If you’re a fan of comfort food, then this manchego mac and cheese recipe is about to become your new favorite dish. You can now try and create a gourmet dish with our easy-to-follow recipe that ensures a creamy spoonful every time.
Why Choose Manchego Cheese?
Combining the creamy, nostalgic appeal of classic mac and cheese with the rich, nutty flavors of Spain’s beloved manchego cheese, this recipe is a celebration of indulgence and tradition. You may be asking– can you use manchego in mac and cheese? And the answer is absolutely yes you should! Mac and cheese manchego is an excellent alternative to more common cheeses like cheddar. The slightly tangy and nutty taste of the manchego cheese deepens with age, providing for a wonderful flavor profile. The semi-firm texture of manchego allows the cheese to melt beautifully, creating a creamy and velvety sauce that clings to the pasta. Its distinctive flavor adds depth and richness, making manchego macaroni and cheese more flavorful and complex. As such, manchego cheese offers a sophisticated spin on a timeless classic.
Ingredients for Manchego Mac and Cheese
To make this exquisite Spanish mac and cheese you will need the following ingredients:
- 8 oz (225 g) elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
- 2 cups (475 ml) whole milk
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 ½ cups (170 g) grated Manchego cheese
- 1 cup (115 g) grated sharp cheddar cheese (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional, for a bit of smokiness)
Step-by-step cooking instructions
Creating manchego mac and cheese is fairly simple as you follow the typical instructions for making regular baked mac and cheese. First, you will cook the pasta in boiling water. While that is boiling you can grate the manchego cheese and sharp cheddar cheese so that they are ready to instantly melt. Once the elbow pasta is finished cooking, drain the water, and place the macaroni in a deep-dish pan. This is where you will combine all your ingredients and stir thoroughly. Place the dish in a preheated oven set to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and stir occasionally. Once the cheese is slightly browned then you can take out the pan, let cool, and serve!
Variations on Manchego Mac and Cheese
Now, manchego cheese in mac and cheese is perfect on its own but you can also change it up with some additions and variations. For the meat lovers we highly recommend incorporating chorizo into your manchego macaroni and cheese. For starters, the flavor contrast is unparalleled to anything else. Chorizo has a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy flavor that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy, and nutty taste of manchego cheese. The combination creates an even more complex and interesting flavor profile. Besides the amazing bursts of flavor, chorizo adds a meaty texture to an otherwise smooth and creamy dish. Overall, chorizo is a wonderful addition to this mac and cheese with manchego as it adds a pop of color, depth, richness, and a touch of spice to the dish making it more flavorful and satisfying.
Serving Suggestions for Manchego Mac and Cheese
Some suggestions on ways to complement your manchego mac and cheese are to add little touches. Some examples could be– adding breadcrumbs to the top for a crunchy bite or top with freshly grated parmesan for extra cheesiness or adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. As for sides, you can add a simple fresh green salad to balance the heaviness of the mac and cheese. My favorite side dish to accompany any macaroni and cheese is a roasted vegetable like asparagus or broccoli as the slightly charred and caramelized flavors of the vegetables contrast nicely with the creamy sauce. Lastly, you can’t go wrong with a crusty bread on the side. A baguette or ciabatta is perfect for mopping up any leftover cheese sauce so no delicious gooeyness goes to waste! Bonus points for some garlic bread for an extra flavor kick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you use manchego in mac and cheese? Yes of course you can! The cheese adds some nuances that are unique, which you would not have with typical cheddar cheese. It’s a great way to experiment in the kitchen and play around with classic kitchen staples.
Can I use different types of pasta? Yes, elbow macaroni is the stereotypical pasta shape for macaroni and cheese that is almost always used. But you can get creative in the kitchen and explore different pasta shapes to see what textures and dining experiences you prefer. We also recommend the spiral pasta shape as it is pleasing to look at and the cheese gathers around the spirals creating bursts of flavor.
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