- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (optional, 1 cup for serving)
Include these ingredients in your recipe to make a delicious and creamy baked macaroni cheese with kale and mushrooms. Use the keywords "macaroni," "cheese," "kale," and "mushrooms" to optimize your content for search engines.
Advertisement
Steps
### Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese Kale and Mushrooms Recipe
#### Introduction:
Creamy Baked Macaroni Cheese Kale and Mushrooms is a delicious and healthy twist on traditional mac and cheese! This recipe combines the comforting flavors of macaroni with the earthiness of kale and mushrooms, all smothered in a rich, creamy sauce. Perfect for a cozy night in or a hearty meal at home.
#### Ingredients:
- 8 oz elbow macaroni
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 cup chopped onion
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lb cremini mushrooms, sliced
- 6 cups kale, stems removed and torn into bite-sized pieces
- 4 cups shredded cheddar cheese (divided)
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
#### Instructions:
1. **Preheat Oven:**
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Cook Pasta:**
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. **Sautee Vegetables:**
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add sliced mushrooms and continue cooking for about 5 minutes or until they release their moisture and start to brown.
4. **Add Kale:**
- Stir in the kale and cook, tossing frequently, until wilted and slightly tender (about 5-7 minutes).
5. **Combine with Pasta:**
- Transfer the cooked macaroni into the skillet with the vegetables. Add half of the cheddar cheese, stirring to combine.
6. **Make Cheese Sauce:**
- In a small saucepan, heat heavy cream and milk together until hot but not boiling.
- Stir in Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Gradually whisk in the remaining cheddar cheese until melted and smooth.
7. **Combine All Ingredients:**
- Pour the creamy cheese sauce over the macaroni and vegetables. Mix well to ensure everything is coated evenly.
8. **Bake:**
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish. Smooth out the top with a spatula.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
9. **Garnish and Serve:**
- Remove from oven and let it cool slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
#### Tips:
- For added flavor, use smoked gouda or a mix of cheddar and Gruyère.
- Feel free to adjust the amount of kale for different flavors and textures.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad on the side.
#### SEO Optimization:
By including relevant keywords such as "creamy macaroni cheese," "kale and mushrooms," and "baked macaroni" in the recipe, you can attract more search engine users looking for similar dishes. Additionally, optimizing your content with meta descriptions, alt text for images, and internal linking to other related recipes or articles will enhance the visibility of this post on search engines.
#### Conclusion:
Enjoy a comforting and nutritious meal that combines the best flavors of macaroni cheese with the unique taste of kale and mushrooms. This dish is perfect for any occasion, whether it's a family dinner or a cozy night in. Bon Appétit!