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Texas-Style Mac and Cheese
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4.94 from 16 votes

Texas Baked Mac and Cheese

Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Bake time10 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 8 people
Author: Alex Snodgrass

Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 1/4 cup very finely diced shallot
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1½ teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 12 ounces gluten-free elbow pasta, such as Jovial
  • 2 cups milk
  • 2 cups water
  • 2½ cups sharp cheddar cheese, such as Tillamook, divided
  • 1/4 cup low-fat sour cream
  • 1 (4-ounce) can diced green chiles, undrained
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free panko bread crumbs, such as Aleia
  • 1 tablespoon finely chopped cilantro leaves, optional, for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 425°F.
  • Heat a large pot over medium heat with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add the shallot and garlic and cook, stirring, until just tender, about 2 minutes.
  • Add the butter, salt, and pepper and melt.
  • Add the uncooked pasta, milk, and water and bring slowly to a boil over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the pasta is tender and most of the liquid has absorbed, about 12 minutes.
  • Remove from heat and stir in 2 cups of shredded cheese, sour cream, green chiles, nutmeg, and paprika. Season to taste with more salt, if desired.
  • Transfer the mac and cheese to a casserole dish and top with the remaining 1/2 cup of shredded cheese.
  • In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Toss until well combined, then sprinkle evenly over the mac and cheese.
  • Transfer to oven and bake, uncovered, until the cheese and panko are golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes, being careful not to burn.
  • Remove from oven and let cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro (if using), serve and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 421kcal | Carbohydrates: 41g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 11g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 54mg | Sodium: 767mg | Potassium: 168mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 630IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 343mg | Iron: 1mg