Joanna Gaines, renowned for both her exquisite interior design skills on Fixer Upper and her Hearth & Hand homeware line available at Target, has proven her prowess extends well into the culinary world. I have sampled various celebrity mac and cheese dishes, yet none have impressed me quite as much as Joanna Gaines’ take on this classic comfort food.
After stumbling upon her friend Becki’s mac and cheese recipe, I eagerly decided to give it a whirl. Below, find a personal account of my experience crafting Joanna Gaines’ signature mac and cheese dish.
Access the recipe here: Becki’s Mac and Cheese
What You Need for Joanna Gaines’ Mac and Cheese
Gather elbow macaroni, heavy cream, milk, butter, mustard powder, nutmeg, cheddar, Gruyère, Velveeta (or cream cheese), garlic, and panko bread crumbs to create this delicious dish.
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Related: Try the Copycat Cracker Barrel Restaurant Mac and Cheese Recipe
Preparing Joanna Gaines’ Mac and Cheese
Start by preheating your oven to 350°. Boil and drain the pasta. Mix cream, milk, and butter until the butter is melted. Combine this with pasta, then add Velveeta, Gruyère, mustard, nutmeg, salt and pepper. Put the pasta into a baking dish, top with cheddar, and bake for 25 minutes.
For the topping, cook garlic and panko in butter until browned, then sprinkle over the baked dish.
Related: Joanna Gaines’ Crunchy-Sweet Asian Salad Recipe
My Review of Joanna Gaines’ Mac and Cheese
Having sampled celebrity mac and cheese recipes including those from Guy Fieri, Blake Lively, and @feelgoodfoodie, I can conclude that Joanna’s version stands out as exceptional. The Gruyère’s rich flavor, combined with the classic seasoning, is truly noteworthy, while the crunchy breadcrumb topping provides the perfect finish to a baked (arguably superior) mac and cheese dish. Indulge in the finer ingredients for this simple yet magnificent recipe—you won’t regret trying Joanna Gaines’ mac and cheese.
Related: Food Network Star Molly Yeh’s Secret for Rich and Creamy Mac and Cheese
Courtesy of Jessica Wrubel
Pro Tips for Crafting Joanna Gaines’ Mac and Cheese
- Source Velveeta early on. It may be tricky to find, but a swift Amazon search can save the day. Cut it into small pieces to ensure it melts smoothly.
- Consider baking with the breadcrumbs. If you appreciate a crunchier top, add breadcrumbs before a final bake.
- Al dente pasta is key. Since it will continue to cook in the oven, aim for just tender pasta when boiling.
Coming next: Ina Garten Reveals Her Secrets to the Perfect Oatmeal
FAQ About Joanna Gaines’ Mac and Cheese
- Can I substitute a different cheese for Gruyère?
- Yes, you can try other cheeses like Swiss or a sharp white cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Is there a gluten-free option for this recipe?
- Yes, simply use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- Can I make Joanna Gaines’ mac and cheese ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare it ahead and refrigerate it before the final bake. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
Conclusion
Joanna Gaines’ mac and cheese is a testament to her versatility and commitment to quality in all her endeavors. This crowd-pleaser recipe is not just another celebrity endorsement but a triumphant staple that could become your go-to for comfort and extravagance in one dish. From the choice ingredients to the tantalizing flavors, Joanna’s mac and cheese is undoubtedly a culinary work of art worthy of the praise it receives.