Crispiest & Cheesiest Mac N Cheese

I’ve been working on this recipe for years, and I think I’ve finally cracked the code to a creamy sauce that’ll just melt in your mouth!

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Ingredients you'll need:

• Batistini Farms Organic Ancient Tuscan Grain Campanelle Pasta
• Unsalted Butter
• Batistini Farms Organic Basil Olive Oil
• Flour
• Half and Half
• Smoked Paprika
• Garlic Powder
• Black Pepper
• Salt
• Nutmeg
• Colby Jack or Mozzarella, shredded
• Gouda, shredded
• Sharp Cheddar, shredded

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How to make Homemade Mac N Cheese?

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook for 1 minute under Al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water, toss in olive oil to keep from sticking together.
2. In a large pot over medium heat, add the butter. Once melted, add in the olive oil.
3. Whisk in the flour, stirring consistently for about 1 minute. Stir in the seasonings.
4. Slowly pour the half and half into the pot while you stir to combine. Cook for 3-4 minutes, until slightly thickened.
5. Add in the shredded cheeses. Stir to combine.
6. Add in the pasta and stir until well-coated.
7. Transfer to a large casserole dish. Top with extra grated cheese (optional) and bake at 350F for 15 minutes.
8. Broil 1-2 minutes until golden crispy.
9. Serve warm with freshly grated Parmesan and chives. Enjoy!

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What is Batistini Farms?

Batistini Farms is a family-operated and owned company (aka my family's business hehe). My parents love working closely with our small family farmers in the countrysides of Italy (that have become close friends over the years). They offer award-winning extra virgin olive oil, balsamic vinegars, ancient Tuscan grain pastas, herbs, Cerignola olives, and more! Rooted in family to produce high quality Italian products!

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What makes their 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oils different?

Every single olive oil is handcrafted from fresh organic olives and cold extracted within 24 hours of harvest. The olives are grown in rich soil, sustainable farming practices, and pruning techniques that yield thriving terroir from their family estate olive grove.

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What is Ancient Tuscan Grain Pasta?

Batistini Farms' Ancient Tuscan Grain Pastas are stone milled, slow dried the traditional way, and bronze drawn on a single Tuscan estate. It's packed with natural nutrition and is BY FAR the most amazing whole grain pasta taste!

It begins with harvesting of organic select grains, stone milling the seeds to flour, and then crafting the dough, cutting it by bronze, and patiently waiting for the slow drying of the pasta to keep with the old traditions.

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What makes it healthier than other typical pastas?

• 7g Protein Per Serving
• Naturally High in Fiber
• 100% USDA Organic
• Low Glycemic
• Made with the finest ancient whole grains
• KETO
• Vegan
• 9 Servings Per Bag

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How to Make Ahead Mac N Cheese?

Mac N Cheese can be made ahead the day before serving, making it perfect for the holidays or gatherings!

After you finish making the cheese sauce and toss your cooked pasta in it, place it in the baking casserole dish that you'll be serving it in. Cover tightly with foil, then place in the fridge overnight. When ready to bake, top with the extra shredded cheese and bake as usual! That simple!

How to reheat leftover Mac N Cheese?

Mac N Cheese makes for delicious leftovers! I recommend reheating the lifesavers in the microwave for a few minutes, until fully warmed through. You can also reheat it in the oven at 350F for 10-15 minutes, which will help keep the crispy exterior!

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Now, it’s time to grab our aprons and begin baking deliciousness! ’till next time! xxL

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If you loved this delicious recipe I would truly appreciate it so much if you would give a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram@brightmomentco. It always makes my day seeing y’alls creations!

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“"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” ~ Jeremiah 29:11 NIV

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