I dont know what it is about Macaroni and Cheese it is a very popular dish, grown ups and kids alike all love this cheesy pasta dish. What makes the Longhorn Steakhouses recipe so special is the 4 cheese blend flavored with smoked paprika, and they also top it with a little bit of crumbled bacon and some crispy panko bread crumbs. It really is hard to beat this side dish.
Cavatappi pasta | 1 Pound | |
Butter | 2 Tablespoon | |
Flour | 2 Tablespoon | |
Half and half | 2 Cup (32 tbs) | |
Gruyere cheese | 2 Ounce , shredded | |
White cheddar cheese | 8 Ounce , shredded | |
Parmesan cheese | 2 Tablespoon , shredded | |
Fontina cheese | 4 Ounce | |
Smoked paprika | 1 Teaspoon | |
Panko breadcrumb | 1/2 Cup (8 tbs) | |
Bacon pieces | 4 , cooked crispy and crumbled |
MAKING
Prepare pasta according to package directions.
Heat together in a large saucepan 2 tablespoons of butter and 2 tablespoons of flour over medium heat. Cook until the roux becomes fragrant.
Add 1/2 cup of half and half and stir until sauce thickens. Add an additional 1/2 cup of half and half when the sauce thickens, and then add final 1 cup of half and half and stir until the sauce becomes thick.
Add cheeses to sauce slowly stirring until the cheese is blended.
Spinkle in smoked paprika.
Mix together pasta and sauce, and pour into a 13 x 9 inch baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick spray.
Top macaroni and cheese with crumbled bacon and panko bread crumbs.
Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes or until panko breadcrumbs begin to brown.
SERVING
Serve it hot.
Serving size
Calories 461Calories from Fat 208
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 23 g35.4%
Saturated Fat 13 g65%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol
Sodium 468 mg19.5%
Total Carbohydrates 41 g13.7%
Dietary Fiber 1 g4%
Sugars 2 g
Protein 21 g42%
Vitamin A % Vitamin C %
Calcium % Iron %
*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet