Rich and creamy with a touch of smokiness—this mac & cheese delivers warm, cheesy comfort in every bite. Four types of cheese melt together and surround your favorite pasta style, while a vibrant blend of McCormick® seasonings elevates the savory flavors. A crispy panko topping featuring a hint of smokiness from McCormick® Applewood Smoked Bacon Finishing Salt adds just the right amount of texture, making this dish an absolute crowd pleaser (it serves 12)!
Rich and creamy with a touch of smokiness—this mac & cheese delivers warm, cheesy comfort in every bite. Four types of cheese melt together and surround your favorite pasta style, while a vibrant blend of McCormick® seasonings elevates the savory flavors. A crispy panko topping featuring a hint of smokiness from McCormick® Applewood Smoked Bacon Finishing Salt adds just the right amount of texture, making this dish an absolute crowd pleaser (it serves 12)!
Key products
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Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 13x9-inch baking dish with no stick cooking spray. Set aside. Cook pasta as directed on package for al dente. Drain well.
- Melt 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) of the butter, in large saucepot or Dutch oven on medium heat. Whisk in flour, 2 teaspoons of the Bacon Finishing Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika and black pepper, stirring until well blended and bubbly. Cook 1 minute longer, stirring constantly. Gradually add heavy cream and then milk, whisking constantly until blended.
- Remove saucepot from heat. Add cream cheese and half of each cheese, stirring until completely melted and smooth. Gently stir in pasta. Spoon half of the pasta mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle with remaining cheese. Spoon remaining pasta evenly over top. Set aside.
- Place remaining 1/4 cup (1/2 stick) butter in small microwave-safe bowl. Microwave 30 seconds to 1 minute on HIGH, or until melted. Add panko and remaining 1 teaspoon Finishing Salt, stirring to mix well. Sprinkle evenly over top of mac and cheese.
- Bake 30 to 35 minutes or until top is lightly browned and cheese is bubbly. Let stand 15 minutes. Sprinkle additional Finishing Salt, if desired, to serve.
