Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this creamy Makaron z Serem, a classic Polish pasta dish that perfectly balances rich, cheesy flavors with simple ingredients. Guaranteed to satisfy your cravings, this dish is a beloved staple that will become a family favorite.
Preparation Details
- Preparation Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings and Serving Size
- Servings: 4
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
Nutritional Information (per serving)
- Calories: 550
- Total Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 680mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 58g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 22g
Ingredients
- 8 ounces (225g) pasta (such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle)
- 4 tablespoons (60g) unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
- 2 cups (480ml) whole milk
- 1 cup (100g) grated cheddar cheese
- 1 cup (100g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup (15g) breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons (30g) melted butter (for breadcrumb topping)
Detailed Method of Preparation
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt the 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly, to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the whole milk, making sure to incorporate any lumps.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened, stirring frequently.
- Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the grated cheddar cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and toss to combine, ensuring the pasta is evenly coated.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and melted butter for the topping.
- Transfer the pasta to a baking dish or individual serving dishes.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the pasta.
- Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.
- Serve the Makaron z Serem hot and creamy, garnished with extra grated cheese if desired.
Tips for Culinary Success
- Use a combination of cheeses, such as cheddar, Parmesan, and mozzarella, for added depth of flavor.
- For a smoother texture, blend a portion of the cheese sauce with an immersion blender before combining with the pasta.
- Add cooked bacon, ham, or sautéed vegetables for extra flavors and textures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I use a different type of pasta?
A: Absolutely! Any short pasta shape, such as penne, fusilli, or farfalle, works well in this dish.
Q: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A: You can prepare the cheese sauce and pasta separately in advance, then combine and bake just before serving for best results.
Q: How do I store any leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk to loosen the sauce if needed.
Indulge in the ultimate comfort of this creamy Makaron z Serem, a classic Polish pasta dish that perfectly balances rich, cheesy flavors with simple ingredients. Each bite is a delightful blend of creamy sauce, tender pasta, and crispy breadcrumb topping, making it a beloved staple that will have you craving for more.