Bestie in a Bowl
Through good times and bad times, who’s always there for you? Your bestie.
And sometimes, your best friend isn’t a person at all — it’s a warm, comforting bowl of something delicious. For me, that loyal companion is mac & cheese.
Not the neon boxed kind (no shade), but a dreamy, creamy, oven-baked masterpiece that shows up when I need it most. It works as a main dish, a sidekick, or a straight-from-the-pan therapy session. It is also the edible equivalent of a warm hug — dependable, crowd-pleasing, and requested at just about every gathering, any time of year.
So allow me to introduce you to my comfort-food confidante.
Dreamy Creamy Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
8 oz elbow macaroni
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp dry mustard
⅛ tsp salt
2 cups milk
½ cup grated Parmesan
8 oz cottage cheese
8 oz sharp cheddar
6 slices Jarlsberg cheese
Instructions
Cook and drain macaroni according to package directions for al dente. Then, grease a 13×9-inch baking dish and preheat oven to 375°F.
In a medium saucepan, combine flour, dry mustard, and salt. Gradually stir in milk until smooth. Bring to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until thickened. Remove from heat.
Stir in Parmesan, cottage cheese, and sharp cheddar until melted and creamy. Fold in the macaroni and mix well. Transfer to the prepared baking dish. Cover and bake for 25 minutes.
Top with sliced Jarlsberg and bake uncovered for 5 additional minutes, until melted and gloriously bubbly.
Then grab a bowl, a plate, or — if it’s been that kind of day — eat it straight from the baking dish. No judgment here.
I’ve swapped in unsweetened almond milk when needed. I’ve used Tillamook Mexican Blend instead of sharp cheddar. I’ve layered pepper jack on top for a little kick, or gouda or Muenster when I’m feeling fancy. That’s the beauty of a true bestie — adaptable, forgiving, and always there for you.
Looking for something new in the cheese aisle to make your mac and cheese? Check out our friends at Walnut Creek Cheese for a large assortment of meats and cheeses for all your culinary needs.
