Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Trader Joe'sTrader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese
- 8 ounces Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Trader Joe's sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup Trader Joe's panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375
- 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 7-9 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min
- 3
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
⏱️ 2 min
- 4
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste (roux) forms. Do not let it brown.
⏱️ 2 min
- 5
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min
- 6
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar and sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
⏱️ 3 min
- 7
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated.
⏱️ 1 min
- 8
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
⏱️ 2 min
- 9
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown (if using). Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
⏱️ 20 min•🌡️ 375
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Trader Joe'sTrader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese
- 8 ounces Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar Cheese, shredded
- 4 ounces Trader Joe's sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 ounces elbow macaroni
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Optional Topping
- 1/2 cup Trader Joe's panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- 1
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375 - 2
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 7-9 minutes. Drain well and set aside.
⏱️ 10 min - 3
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the 1/4 cup unsalted butter over medium heat.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste (roux) forms. Do not let it brown.
⏱️ 2 min - 5
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking constantly, until it thickens, about 3-5 minutes.
⏱️ 5 min - 6
Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded Trader Joe's Unexpected Cheddar and sharp cheddar cheese until completely melted and smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
⏱️ 3 min - 7
Add the drained macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until all the pasta is evenly coated.
⏱️ 1 min - 8
Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish. If desired, combine the panko breadcrumbs with 1 tablespoon melted butter and sprinkle evenly over the top.
⏱️ 2 min - 9
Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until bubbly and the topping is golden brown (if using). Let stand for a few minutes before serving.
⏱️ 20 min•🌡️ 375