There’s something incredibly comforting about a warm bowl of Mac N Cheese, especially when it’s infused with the rustic flavors of Brazil! Today, I’m excited to share my version of Mac’N’Cheese: Macarrão Com Queijo Estilo Caipira. This dish is not just another one of those easy pasta recipes; it’s a creamy, cheesy delight that will have your family asking for seconds. Perfect for quick family dinners, this recipe is a must-try!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for 30-minute meals.
  • Rich, creamy texture that satisfies your comfort food cravings.
  • Perfect for weeknight dinner ideas that the whole family will enjoy.
  • Versatile enough to add your favorite proteins or veggies.
  • Great for meal prep and leftovers!

Ingredients

To whip up this delicious Mac N Cheese, you’ll need the following ingredients:

  • 8 ounces of elbow macaroni
  • 2 cups of shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup of milk
  • 1/2 cup of sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons of butter
  • 3 cloves of garlic, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese
  • Optional: cooked bacon or diced ham for added flavor

Full ingredient list with measurements is provided in the printable recipe card below.

How to Make the Recipe

Now, let’s dive into the cooking process! This is where the magic happens:

  1. Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the milk and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the cheddar cheese and sour cream, mixing until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  4. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring well to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. For an extra touch, sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese on top and let it melt into the dish.
  6. If you’re adding bacon or ham, fold it in at this stage for a heartier meal.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy your creamy garlic pasta!

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Here are some of my favorite tips to ensure your Mac N Cheese turns out perfectly every time:

  • For a richer flavor, use a combination of cheeses like Gruyère or mozzarella along with cheddar.
  • Don’t skip the garlic! It adds a wonderful depth to the dish.
  • If you prefer a crispy topping, transfer the Mac N Cheese to a baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs, and broil for a few minutes until golden.
  • Feel free to experiment with different add-ins like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or even jalapeños for a kick!

How to Serve

This Mac N Cheese is perfect on its own, but you can elevate your meal by serving it alongside:

  • A fresh garden salad for a burst of color and crunch.
  • Grilled chicken or shrimp for added protein.
  • Steamed vegetables to balance out the richness of the dish.

Don’t forget to pair it with a nice glass of white wine or a refreshing iced tea!

Make Ahead and Storage

If you’re planning for busy weeknights, this recipe is fantastic for meal prep! Here’s how to make it ahead:

  • Prepare the Mac N Cheese as directed, but don’t bake it if you’re using the oven method.
  • Allow it to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
  • To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce.
  • If you’ve baked it, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.

With this Mac N Cheese Estilo Caipira, you’ll have a delicious, creamy dish that’s perfect for quick family dinners and weeknight dinner ideas. I hope you enjoy making this recipe as much as I do! It’s a delightful twist on a classic that will surely become a family favorite. Happy cooking!

Mac’N’Cheese: Macarrão Com Queijo Estilo Caipira

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 650
A comforting Brazilian-style mac and cheese with rich cheeses and a creamy sauce, baked to perfection.

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 200 g macarrão tipo caracolino
  • 30 g manteiga sem sal
  • 10 g farinha de trigo
  • 400-450 mL leite integral (ou desnatado) (temperature ambiente, 25-30ºC)
  • 125 g queijo colonial (ou meia-cura ralado)
  • 50 g queijo muçarela (ralado)
  • 25 g queijo parmesão (ralado)

Sal

  • to taste Sal refinado

Pimenta

  • to taste pimenta do reino (ou pimenta branca moída)

Noz-moscada

  • to taste noz-moscada ralada na hora

Instructions 

  • Cozinhar o macarrão em água fervente, cerca de 2 minutos antes do tempo indicado. Escorrer bem e reservar.
  • Derreter a manteiga em uma panela, adicionar a farinha e cozinhar por 1-2 minutos.
  • Adicionar o leite aos poucos, mexendo para evitar grumos, cozinhar por 2-3 minutos.
  • Pré-aquecer o forno a 220-250ºC.
  • Adicionar os queijos, cozinhar em fogo baixo até derreter, ajustando com o restante do leite se necessário. Temperar com sal, pimenta e noz-moscada.
  • Misturar o molho com o macarrão, ajustar temperos e acrescentar mais leite se desejar.
  • Dispor em porções ou travessa, polvilhar queijo ralado e levar ao forno até dourar, cerca de 15-20 minutos.
  • Servir quente.

Notes

Para uma crosta mais dourada, deixe no forno um pouco mais.
Calories: 650kcal
Cost: $12
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Brazilian
Keyword: Cheese, Pasta
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