Nancy’s Italian Macaroni and Cheese Recipe
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Aggregated Rating: 4.5 (based on 2 reviews)
Ingredients:
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup monterey jack cheese
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
- 3 teaspoons oregano
- 2 teaspoons sweet basil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup elbow macaroni
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 1679.1
- Fat Content: 60.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 36g
- Cholesterol Content: 164.1mg
- Sodium Content: 3498.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 204g
- Fiber Content: 11.3g
- Sugar Content: 31.5g
- Protein Content: 80.4g
Keywords: European, Less than 60 Minutes, Oven
Recipe Yield: 1 batch
Description:
Indulge in the tantalizing flavors of Nancy’s Italian Macaroni and Cheese, a culinary masterpiece crafted to perfection. This delightful recipe, discovered and shared from lovewithrecipes.com, promises a symphony of cheesy goodness with a touch of European flair, all within a time-friendly 40-minute window. Prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey that marries the richness of monterey jack and parmesan cheese with aromatic oregano, sweet basil, and the subtle warmth of garlic and onion powder. The result? A bubbling pot of comfort, perfect for any occasion.
Instructions:
- Preheat Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to a toasty 400°F, setting the stage for the magic that’s about to unfold.
- Mix and Blend: In a generously-sized mixing bowl, unite the elements of this culinary symphony – the water, monterey jack cheese, parmesan cheese, oregano, sweet basil, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, and elbow macaroni. Stir with enthusiasm until a harmonious blend is achieved, setting the stage for a sensational flavor profile.
- Baking Dish Brilliance: Once your medley is impeccably mixed, transfer it into a greased baking dish, ensuring an even distribution of cheesy goodness. This is where the culinary canvas takes shape.
- Crumbly Crown: Elevate your creation by generously crowning it with buttered Italian-style bread crumbs. For this delightful touch, combine fine dry bread crumbs with a hint of melted butter until moist but not soggy, then artfully sprinkle over the macaroni ensemble.
- Pepper Rings Finale: Add a touch of vibrancy and flavor contrast by adorning the crown with three green pepper rings, strategically placed for both visual appeal and a burst of freshness.
- Into the Oven: With your culinary masterpiece ready for its transformation, gently place the baking dish into the preheated oven. Allow it to bake for 25 to 30 minutes, unleashing a tantalizing aroma that will have your senses on high alert.
- Buttery Elegance: For an extra layer of buttery elegance, consider adding a touch more melted butter to your bread crumbs, ensuring a perfect balance between crispiness and moisture.
As your kitchen transforms into a haven of delightful aromas, anticipate the moment when you’ll unveil Nancy’s Italian Macaroni and Cheese from the oven – a golden-brown masterpiece that’s as pleasing to the eyes as it is to the palate. Allow it to cool briefly before serving, and prepare to bask in the accolades of those fortunate enough to experience this culinary delight. This recipe, a true testament to the artistry of Italian-inspired comfort food, is not just a dish; it’s an experience worth savoring.