Main Course · Serves 2
How do you please everyone at dinner? A mac ’n’ cheese bar! You’ll set out luscious baked mac ’n’ cheese with toppings galore: toasted everything-bagel breadcrumbs, roasted broccoli, juicy diced tomato, and tangy pickled jalapeños, then let everyone create their own perfect plate! Order bacon for smoky crispness and/or hot honey for sweet spice.
Adjust racks to top and middle positions and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry produce.
Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces if necessary.
Toss broccoli on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast on top rack until browned and tender, 15-20 minutes. TIP: If you added any other items to your meal (apps, sides, and/or dessert), you can get started on them now!
Meanwhile, melt 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) in a large pan over medium- high heat. Add panko, Everything Bagel Seasoning, salt, and pepper; cook, stirring, until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Turn off heat; transfer to a small bowl. Wipe out pan.
Once water is boiling, add cavatappi to pot. Cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Drain, then return pasta to pot.
While pasta cooks, in pan used for panko, whisk together cream sauce base and 1 cup water (2 cups for 4 servings) over medium heat. Bring to a simmer.
Add cream cheese, stock concentrate, and garlic powder. Cook, whisking, until cream cheese is fully incorporated and sauce is smooth, 2-3 minutes.
Remove from heat. Whisk in three-quarters of the cheddar and 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4) until melted and smooth. Taste and season with salt and pepper if desired.
Transfer cheese sauce to pot with drained cavatappi; stir to combine.
Coat an 8-by-8-inch baking dish (9-by-13- inch baking dish for 4 servings) with nonstick cooking spray. Transfer mac ’n’ cheese to prepared baking dish.
Top with remaining cheddar and bake on middle rack until browned, 12-15 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
While mac ’n’ cheese bakes, halve jalapeño lengthwise, removing ribs and seeds for less heat; thinly slice crosswise into half-moons. Dice tomato into 1⁄2-inch pieces.
In a second small microwave-safe bowl, combine jalapeño, 1 tsp vinegar, 1⁄4 tsp sugar, and a pinch of salt (for 4 servings, use 2 tsp vinegar, 1⁄2 tsp sugar, and a big pinch of salt). (Save remaining vinegar for another use.)
Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 30 seconds. Set aside to pickle, stirring occasionally.
Serve broccoli, mac ’n’ cheese, toasted panko, tomato, and pickled jalapeño family style and let everyone build their own plate.
From the same drawer
Add recipes to your shopping list to see ingredients here.
