This Masala Mac & Cheese Recipe is the perfect Thanksgiving dish to spice up the dinner table. A spicy masala cheese sauce with cream, cheddar, and gruyere cheese mixed with macaroni and baked until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are crispy. From the kids to the adults, this Indian twist on an American classic is something the entire family will love!
RECIPE PAGE:
INGREDIENTS:
– Butter – 1 tbsp
– Oil – 1 tbsp
– Green Chili – 1, finely chopped
– Ginger Garlic Paste – 3 tbsp
– Onion (medium) – 1, finely chopped
– Corn – 3/4 cup frozen
– Garam Masala – 1 tsp
– Turmeric – 1/2 tsp
– Coriander Powder – 1 tsp
– Red Chili Powder – 1 tsp
– Tomato Paste – 3 oz (half small can)
– Heavy Cream – 1.5 cups
– Water – 1 cup
– Sour Cream – 1 cup
– Gruyere / Gouda Cheese – 1.5 cup, grated
– Cheddar Cheese – 1.5 cup, grated
– Salt – 2 tsp
– Macaroni Pasta – 1 lb
– Cheddar / Gouda Mix – 1 cup, grated
– Bread Crumbs – 1/4 cup
– Green Chili – 1, sliced
– Cilantro – chopped, garnish
INSTRUCTIONS:
1. Put a large pot filled with water and a few teaspoons of salt over high heat to prepare the macaroni pasta.
How to Make The Masala Cheese Sauce:
2. In a large cast iron pan over medium/high heat, add 1 tbsp oil and 1 tbsp butter.
3. Once the butter is melted and hot, add 1 finely chopped green chili and 3 tbsp ginger garlic paste. Mix well and cook for about 1 minute.
4. Add 1 medium onion, finely chopped, and saute for 5-7 minutes until the onions turn translucent.
5. Add 3/4 cup frozen corn and 1 pinch of salt. Mix and cook for about 2 minutes.
PRO TIP: Feel free to add more veggies if you want – this sauce can handle it!
6. For the spices, add 1 tsp garam masala, 1/2 tsp turmeric, 1 tsp coriander powder, and 1 tsp red chili powder. Mix well and cook for about 1 minute.
7. Add 3 oz of tomato paste (about half of a small can), 1 cup of water, and 1.5 cups of heavy cream. Mix the tomato paste into the liquid using a whisk until it is fully dissolved and mixed together.
8. Cook on medium for about 5 minutes (stirring occasionally) until bubbles begin to form.
9. Add 1 cup of sour cream, and whisk it into the sauce.
10. After the sauce is thoroughly mixed, add 1.5 cups of grated cheddar cheese. Mix thoroughly.
11. Add 1.5 cups of grated gruyere cheese and mix thoroughly.
12. Season the cheese sauce to taste with about 2 tsp of salt.
PRO TIP: Taste-test your sauce to make sure the salt level is right!
13. Reduce heat to low, and keep warm while stirring occasionally.
Making Masala Macaroni & Cheese:
14. Once the pot of water has come to a boil, add the 1 lb package of macaroni pasta (large elbows) and stir.
15. Boil for 8-9 minutes depending on the package directions, stirring occasionally to avoid sticking.
16. After the time is up, strain the macaroni immediately and add it to the cast iron with cheese sauce.
PRO TIP: If your cast iron is not big enough, mix it together in a large baking dish!
17. Top with 1 cup of grated cheddar/gouda cheese, slices of green chili, and 1/4 cup bread crumbs.
18. Broil the mac & cheese in the oven for 3 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
19. Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped cilantro, and serve hot!
20. Store & refrigerate the leftovers for more creamy, cheesy goodness for up to four days.
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