Simple Pickle-Fix Mac and Cheese (Print)

Cheesy macaroni with dill pickles and crispy panko, baked for tangy comfort. Vegetarian, perfect for family dinner.

# Components:

→ Pasta

01 - 12 oz elbow macaroni

→ Cheese Sauce

02 - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
03 - 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
04 - 2 cups whole milk
05 - 1 cup heavy cream
06 - 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
07 - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
08 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
09 - 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
10 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
11 - 1/2 teaspoon salt

→ Pickle Mix

12 - 1 cup dill pickles, finely chopped
13 - 2 tablespoons pickle brine

→ Topping

14 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
15 - 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
16 - 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
17 - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)

# Method:

01 - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.
02 - Cook the elbow macaroni in a large pot of generously salted boiling water until it reaches an al dente consistency. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set aside.
03 - In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
04 - Gradually whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens, approximately 3-4 minutes.
05 - Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
06 - Gently fold the cooked macaroni, finely chopped dill pickles, and pickle brine into the cheese sauce. Ensure all components are evenly distributed.
07 - Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
08 - In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, grated Parmesan cheese, and optional fresh dill. Sprinkle this mixture uniformly over the top of the casserole.
09 - Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling. Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Ready in under an hour from start to finish
  • Uses everyday ingredients you likely have on hand
  • The perfect balance of creamy cheese and tangy pickles
  • Crunchy breadcrumb topping adds wonderful texture contrast
  • Can be prepared ahead and baked when needed
02 -
  • Can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated before baking
  • The pickle flavor mellows slightly when baked but remains distinctly present
  • Leftovers reheat beautifully in the microwave or oven
  • Perfect for potlucks as it travels well
  • Makes an excellent side dish for barbecued meats
03 -
  • Always grate cheese from blocks rather than using pre shredded varieties which contain anti caking agents that prevent proper melting
  • Let the casserole rest after baking to allow the sauce to set properly
  • For extra flavor, toast the panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet before mixing with butter and Parmesan
  • The pickle pieces should be finely chopped to distribute flavor evenly without overwhelming bites
  • Always cook pasta al dente as it will continue softening in the oven

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