Macaroni cheese with tomatoes Recipe

Macaroni Cheese with Tomatoes is a comforting twist on the classic mac and cheese, combining the creamy richness of cheesy pasta with the juicy, slightly tangy flavor of tomatoes. It’s a perfect dish for weeknight dinners, bringing together a balance of flavors and textures.

Macaroni Cheese with Tomatoes Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 cups macaroni or elbow pasta
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional for added flavor)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
• 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
• 2-3 medium ripe tomatoes, sliced or diced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional for topping)
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Pasta:
   • Boil a pot of salted water and cook the macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:
   • In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1-2 minutes to form a roux (this removes the raw flour taste).
   • Gradually whisk in the milk, making sure there are no lumps. Keep whisking until the mixture starts to thicken, about 4-5 minutes.
   • Once thickened, stir in the shredded cheddar cheese (and mozzarella, if using) and mustard, garlic powder, and paprika. Stir until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Combine Pasta and Sauce:
   • Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to coat the pasta evenly.
4. Add the Tomatoes:
   • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
   • Lightly grease a baking dish and pour half of the cheesy pasta mixture into it.
   • Layer with half of the tomato slices (or diced tomatoes), then add the remaining mac and cheese on top.
   • Arrange the remaining tomatoes on the top layer.
5. Optional: Add Parmesan Topping:
   • Sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese for an extra cheesy crust.
6. Bake:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes, until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve:
   • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil before serving.

Tips:

• Tomato Choice: You can use fresh tomatoes, cherry tomatoes (halved), or even canned diced tomatoes, depending on availability.
• Cheese Variations: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like Gruyère, Monterey Jack, or Fontina for a unique flavor.
• Breadcrumb Topping: For added crunch, mix some breadcrumbs with melted butter and sprinkle on top before baking.

This Macaroni Cheese with Tomatoes is a creamy, cheesy, and comforting dish with the added freshness of tomatoes, perfect for family meals or as a satisfying side dish!