Macaroni and Cheese Pinwheels Recipe
These delightful Macaroni and Cheese Pinwheels are not just an ordinary comfort food; they take the classic flavors of macaroni and cheese and transform them into a visually appealing and fun dish that’s perfect for both casual dinners and elegant gatherings. With a combination of creamy cheeses, fresh herbs, and tender lasagna noodles, this recipe is sure to become a household favorite, whether you serve it as an appetizer or a main course alongside a refreshing salad.
Recipe Overview
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Category: Cheese
- Cuisine: Comfort Food
Ingredients Table
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Milk | 2 1/4 cups |
| All-purpose flour | 3 tablespoons |
| Worcestershire sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Ground mustard | 2 teaspoons |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Cheddar cheese | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese | 1/2 cup + 1/4 cup (divided) |
| Ricotta cheese | 1 cup |
| Fresh parsley | 1 tablespoon (chopped) |
| Lasagna noodles | 12 (cooked according to package directions) |
Nutritional Information Table
| Nutritional Component | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 565.3 kcal |
| Total Fat | 28.7 g |
| Saturated Fat | 17.8 g |
| Cholesterol | 97.5 mg |
| Sodium | 878.3 mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 45.6 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.8 g |
| Sugars | 1.8 g |
| Protein | 30.5 g |
Instructions Table
| Step | Instruction |
|---|---|
| 1 | Cook the lasagna noodles according to the package directions; drain and set aside. |
| 2 | Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). |
| 3 | Coat an 8-cup shallow baking dish with cooking spray to prevent sticking. |
| 4 | In a medium pot over medium-high heat, combine milk, all-purpose flour, Worcestershire sauce, ground mustard, and salt. Stir occasionally and bring the mixture to a boil. Continue to boil until thickened, about 2-3 minutes. |
| 5 | Reduce the heat to medium; stir in the cheddar cheese and 1/4 cup of the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth, then remove the pot from the heat. |
| 6 | In a separate bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, 1 tablespoon of the chopped parsley, and the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese. Mix until well combined. |
| 7 | Spread approximately 2 1/2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture onto each cooked lasagna noodle. |
| 8 | Starting from the short end, carefully roll up each noodle into a pinwheel shape. |
| 9 | Spread 1/2 cup of the cheddar sauce on the bottom of the prepared baking dish. |
| 10 | Cut each rolled noodle in half crosswise and place the rolls cut side down in the baking dish, arranging them closely together. |
| 11 | Pour the remaining cheddar sauce over the top of the rolls, ensuring they are evenly covered. |
| 12 | Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for about 45 minutes. |
| 13 | If desired, for a lightly browned top, uncover the dish and place it under the broiler for about 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning. |
| 14 | Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your deliciously cheesy and hearty pinwheels! |
Conclusion
These Macaroni and Cheese Pinwheels, with their creamy filling and delightful flavor, are bound to impress anyone who tries them. Perfect for potlucks, dinner parties, or even a comforting family meal, they embody the joy of home-cooked comfort food while presenting beautifully on any table. Don’t forget to pair them with a fresh salad for a balanced meal that everyone will love!
