This is one of the best & easiest ways to zhuzh up your next macaroni and cheese! This Balsamic Mac and Cheese recipe is taken to another level with the tangy & sweet balsamic vinegar reduction drizzled all over the panko crumbs which soaks up that amazing flavor and is then baked in the oven till golden, bubbling and crispy on top….stop it!

We eat this mac and cheese with a massive side salad, cause you know, balance! This balsamic mac and cheese recipe is perfect for a family/ friends dinner with quite a few people, its delicious, looks impressive but is super easy.

Tips for the Best Balsamic Mac and Cheese:

When making the cheese sauce, you need to keep whisking/stirring otherwise it might split. Also keep the heat low will help prevent this the sauce from splitting.
Reduce that balsamic vinegar till its 1/4 cup, the cooking times will vary by oven & sauce pan. It makes the vinegar thicker, sweeter & perfect for this pasta.

Enjoy! x

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Balsamic Mac and Cheese

Yield: 4-6

Author: Paige

Prep time: 15 MinCook time: 35 MinTotal time: 50 Min

This is one of the best & easiest ways to zhuzh up your next macaroni and cheese!

Ingredients

Balsamic Mac and Cheese Pasta

3 cups macaroni elbow pasta, dried
1/2 cup balsamic vinegar
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated
1/2 cup panko bread crumbs

Cheese Sauce

1 tablespoon butter
2 tablespoons flour
2 1/2 cups milk
1 teaspoon vegetable stock powder
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt & cracked pepper to taste
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated

Instructions

Balsamic Mac and Cheese Pasta

Preheat oven to 355 F fan bake.
Cook pasta in a large pot of water, as per the packet instructions. Drain & place in a large oven proof baking dish.
Place a small non-stick sauce pan or pot on a medium heat. Add balsamic vinegar, bring to the boil then reduce to a simmer. Cook until reduced to 1/4 cup, 3 - 5 minutes approximately. Stirring occasionally. Set aside.
Pour cheese sauce (instructions below) onto the cooked pasta, stir. Layer grated cheese, panko crumbs and drizzle your balsamic vinegar reduction.
Place in the for 20 - 25 minutes until golden & bubbling.

Cheese Sauce

In a medium skillet or pot on a medium heat, melt butter, once melted add flour & stir until fully incorporated. Cook for 30 seconds.
Pour in 1/2 cup milk, whisk until the milk has thickened. Add 1 cup milk, whisk until thickened again. Add the rest of milk, whisk, reduce heat till the sauce is simmering.
Add in stock powder, mustard, salt, & pepper. Continue stirring until sauce is very thick 5 - 10 minutes. Take off the heat, stir in cheese until its melted. Set aside.

Nutrition Facts

Calories

1263

Fat

52 g

Sat. Fat

28 g

Carbs

153 g

Fiber

4 g

Net carbs

149 g

Sugar

13 g

Protein

49 g

Sodium

1074 mg

Cholesterol

139 mg

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Balsamic Mac and Cheese