Description
This rich and creamy Blue Cheese Mac and Cheese features a blend of fontina, gorgonzola, and buttermilk blue cheeses combined with whole wheat elbow noodles, topped with a crunchy breadcrumb crust and fresh herbs. Baked to golden perfection, this comforting casserole offers a sophisticated twist on a classic favorite.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound whole wheat mini elbow noodles
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 8 ounces fontina cheese, freshly grated
- 8 ounces gorgonzola cheese, crumbled
- 8 ounces buttermilk blue cheese, crumbled
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Topping
- 1/3 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup seasoned fine bread crumbs
- Chopped fresh herbs, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the whole wheat elbow noodles according to package directions, but shave off 1-2 minutes from the recommended cooking time to keep them slightly firm for baking.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: While the pasta cooks, melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat until sizzling. Whisk in the flour to form a roux and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly until golden and bubbly. Gradually pour in the milk, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens slightly. Reduce heat to low and add 6 ounces of the fontina, all the gorgonzola, and about 6 ounces of the buttermilk blue cheese. Stir until all the cheese melts and the sauce is thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta and transfer it to the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce evenly over the noodles and toss gently to coat thoroughly.
- Add Toppings and Bake: Sprinkle the remaining fontina and blue cheeses evenly over the top of the pasta. Cover with the panko and seasoned fine bread crumbs, then bake for 30 to 35 minutes or until the top is golden brown and crunchy.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top before serving to add brightness and flavor.
Notes
- Using whole wheat noodles adds fiber and a nuttier flavor to balance the richness of the cheese sauce.
- Shaving off 1-2 minutes from the pasta cooking time ensures the noodles remain firm after baking.
- Feel free to substitute different types of blue cheese or adjust the blend to suit your taste preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
- Fresh herbs such as parsley, thyme, or chives complement the flavorful cheeses and add freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
