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Dr. Seuss Tri-Color Mac and Cheese Bake Easy Creamy Recipe

Dr. Seuss Tri-Color Mac and Cheese Bake - featured image
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A playful, creamy mac and cheese bake featuring tri-color rotini, a blend of cheeses, and a golden panko topping. Perfect for celebrations, weeknights, or whenever you need a comforting, crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz tri-color rotini pasta
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 2 1/2 cups whole milk (2% or non-dairy milk works too)
  • 8 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 oz Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with butter or non-stick spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add tri-color rotini and cook 2 minutes less than package directions (about 6-7 minutes). Drain and set aside.
  3. In a medium saucepan, melt 3 tbsp butter over medium heat. Whisk in 3 tbsp flour and cook, whisking constantly, for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Gradually pour in 2 1/2 cups milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Cook, stirring, until thickened (3-5 minutes).
  5. Lower heat and stir in cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan cheeses. Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and melty. If too thick, add a splash more milk.
  6. In a large bowl or the pasta pot, combine drained pasta with cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat. Fold in optional veggies if using.
  7. Pour the cheesy pasta into the prepared baking dish and spread evenly.
  8. In a small bowl, mix panko, melted butter, and Parmesan. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta. Top with parsley if desired.
  9. Bake for 20-25 minutes, until the top is golden brown and sauce is bubbling.
  10. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for extra crunch, watching closely.
  11. Let rest 5-10 minutes before serving.

Notes

For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and panko. Add veggies like peas or broccoli for extra nutrition. Assemble ahead and bake before serving. For a crispier topping, broil briefly at the end. Let rest before serving for neat slices.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, tri-color pasta, baked mac and cheese, kid-friendly, comfort food, cheese bake, easy dinner, vegetarian, potluck, creamy pasta

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/dr-seuss-tri-color-mac-and-cheese-bake-easy-creamy-recipe/