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Make-Your-Own Mac and Cheese Bar

Servings: 10
Prep Time: 1 hour
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 2 hours
author: Olivia Mesquita
course: Party
cuisine: American
Let your guests have some fun by setting up a Mac and Cheese Bar at your next party! A big bowl of creamy Mac & Cheese and some delicious toppings and mix-ins are all you need for the ultimate cheesy celebration.
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Ingredients  

Broccoli

  • 2 broccoli crowns
  • Salt
  • Water

Pico de Gallo

  • 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and finely diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
  • 1/3 cup chopped cilantro
  • Juice of half a lime
  • Salt, to taste

Crumbed Bacon

  • 1 pound bacon

Fried Shallots

  • 1 pound shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
  • 2 cups vegetable oil
  • Salt, to taste

Breadcrumbs

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups breadcrumbs
  • Salt

Ground Beef

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound ground beef
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Mushrooms

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 4 ounces cremini mushrooms, quartered
  • 4 ounces baby Shiitake mushrooms, halved
  • Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Macaroni and Cheese

  • STOUFFER’S Macaroni & Cheese Party Size, 76oz.

Other toppings and mix-ins:

  • 5 ounces Pepperoni
  • 4 ounces parmesan cheese, shredded or grated
  • 4 ounces Gouda cheese, shredded
  • 4 ounces Gorgonzola, crumbled
  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
  • 4 jalapeños, sliced
  • 1/3 cup chopped chives
  • 1/3 cup basil, cut into strips
  • Truffle Oil
  • Chili Oil
  • Hot Sauce
  • Salt
  • Freshly cracked pepper

Instructions 

Cooking the broccoli:

  1. Break the broccoli crowns up into bite-sized florets. Rinse thoroughly.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the broccoli and cook until crisp-tender, no more than 2 minutes.
  3. Drain and immediately run under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Making Pico de Gallo:

  1. Mix all the ingredients in a bowl. Season with lime juice and salt.

Cooking the bacon:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  2. Line a large baking sheet with foil. Lay bacon in a single layer on the baking sheet, making sure not to overlap.
  3. Cook until crispy, 15 to 20 minutes.
  4. Remove from oven and transfer the bacon slices to a paper towel-lined plate.
  5. When cool, chop with a sharp Chef's knife or crumble with your hands.

Making the fried shallots:

  1. Place shallots in a medium saucepan and cover them in enough oil to submerge. Cook, over medium-low heat, stirring often to encourage the slices to separate, until golden brown, 20-25 minutes.
  2. Pour shallots and oil into a fine-mesh strainer set over a heatproof bowl. Once drained, transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and season with salt.

Toasting breadcrumbs:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick pan, over medium heat. Once the oil is simmering, add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown. This won't take more than a couple minutes, so be careful not to burn it!
  2. Season with salt and transfer to a bowl.

Cooking the ground beef:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat.
  2. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking the meat into large pieces. Let the meat brown for 4 to 5 minutes, without stirring. Then, break it into smaller pieces using a wooden spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally (but not too often), until the moisture has evaporated and the meat has browned and shows no signs of pink.
  3. Add the onion and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 2 more minutes.

Sautéing mushrooms:

  1. Heat the oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until mushrooms are lightly browned, about 5 minutes.
  2. Lower the heat and simmer until the mushrooms are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  3. Season with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Macaroni and Cheese:

  1. Cook the Mac & Cheese according to package instructions.
  2. Transfer to a big bowl or to a slow cooker, to keep it warm.

Assembling the Mac and Cheese Bar:

  1. Serve the warm macaroni and cheese alongside toppings and mix-ins.

Notes

  • The oil resulting from frying the shallots is so flavorful and can be used whenever olive oil is asked for.
  • Toppings can be prepared up to 1 day ahead and reheated (if needed) before serving.
Author: Olivia Mesquita
Course: Party
Cuisine: American