The other night I was sitting with my brother and sister-in-law over dinner and we were talking about foods we loved as kids. Of course the conversation turned to Mac & Cheese and Dino Nuggets. Immediately my 8 year old inner child was kicking any other thoughts out of my head until he got his Dino "Nuggies" and Mac & Cheese!
For those of you with children (even the adult version) you know that this is a huge hit. What is it about chicken cut into the shape of dinosaurs and breaded that make them taste so good? Is it nostalgia? The simplicity of the meal? I think it just is an honest to God feel good meal.
Now don't get me wrong, I love a good box of Mac & Cheese. Hell, I don't know anyone who hasn't gotten the midnight munchies, grabbed a box, and devoured the entire cheesy goodness in one sitting (no judgement whatsoever!), but there is something about homemade that just warms the should and makes you feel good (not to mention you can alter the taste to however you like). It really is easy to make, and is sure to make kids of all ages come back for seconds (...thirds...fourths... the entire pan!). My friend Kenry calls me Boujie for this one, but I think secretly he wishes he could have a plate of "Nuggies" and Mac & Cheese too.
So what do you say we put down our woobies and get to cooking, shall we? Let's Cook!
The Tools
Dutch Oven
Pasta Pot
Cheese Grater
9x13 Baking Dish
Bowl
Whisk
The Ingredients
1lb Box Dried Pasta (I used Cavatappi, but you can use whatever you'd like!)
1lb Cheddar Cheese-Shredded
8oz Gouda-Shredded (but you can substitute another to your liking, such as PepperJack, Havarti etc)
4oz Cream Cheese-Cubed
6Tbsp Butter
6Tbsp All Purpose Flour
5 Cups Milk
Salt
Pepper
Paprika
1 Bag of Dino Nuggets (Optional)
Veggie of Your Choice!
Let's Cook!
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Cook pasta according to directions on box. Drain and set aside.
For the cheese sauce, melt butter in Dutch Oven over high heat. Once melted, sprinkle in flour, whisking together until it forms a paste-like consistency. Add in two larger pinches of salt and pepper.
Mix around until flour begins to brown, and smells as if it were toasting. Once it starts to brown, slowly pour milk in and continuously whisk until mixture begins to bubble and thicken.
Once thickened, add in shredded cheese one handful at a time, until fully mixed in. Add in cream cheese and stir until combined. Add in another pinch of salt and pepper.
Once cheese sauce is well mixed and smooth, add in pasta and mix together. Remove from heat and let the noodles and cheese combine together.
Transfer macaroni and cheese mixture to baking dish. Sprinkle top with paprika.
Place uncovered into oven on center rack and bake for 30-35 minutes until cheese begins to bubble and brown.
At the end, turn on broiler to hight and broil for 3-4 minutes, forming a thicker, darker crust.
Remove from oven and let cool.
While Mac & Cheese cools, now you can cook your Dino Nuggets according to package. Throw a vegetable in for good measure!
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