Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe

The Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe combines the creamy comfort of traditional mac and cheese with a unique twist. This dish is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or even a cozy night in. With the delightful addition of sourdough discard, it offers a rich flavor profile, melty cheese goodness, and a crispy topping that elevates this classic comfort food.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Unique Flavor: The use of sourdough discard adds depth and tang to the dish, making it stand out from regular mac and cheese.
Creamy Texture: A blend of cheddar and gruyere cheeses creates a rich, velvety sauce that coats every piece of pasta perfectly.
Crispy Topping: The crunchy sourdough breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying contrast to the creaminess below.
Versatile Dish: Great as a side or main course, it complements various meals and occasions effortlessly.
Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, this recipe allows even beginner cooks to impress their guests.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather the essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Dutch oven or large saucepan
Mixing bowls
Food processor
Baking dish (3 qt.)
Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ideal for boiling pasta and creating the cheese sauce without spilling.
Dutch oven: Perfect for making sauces as it retains heat well and distributes it evenly.
Food processor: Saves time when preparing breadcrumbs, ensuring an even texture.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to create this delicious Sourdough Mac and Cheese:

For the Pasta

16 oz uncooked elbow pasta

For the Cheese Sauce

57 grams (1/4 cup) unsalted butter
35 grams (1/4 cup) all-purpose flour
140 grams (1/2 cup) sourdough discard
360 grams (1 1/2 cups) milk
600 grams (2 1/2 cups) half and half
440 grams (4 cups) cheddar cheese, shredded
220 grams (2 cups) gruyere cheese, shredded
9 grams (1 1/2 teaspoons) salt
2 grams (1/2 teaspoon) black pepper

For the Topping

160 grams (1 1/2 cups) sourdough breadcrumbs
57 grams (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter, melted
50 grams (1/2 cup) parmesan cheese, shredded
1 gram (1/4 teaspoon) paprika

How to Make Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F. This will be used later for baking your crunchy topping.

Step 2: Prepare Sourdough Breadcrumbs

Add cubed pieces of sourdough bread into a food processor.
Process on high for 30 seconds for coarse breadcrumbs or for 1-2 minutes for fine breadcrumbs.
Spread the breadcrumbs on a baking sheet in an even layer.
Bake for 5 minutes; stir them around then bake for another 10 minutes until golden brown.
Allow the breadcrumbs to cool on a wire rack for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3: Cook Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil.
Cook the elbow pasta according to package instructions until one minute shy of al dente.
Drain the pasta and drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Make Cheese Sauce

In a measuring cup, whisk together milk and sourdough discard until smooth.
Heat your Dutch oven over medium-high heat; melt butter then stir in flour.
Cook for about 1 minute while whisking constantly until dissolved.
Gradually add half of the half-and-half while whisking until smooth; repeat with remaining half-and-half and milk mixture.
Continue whisking until bubbling; add salt and pepper.
Remove from heat; gradually stir in two cups of shredded cheese until melted.

Step 5: Combine Pasta with Cheese Sauce

In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta with cheese sauce thoroughly. Layer half into a greased baking dish, sprinkle remaining cheese on top, then pour in remaining pasta mixture.

Step 6: Assemble Topping

In another bowl, mix sourdough breadcrumbs with melted butter, parmesan cheese, and paprika. Sprinkle over mac and cheese mixture.

Step 7: Bake

Bake in preheated oven at 350 degrees F for about 30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Sourdough Mac and Cheese!

How to Serve Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe

Sourdough Mac and Cheese is a delicious and comforting dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Whether you’re enjoying it as a main course or pairing it with sides, there are many creative serving suggestions.

Classic Comfort

Serve warm straight from the oven for the ultimate comfort dish.
Pair with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for added color and flavor.

Family Style

Present the mac and cheese in a large baking dish for a family-style meal.
Let everyone serve themselves for a relaxed dining experience.

Individual Portions

Use ramekins to create individual servings, perfect for gatherings or special occasions.
Top each portion with extra breadcrumbs for added crunch.

With a Salad

Serve alongside a simple green salad dressed with vinaigrette.
The freshness of the salad balances the richness of the mac and cheese.

As a Side Dish

Use it as a side dish for grilled chicken or beef dishes.
Its creamy texture complements savory meats perfectly.

How to Perfect Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe

Achieving the perfect Sourdough Mac and Cheese requires attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these pointers to elevate your dish.

Use Quality Cheese: Opt for high-quality cheddar and gruyere for a richer flavor.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Cook pasta just shy of al dente; it will continue cooking in the oven.
Whisk Thoroughly: Ensure your cheese sauce is lump-free by whisking constantly while adding liquids.
Customize Toppings: Feel free to add different toppings like herbs or spices to change up the flavor profile.
Adjust Creaminess: For an even creamier consistency, add more half-and-half or milk according to taste.
Let Rest Before Serving: Allow the mac and cheese to sit for a few minutes after baking to set before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe

Sourdough Mac and Cheese pairs wonderfully with various side dishes that complement its rich flavors. Here are some great options:

Garlic Bread: A crispy, buttery loaf that’s perfect for soaking up cheesy goodness.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal veggies roasted until caramelized add color and nutrition to your plate.
Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw brings freshness and cuts through the creaminess of mac and cheese.
Green Beans Almondine: Tender green beans sautéed with almonds provide a delightful crunch.
Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with Caesar dressing adds tangy flavor balance.
Fruit Salad: A light fruit salad offers sweetness that contrasts nicely with savory dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Sourdough Mac and Cheese, there are some common pitfalls to watch out for. Here are a few mistakes that can impact your dish.

Skipping the cheese blend: Using only one type of cheese can result in a less flavorful dish. Experiment with different cheeses for a rich taste.
Overcooking the pasta: Cooking the pasta too long before baking can lead to mushy mac and cheese. Aim for al dente, as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Not measuring ingredients accurately: Eyeballing ingredients may lead to an unbalanced flavor. Use precise measurements for best results.
Forgetting to grease the baking dish: Neglecting this step can cause the mac and cheese to stick. Always grease your dish to ensure easy serving.
Ignoring the breadcrumb topping: Skipping or rushing the breadcrumb preparation can lead to a lackluster texture. Take your time for that perfect crunchy topping.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Allow the mac and cheese to cool completely before sealing.

Freezing Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe

Freeze in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to 3 months.
Label containers with date and contents for easy identification.

Reheating Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Cover with foil and heat for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Heat individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Gently reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some frequently asked questions about the Sourdough Mac and Cheese Recipe.

What types of cheese work best in this recipe?

A blend of cheddar and gruyere offers a delightful flavor. You can also try gouda or mozzarella for variety.

Can I make this Sourdough Mac and Cheese recipe vegan?

Yes! Substitute dairy products with plant-based alternatives, like nut milk and vegan cheese, while maintaining sourdough discard.

How do I enhance the flavor of my Sourdough Mac and Cheese?

Incorporate spices like garlic powder or nutmeg into the cheese sauce. Fresh herbs also add depth to flavor!

Is it necessary to use sourdough discard?

While sourdough discard enhances flavor, you can replace it with additional cream or milk if you don’t have any on hand.

Final Thoughts

Sourdough Mac and Cheese is a creamy delight that combines comfort with a unique twist from sourdough discard. This recipe is versatile; you can customize it by adding vegetables or different cheeses based on your preference. Enjoy making this delicious dish!