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NAG-free Mac-n-Cheese Royale

NAG-free Macaroni and Cheese Royale

Skip the box and enjoy the comforting creamy dish instead.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb GF elbow macaroni (We like Tinkyada best)
  • 1 cups cheddar cheese shredded, 1/4 cup reserved
  • 3/4 cup Gruyere cheese shredded
  • 1 12 oz. can Evaporated Milk (or heavy cream)
  • 3/4 cup each: chopped broccoli diced carrots, chopped butternut squash
  • 3/4 cup frozen chopped spinach defrosted and drained
  • 1/2 cup spring peas
  • 1 tsp horseradish finely minced
  • 1 tsp lemongrass finely minced
  • 1/3 cup caramelized fennel bulb chopped
  • 1 tsp dry mustard or 2 tsp. prepared mustard
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 tsp pepper

Optional

  • 3/4 cup gf panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp butter softened
  • 1/2 tsp nag-free poultry seasoning

Instructions
 

  • Place uncooked macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water and cook until *just on this side of raw* al dente (you don't want mushy overcooked pasta for this!)
  • Spread macaroni in a 1 1/2-quart casserole dish. Top with spinach and peas.
  • Toss broccoli, squash, and carrots with 1 tbsp oil, then spread evenly on a cookie sheet, roast slightly.
  • Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan add butter and saute horseradish and lemon grass until fragrant, then add remaining ingredients.
  • Add roasted vegetables to the casserole dish with noodle mixture; stir to mix.
  • Stir cheese sauce over low heat until cheese is completely melted. Pour over noodle mixture.
  • Top with reserved shredded cheese and then top with seasoned panko breadcrumbs cut with softened butter, if desired.
  • Bake in 350°F oven 25 minutes or until hot and bubbly.

Notes

Make sure your noodles are not fully or over cooked, or they will turn into mush.
Pre-packaged shredded cheese usually has corn/potato starch or cellulose added to prevent caking. I do recommend shredding as needed for this reason.
Keyword casserole, family favorite