This is Ree’s revamped version of mac and cheese, using the O-shaped pasta she loved as a child. The dish has three types of cheese to make it extra creamy, and is topped with french-fried onions for a delicious crunchy topping.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 50 min |
| Active: | 30 min |
| Yield: | 6 to 8 servings |
Ingredients
- 1 pound O pasta
- 3 tablespoons salted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 4 ounces white processed cheese
- 1 cup shredded Havarti cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 2 cups prepared fried onions
- 2 green onions, sliced, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Meanwhile, heat the butter and olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Cook until softened, 4 to 5 minutes.
- Sprinkle over the flour and stir with a whisk as you add. Let the flour cook for 1 minute. Continue whisking while slowly pouring in the milk, then the cream. Cook until thick and bubbling, 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in the cheeses in handfuls until completely melted. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Add the pasta and stir until completely coated. Sprinkle over the fried onions.
- Bake until the onions are deep golden and crisp, 10 to 12 minutes. Sprinkle with the green onions, if using.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 8 servings |
| Calories | 726 |
| Total Fat | 40 g |
| Saturated Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 69 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 6 g |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Cholesterol | 81 mg |
| Sodium | 643 mg |
Reviews
I have tried many baked Mac and cheese recipes over the years and per my husband, if he had a restaurant, this is what he would serve. I use large shells rather than the o’s and add a little bit more cheese and spices than what is called for. My family also does not like the crispy onions so I do half breadcrumbs/butter and half onions for me. Always a crowd pleaser!
“ I’ve never liked any homemade or baked macaroni and cheese that you’ve ever made until this one” per my Husband . “This one is definitely a make again “ I followed the recipe exactly however after tasting the cheese sauce before adding the pasta was bland to me . I added some grated nutmeg and mustard powder