Crunchy on the outside, soft and creamy in the middle... how much more satisfying could these tasty little donuts be? For starters, who doesn't love mac and cheese? It's gotta be one of the ultimate comfort foods, no matter what season we're in. Better still the savory spices in these oven baked mac and cheese donuts and the accompanying sauce makes them very very appetizing.
Since they're baked and not fried, they're quite a bit healthier, but still have that irresistible pub food character. Without a doubt these are the perfect balance of creamy and crunchy, with a flavorful kick to boot!
Looking for more Mac and Cheese recipes? Give these ones a try:
Macaroni and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Copycat Panera Bread Mac and Cheese
See below for how to make these mouthwatering Mac and Cheese Donuts that are going to change your dinner routine for good!
Ingredients:
For the mac and cheese
- 8 ounces of pasta (1/2 lb)
- 12 ounces by weight* of shredded cheese (I used half cheddar, half gruyere)
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 1 ½ cups whole milk
- 1 cup half and half
- 2 cloves of garlic
- 2 tablespoons brown mustard
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- pinch of nutmeg
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 egg yolk whisked
For the breadcrumbs
- 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons butter
- salt and pepper to taste
For any optional toppings:
- Parsley
- Paprika
- Dipping sauce like marinara
Directions:
Boil a large pot of water on high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Melt butter for mac and cheese in a large pot or skillet (one that will fit all the pasta later) over medium heat. Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Whisk in flour. Gradually pour half and half, then milk in, whisking constantly. Continue to whisk constantly until sauce thickens, about 10-12 minutes.
Add mustard, cayenne pepper, nutmeg and salt. Gradually whisk in cheese until completely melted. Turn off heat and whisk in the egg yolk. Gradually stir in pasta and then set aside.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large skillet melt butter for breadcrumbs over medium heat. Stir in breadcrumbs and toast, stirring constantly until golden brown, about 5-10 minutes. Remove from heat and add salt and pepper to taste.
Divide mac and cheese evenly into donut tins, pressing down on each one. Sprinkle with bread crumbs. Bake until golden brown and heated through, about 10 minutes.
So delicious! Let us know how they turned out for you!
Do you know someone who loves mac and cheese? Make sure to share this recipe with them.
Check out our video below that shows how to make these delicious Mac and Cheese Donuts!