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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:

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

Making Pico de Gallo:

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

Cooking the bacon:

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

Making the fried shallots:

  • 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.
  • 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:

  • 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!
  • Season with salt and transfer to a bowl.

Cooking the ground beef:

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet, over medium-high heat.
  • 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.
  • Add the onion and garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Cook until the vegetables have softened, about 2 more minutes.

Sautéing mushrooms:

  • 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.
  • Lower the heat and simmer until the mushrooms are tender, about 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Season with salt and pepper.

Cooking the Macaroni and Cheese:

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

Assembling the Mac and Cheese Bar:

  • 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