Spicy Green Mac & Cheese
Yields: 6-8 servings
Prep: 15 minutes, Cooks 20 minutes
People have very strong opinions about mac & cheese. Is it a side or a main? Should it be plain or filled with extras? What type of cheese is best, which seasonings? Etc, etc. My opinion is if it tastes good, I don’t really care what’s in it! That’s where I started when creating this mac & cheese. I love mac & cheese and I love leeks. Leeks provide huge depth of flavor without being over powering. Their flavor is strong enough to cut through lots of cream and cheese but mild enough that “oniony” isn’t the dominating flavor. Paired with broccoli and chives, you get a multidimensional textural experience that many mac & cheeses lack. Red pepper flakes and paprika add just enough spice and seasoning to make your mouth salivate. Try out this recipe and I promise you’ll be jazzing up your next batch in your own, unique way!
Ingredients:
1 lb. medium shell or elbow pasta
Leek
Fresh broccoli
Chives
Olive oil
Salted butter
Black pepper
Kosher salt
Paprika
Red Pepper Flakes
1/2 cup Buttermilk (this measurement is important)
Extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
Half & half
Panko breadcrumbs
Sour cream (optional)
Special Equipment:
Cast iron skillet or large oven-safe skillet
Directions
Step One:
Preheat oven to 350º. Bring half & half and buttermilk to room temperature. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
Step Two:
Roughly chop about 1 cup each of broccoli and leek. About 1/2 cup of chives. Reserve a few tablespoons of chives for later.
Step Three:
Melt equal parts butter and olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium heat. Sauté broccoli, leek, and chives for 2 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Continue to cook until broccoli is bright green and still has a little crunch to it, about 5 minutes. Don’t be afraid to pick out a piece and taste it!
Step Four:
Season veggies with about 1 tablespoon of paprika. Add in as much red pepper flakes as you like. For less spicy, 1 tablespoon should do. For more spicy, try up to 2 tablespoons. However, do not omit them! Even if you don’t like spice at all, a single teaspoon will still add the needed flavor and seasoning without the heat.
Step Five:
Once pasta water is boiling, season very generously with kosher salt. Add in pasta. Cook for 2-3 minutes less than what is stated on the package. Noodles should still have a slight bite to them.
Step Six:
Add 1/2 cup of buttermilk to veggies. Stir to combine.
This measurement is the only important one as the acidity level of the buttermilk will significantly change the final flavor of the dish if you use too much or too little.
Step Seven:
Add in shredded cheese, about 1/2 cup at a time. Two cups total should be enough but if you like more or less that’s fine! Reserve 1/2 cup of cheese for topping.
Once cheese is incorporated, slowly add in half & half. You want just enough to thin the cheese sauce so that it’s viscous but not chunky. Mixture should easily coat the back of a spoon. Taste and adjust salt if needed, remembering that the saltiness will increase as it bakes.
Step Eight:
Remove cheese sauce from heat. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Drain pasta and add to cheese sauce. Mix very well. If mixture seems dry, add a small amount of reserved pasta water. Set aside.
Step Nine:
Melt 1/2 stick of salted butter in microwave or on the stovetop. Add just enough panko so it absorbs the butter and has the texture of wet sand, about 1 cup. Mix in 1/2 cup of shredded cheese. Evenly top pasta with breadcrumb mixture.
Step Ten:
Bake uncovered for 20-25 minutes, until crust is golden. For a crispier crust, broil on high for 2-3 minutes. To serve, top with reserved chives and sour cream if that’s your jam! Enjoy!
Good Greens!
If broccoli isn’t your jam, try this recipe with another hearty green. Chinese broccoli, spinach, collards, or even baby bok choy would all work well. You want a green that has a slightly bitter note so it comes through as brightness and lively. Don’t like leek or chives? Spring onion, scallions, or shallots would also be great compliments to this cheesy goodness!
