Caprese Mac Cheese
Elevate your comfort food game with this vibrant Caprese Mac & Cheese—a creamy, cheesy twist on the classic Italian salad. This irresistible dish combines tender elbow macaroni coated in a luscious blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, intertwined with bursts of juicy cherry tomatoes and fresh basil. A drizzle of tangy balsamic glaze ties it all together, adding a gourmet touch to this quick, 40-minute recipe. Perfect as a main course or a side dish, this Caprese-inspired creation is the ultimate fusion of hearty mac & cheese and fresh, summery flavors. Serve it warm and watch it become an instant favorite at the table!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 12 ounces Elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons All-purpose flour
- 3 cups Whole milk
- 2 cups Shredded mozzarella cheese
- 0.5 cups Shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 0.5 cups Fresh basil leaves (chopped or torn)
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons Balsamic glaze
Instructions
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet or saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in the milk, ensuring there are no lumps. Continue cooking and whisking over medium heat until the mixture thickens, about 4-5 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses until fully melted and smooth.
Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated.
Fold in the halved cherry tomatoes, chopped basil, salt, and ground black pepper. Stir to combine, allowing the flavors to meld for 2-3 minutes.
Transfer the Caprese mac & cheese to a serving dish or individual bowls.
Drizzle the balsamic glaze over the top just before serving for a tangy and flavorful finish.
Garnish with additional basil leaves or Parmesan cheese, if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
3326 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 139.4 g | 179% | |
| Saturated Fat | 78.0 g | 390% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.8 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 412 mg | 138% | |
| Sodium | 4887 mg | 212% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 357.8 g | 130% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.5 g | 66% | |
| Total Sugars | 74.7 g | ||
| Protein | 154.9 g | 310% | |
| Vitamin D | 8.1 mcg | 40% | |
| Calcium | 3231 mg | 249% | |
| Iron | 18.9 mg | 105% | |
| Potassium | 2327 mg | 50% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
