Fancy Macaroni: A Decadent Twist on Classic Comfort Food
A grown-up spin on a comfort classic that brings indulgence to your dinner table.
Fancy Macaroni: The Ultimate Comfort Food Upgrade
If you thought macaroni and cheese couldn’t get any better, think again. Fancy Macaroni takes the comfort food classic to new, grown-up heights with a blend of decadent cheeses, crisp bacon, and caramelized onions. This dish manages to be both refined and deeply satisfying—a showstopper for dinner parties or indulgent family meals alike.
Food & Cooking > Recipes
Why Make Fancy Macaroni?
This is not your typical macaroni and cheese. Fancy Macaroni features a medley of cheeses like gruyère and cheddar, plus bold flavor enhancements like smoky bacon and sweet, golden brown onions. The results are a creamy, complex, and crowd-pleasing dish that tastes like comfort food with a gourmet twist.
- Rich, multilayered flavors: Multiple cheeses make each bite nuanced.
- Hearty additions: Bacon and caramelized onions add depth and savory notes.
- Creamy yet structured: Baked until golden and bubbly, the noodles hold their texture while absorbing all the flavor.
Ingredients for Fancy Macaroni
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cavatappi or Elbow Macaroni | 16 oz (1 pound) | Preferably cavatappi for extra texture |
| Thick-Sliced Bacon | 8 slices | Chopped and cooked to crisp |
| Onions | 2 large | Sliced and caramelized |
| Butter | 4 tablespoons | Divided for onions and roux |
| All-Purpose Flour | 1/4 cup | For thickening |
| Whole Milk | 2 1/2 cups | Can substitute with half-and-half for extra richness |
| Gruyère Cheese | 8 oz (about 2 cups grated) | Freshly grated preferred |
| Sharp Cheddar Cheese | 8 oz (about 2 cups grated) | Brightens the flavor |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/2 cup grated | Enhances umami |
| Egg | 1 large | Tempered for the sauce |
| Salt, Pepper, Seasoned Salt | To taste | Essential for flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Cook the Bacon:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook chopped bacon until crisp. Remove to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Caramelize the Onions:
- Drain most of the bacon drippings, leaving just enough to coat the pan. Add sliced onions and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, until deeply golden and caramelized. Set aside.
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add cavatappi or elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about a half cup of pasta water (just in case you need to loosen your sauce).
- Make the Cheese Sauce (Roux-based):
- In a large saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-low heat. Sprinkle in flour and whisk for 2-3 minutes to cook out the raw flour taste.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking non-stop. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes.
- In a small bowl, beat one egg. Slowly add a quarter cup of the hot sauce to the egg, whisking constantly (to temper). Then, slowly pour this egg mixture back into the sauce, whisking until combined.
- Turn down the heat. Add all the cheeses (gruyère, cheddar, parmesan), reserving a handful of each for topping. Stir until melted and smooth. Season with salt, seasoned salt, and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the drained pasta, bacon, and caramelized onions to the sauce. Gently mix to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Finish and Bake:
- Pour the mixture into a buttered casserole dish. Top with reserved cheeses. Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for 20-25 minutes, until bubbling and golden on top.
- Let stand for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the dish to set.
Tips for Making the Best Fancy Macaroni
- Freshly grated cheese melts smoother than pre-shredded cheese, which can become gritty due to anti-caking agents.
- Undercook the pasta slightly—it will continue cooking in the oven and absorb the sauce better without becoming mushy.
- Use cavatappi if possible. Its spiral shape holds onto the sauce and provides a pleasant texture.
- Tempering the egg ensures your sauce stays creamy and doesn’t curdle.
Substitutions and Variations
- Substitute fontina or Monterey Jack for gruyère for an equally creamy texture.
- Try smoked gouda or add a touch of blue cheese for bolder flavor.
- Add fresh herbs like thyme or chives for a pop of color and earthiness.
- Want more crunch? Top with buttery breadcrumbs before baking.
Serving Suggestions
Fancy Macaroni pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or even as a side for grilled or roasted meats. Its richness makes it a standout centerpiece for holiday spreads, potlucks, or Sunday family dinners.
- Dinner party centerpiece: Serve with a dry white wine and crusty bread for a classy main course.
- Side dish: Perfect alongside roast chicken, steak, or pulled pork.
- Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently to maintain creaminess.
What others are reading
How to Store and Reheat
- Refrigerate leftovers in a tightly-sealed container. Macaroni can lose some creaminess after refrigeration, so add a splash of milk before reheating.
- Reheat gently in the oven covered with foil at 325°F, or microwave individual portions until warmed through.
Nutritional Insights
Fancy Macaroni is undeniably rich and comforting. It’s higher in calories and fat than basic macaroni and cheese, primarily due to the cheeses, bacon, and creamy sauce. Eating it as an occasional indulgence or as the centerpiece of a balanced meal makes it a special treat worth savoring.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can Fancy Macaroni be made ahead?
A: Yes. Assemble the entire dish, cover tightly, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. Add an extra 10–15 minutes to the baking time (keeping it covered for the first half) to ensure it heats through without drying out.
Q: Can I freeze Fancy Macaroni?
A: Yes, the baked dish freezes well. Let it cool, then wrap tightly; freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat at 325°F covered with foil until bubbling.
Q: What is the best cheese mix for Fancy Macaroni?
A: Use a blend of robust and melty cheeses like sharp cheddar, gruyère, and parmesan for flavor and creaminess. Add a small amount of blue cheese or smoked gouda for complexity as desired.
Q: Is it possible to make Fancy Macaroni vegetarian?
A: Meatless Fancy Macaroni is delicious—just omit the bacon and use extra caramelized onions or add sautéed mushrooms for savory depth.
Pro Chef Tips for Success
- For extra decadence: Add a drizzle of truffle oil before serving.
- Spice it up: Mix a pinch of cayenne or paprika into the cheese sauce for subtle heat.
- Texture play: Bake with crushed crackers or panko on top for crunch.
- Let it rest: Always allow the casserole to sit for 5–10 minutes after baking—this helps the cheese set and makes for cleaner slices.
Nutrition Facts (per generous serving)
| Calories | Total Fat | Carbohydrates | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|
| Approx. 780 | ~39g | ~72g | ~33g |
References
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a11497/macaroni-cheese/
- https://keytomylime.com/pioneer-woman-mac-and-cheese-recipe/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k1SuiaoyujM
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a10927/fancy-mac-and-cheese/
- https://www.thepioneerwoman.com/food-cooking/recipes/a8901/fancy-macaroni/
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