Gourmet Mac and Cheese

Gourmet mac and cheese is the quintessential edible for noshing. Have you ever wondered how to make gourmet mac and cheese out of a box?

You can just as easily substitute any kind of pasta or mac & cheese box into this recipe - the possibilities are endless.

Gourmet Apple Mac and Cheese

Is there any better duo than apples, gruyère and sharp cheddar cheese with gourmet mac and cheese? You will delight in this quick, yet tasty dish prepared with two boxes of macaroni and cheese dinner. Fresh gourmet ingredients, such as gruyère cheese, walnuts, heavy cream and Dijon mustard turn this fast meal into a heavenly concoction. Serve with a glass of white Chardonnay.

Ingredients

• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup apple cider or juice
  
• 1 tablespoon butter, unsalted
  
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 2 1/2 cups white cheddar cheese
• 1 cup gruyère cheese
• 1/2 panko bread crumbs
• 1/2 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  
• 2 boxes of cheddar macaroni and cheese
• Salt, to taste
  

Preparation

1. Prepare boxed mac and cheese recipe by following the package instructions; cook pasta only half the suggested cooking time.

2. In a saucepan, slowly heat the cream and cider until hot, but not boiling.

3. In a skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add flour, and stir constantly for several minutes. Combine the heated cream and continue stirring until sauce is thickened.

4. Stir in one-half of gourmet cheese, mustard and pepper. Season the sauce with salt, to taste.

5. Combine the prepared macaroni and cheese with the skillet cream sauce; transfer to a greased casserole dish.

6. Season the casserole with panko bread crumbs, walnuts and the remaining cheese. Bake in a preheated oven at 400 degrees F. for 20 minutes, or until golden brown.