Our household is obsessed with cheese – our cheese drawer typically has at least a variety of five cheeses at any given time. And of course, our favorite thing to make is macaroni and cheese, this time with the addition of havarti cheese, bacon, and a sprinkling of cilantro for added freshness and flavor!
Havarti cheeses are creamy, mild and semi-firm. They are all slightly tangy and aromatic, without a rind. The cheeses have a soft and creamy consistency that is easy to slice and develops in flavor and character as it matures.
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Feed Your Creativity — Havarti Mac and Cheese with Cilantro
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
Description
This macaroni and cheese is nutty from both the havarti cheese and freshly ground nutmeg, a must have in any cheese sauce.
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb (225 g) pasta (any shape), cooked and drained
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped bacon
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) unsalted butter
- 1-2 tbsp (15-30 ml) all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups (360 ml) whole milk
- 1 tsp freshly ground nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) shredded Havarti Cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) chopped cilantro
Instructions
- In a large saute pan, cook the bacon until crispy. Remove bacon but leave bacon fat drippings in pan.
- Add butter and flour and cook until a roux is formed, about 3 minutes.
- Whisk in the milk and all the seasonings. Once thickened, add cheese and chopped cilantro.
- Toss sauce with pasta and serve with crispy bacon and fresh cilantro on top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 580
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different cheese instead of Havarti for this mac and cheese?
While Havarti adds a creamy and mild flavor, you can experiment with other semi-firm cheeses, but the taste and texture may vary.
What type of bacon works best in this Havarti mac and cheese?
You can use any type of bacon you prefer, but thick-cut bacon adds a nice chewiness and flavor that complements the creamy cheese sauce.
How can I adjust the nutmeg in the cheese sauce if I’m not a fan of its flavor?
You can reduce the amount of nutmeg or omit it entirely, but consider adding a bit more pepper for depth instead.
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- Homemade Dill Cheese Crackers
- Baked Gruyere Mac and Cheese with Jalapeños
is there really supposed to be 12 tablespoonsful of flour in this recipe?
Hi Hellie, It should read 1-2 tablespoons. The recipe has been updated. Thanks and happy cooking!