A rich and flavorful dish, Leeks Mac & Cheese combines the taste of sharp cheddar with the sweetness of leeks for a new twist on mac and cheese.
Are you familiar with leeks? They have the flavor of a mild onion. I really like leeks in this recipe, it adds a new element to the dish and compliments the sharp cheddar cheese very nicely.
If you are not familiar with cleaning leaks, here is a link,How to Clean Leeks. Dirt tends to lie in the creases and crevices, so it’s important to clean them properly before cooking with them.
I have always been a fan of Mac & Cheese and Leek Mac & Cheese has become my new favorite. As far back as I can remember, way back into my childhood, my Mom would make Mac and Cheese regularly. Any dish that combines pasta and cheese rates high on my list and I am sure you will fall in love with this dish as much as I have.
Enjoy!
Ingredients
- 1 lb. pasta, medium in size
- 4 tbsp. butter, divided
- 3 leeks, cleaned and sliced
- ½ tsp. salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- 3 tbsp. flour
- 1 ½ cups half & half
- 1 ½ cups skim milk
- 4 tbsp. cheese powder *
- 1 ½ cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese, divided
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°.
- Cook pasta according to package directions
- Melt 2 tbsp. of butter in a large sauce pan. Add the leeks and sauté for 3-5 minutes until the leeks start to brown. Set the leeks aside.
- In the same saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 3 minutes, making sure to whisk while it cooks.
- Add the half & half and skim milk. Whisk the mixture until the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to medium and continue whisking until the mixture is thickened, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove the pan from the heat and whisk in the salt, pepper and cheese powder.
- Add 1 cup of the shredded cheddar and whisk to combine.
- Stir in the pasta and leeks. Pour the mixture into a 3 quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining ½ cup of cheese on the top.
- Bake for about 30 minutes. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Notes
*If you don't have cheese powder, increase the amount of cheddar cheese to 2 cups.
Saute the leeks.
Once the sauce is bubbly add in the cheese powder.
Whisk in the cheese.
Toss in the pasta and leeks.
The thick sauce sticks to the pasta
Bake until the cheese is golden brown.
Leek Mac & Cheese
So creamy
Leek Mac & Cheese
I love a good Mac & Cheese!
