Epicure Recipes

Comforting Mac ‘n Cheese

StovetopBetter Than TakeoutCommunity RecipeThanksgivingLunch

20 min

4 servings

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Thank you, Marie-Pier Lupien, for this recipe. While winter is doing its thing, assemble the ultimate winter survival kit—your coziest blanket and a hot bowl of mac ‘n cheese. It’s cheesy, creamy, and decadent, but still light enough that it won’t put you in a post-feast slump.

Ingredients

  • 2 cups bite-size pasta, your choice
  • 4–6 slices bacon
  • 1⁄4 cup heavy cream
  • 1⁄4 cup water
  • 2–4 tbsp cheese spread, such as Velveeta® or Cheez Whiz®, optional
  • 1 pkg Mac & Cheese Seasoning
  • 1⁄2 cup shredded mozzarella or cheddar cheese

Preparation

  1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
  2. Cook pasta in a large pot or Multipurpose Steamer according to package directions. Before draining, reserve 2 tbsp pasta water. Drain remaining water.
  3. Meanwhile, chop bacon into small pieces. Fry in Sauté Pan over medium-high heat until crispy, about 6 min.
  4. Reduce heat to low. Add cream, water, and cheese spread, if using, to pan; stir until combined. Stir in seasoning and reserved pasta water, then add pasta and toss to combine. Spread out mac & cheese to cover the base of the pan. Sprinkle on shredded cheese.
  5. Transfer pan to oven. Bake 10 min, or until cheese is melted and turning golden brown.

Epicure Products Used

Nutritional Information

Per serving: Calories 470, Fat 24 g (Saturated 11 g, 0.2 0 g), Cholesterol 60 mg, Sodium 710 mg, Carbohydrate 45 g (Fiber 2 g, Sugars 6 g), Protein 17 g.

Tips

Swap steamed, chopped cauliflower for pasta for a low-carb, cheesy casserole.

Stir your favourite Epicure spices in with the Mac & Cheese Seasoning. Marie recommends 3 Onion Dip Mix, Creamy Ranch Dip Mix, and SPG Seasoning!

Epicure’s Sauté Pan is oven-safe up to 400° F. If you don’t have an oven-safe pan, transfer mac & cheese to a baking dish before sprinkling on shredded cheese and placing in the oven.