Description
Mac and Cheese with Peanuts is a creamy and comforting twist on the classic dish, featuring a rich cheese sauce and crunchy roasted peanuts.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (optional, for topping)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (optional, for topping)
Instructions
- Boil a large pot of salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 2 minutes until light golden.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously until the mixture thickens and bubbles, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella, stirring until melted. Season with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Fold in the cooked macaroni and chopped peanuts, ensuring all pasta is coated in the cheese sauce.
- If using breadcrumbs, preheat the oven to 350°F. Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Mix breadcrumbs with olive oil and sprinkle over the mac and cheese.
- Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly, or until heated through if not using breadcrumbs.
- Let sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra crunch, reserve some peanuts to sprinkle on top before serving.
- This dish can be customized with different types of cheese or additional spices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Mac and Cheese, Peanuts, Comfort Food, Cheesy Pasta