Get ready to revolutionize your mac and cheese game with this mind-blowing Black Blue Mac Cheese recipe that'll make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests go wild! Imagine a creamy, indulgent pasta dish that combines the bold punch of blue cheese, the hearty richness of black beans, and the classic comfort of mac and cheese - all in one incredible meal. This isn't just another boring pasta recipe; it's a culinary adventure that transforms the humble mac and cheese into a gourmet experience that'll have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz macaroni
- 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup blue cheese, crumbled
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 cups milk
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/4 cup flour
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and whisk continuously for 2-3 minutes to create a smooth roux, ensuring no lumps form.
- Gradually pour in milk, whisking constantly to prevent any clumping. Continue cooking and stirring until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth, about 5 minutes.
- Reduce heat to low and add shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled blue cheese. Stir until cheeses are completely melted and integrated into the sauce.
- Add drained black beans to the cheese sauce, stirring gently to distribute evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the cheese and bean sauce over the cooked macaroni, mixing thoroughly to ensure all pasta is coated.
- Transfer to a serving dish. For extra richness, you can sprinkle additional blue cheese on top before serving.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for 2-3 minutes to allow sauce to set. Serve hot and enjoy.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, most melty sauce - pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that can make your sauce grainy.
- Rinse the black beans thoroughly to remove excess sodium and ensure a clean, fresh flavor.
- Whisk your roux constantly to prevent burning and create a smooth base for your cheese sauce.
- Add milk gradually and keep stirring to avoid lumps in your sauce.
- For extra texture, consider toasting some breadcrumbs and sprinkling them on top before serving.
- If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out with a little extra milk.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the sauce to set and flavors to meld together.
- For a gourmet touch, try using different types of blue cheese to vary the flavor profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 550kcal
Carbohydrates: 40g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 35g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Cholesterol: 100mg
