts of Easy Baked or Smoked Mac and Cheese

Approx per serving: Calories: 500, Carbs: 38g, Protein: 20g, Fat: 30g

In conclusion, friends, our Easy Baked or Smoked Mac and Cheese is more than just a dish. It’s an experience and a flavor trip down nostalgia lane. A dollop of hot sauce or a sprinkle of crispy bacon bits and you’re in for a real treat. So, don that chef’s cap, get cookin’ and prepare for a sensory explosion!