We’ve always had a soft spot for mac and cheese that’s creamy comforting and utterly irresistible. Our take on the Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese recipe elevates this classic with rich flavors and a touch of gourmet flair drawing from its roots in cozy American diners.
What makes this dish stand out is its perfect blend of cheeses and a secret twist that we’ll reveal in the steps ahead. We’re excited to share how you can whip up this crowd-pleaser at home for your next gathering.
Ingredients
As we dive into our Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese recipe, we focus on the key ingredients that elevate this dish to a creamy, gourmet delight. We’ve curated this list in the order they’re used, with precise measurements and prep notes to ensure your version matches our flavorful vision.
Main Components
- Pasta: 1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked al dente for the perfect base that absorbs the rich sauce without becoming mushy.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted in the pan to start building the roux for a silky texture.
- Flour: ¼ cup all-purpose flour, sifted to thicken the sauce smoothly and avoid lumps.
- Milk: 4 cups whole milk, warmed to create a velvety base that enhances the cheese’s creaminess.
- Cheddar Cheese: 2 cups sharp cheddar, freshly grated for superior melt and bold flavor that defines this Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese.
- Gruyère Cheese: 1 cup Gruyère, shredded to add a nutty, gourmet twist that sets our recipe apart from traditional versions.
- Seasonings: 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, combined for a depth of flavor that brings warmth and complexity.
- Add-Ins: ½ cup cooked bacon, crumbled for a smoky crunch, and 2 tablespoons fresh chives, finely chopped to garnish and brighten the final dish.
This selection ensures every element contributes to the dish’s irresistible appeal, making it a standout for your next gathering.
Instructions
Now that we have our curated ingredients lined up, let’s transform them into the creamy, gourmet Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese that will delight your taste buds with its rich, cheesy layers and smoky undertones. We’ll walk you through each step for foolproof results.
Prep
Before we start cooking, we’ll prepare our components to ensure everything comes together smoothly. Begin by gathering and prepping the ingredients as follows:
- Cook the macaroni: If not already done, boil 1 pound of elbow macaroni in a large pot of salted water according to package instructions until al dente—about 7-9 minutes. Drain and set aside to avoid overcooking later.
- Grate the cheeses: Freshly grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of Gruyère cheese for maximum meltability and flavor; pre-shredded cheese won’t blend as seamlessly.
- Measure seasonings: In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, and ½ teaspoon smoked paprika to create a flavorful spice blend that adds depth to our mac and cheese.
- Prep add-ins: If using, cook and crumble 4 slices of bacon until crispy, then chop a handful of fresh chives for a garnish that brings a fresh, herbaceous contrast.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we’ll now focus on creating the velvety cheese sauce that forms the heart of this Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese. Use a medium saucepan over medium heat for even cooking.
- Make the roux: Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the saucepan, then whisk in ¼ cup of all-purpose flour. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes until the mixture bubbles and forms a golden roux, releasing a nutty aroma that builds the sauce’s base.
- Add the milk: Gradually pour in 4 cups of warmed whole milk while whisking vigorously to prevent lumps. Continue cooking for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a creamy consistency, coating the back of a spoon with a smooth, luxurious texture.
- Incorporate cheeses and seasonings: Reduce heat to low and stir in the grated sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses along with your prepared spice blend. Mix until fully melted and the sauce turns into a glossy, irresistible blend—expect a sharp, tangy flavor with subtle smokiness from the paprika.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper as needed, tasting as you go to achieve the perfect balance that makes this mac and cheese stand out.
Assemble and Bake
Finally, we’ll layer everything for baking to achieve that golden, bubbly crust that elevates our Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese to a crowd-pleasing masterpiece. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for optimal results.
- Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce until every noodle is evenly coated, creating a hearty mixture that’s creamy and full of flavor.
- Transfer to baking dish: Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish and pour in the mac and cheese mixture. For added texture, sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top if desired, ensuring an even distribution for a crispy contrast.
- Bake to perfection: Place the dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden-brown and bubbling—your kitchen will fill with the irresistible scent of melted cheese and spices.
- Rest and serve: Remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes to set, allowing the flavors to meld into a comforting, gourmet delight ready for your gathering.
Tools and Equipment
To bring our Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese to life, we rely on a few essential tools and equipment that ensure smooth preparation and perfect results. These items help us create that creamy, gourmet texture while making the process efficient and enjoyable. Below, we break down the key pieces you’ll need, organized by category for easy reference.
Essential Kitchen Tools
We start with the basics that form the foundation of this recipe:
- Large Pot: A 6-quart pot for boiling the elbow macaroni to al dente perfection, allowing ample space to prevent overflow and ensure even cooking.
- Saucepan: A 4-quart saucepan for crafting the velvety cheese sauce, where we melt butter, whisk in flour, and gradually add warmed milk for a smooth roux.
- Whisk: A sturdy wire whisk to blend the roux and incorporate milk seamlessly, avoiding lumps and achieving that signature creamy consistency.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula: For stirring the cheese into the sauce and mixing everything together, ensuring even distribution without scratching your cookware.
Measuring and Prep Tools
Accurate measurements are key to elevating our mac and cheese, so we use:
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of dry and liquid measuring cups (like 1-cup and ¼-cup sizes) along with spoons for precise portions of flour, milk, and seasonings, which guarantees the balance of flavors.
- Cheese Grater: A box grater or rotary grater for freshly grating sharp cheddar and Gruyère cheeses, as this step enhances meltability and intensifies the rich, gourmet taste we love.
Baking and Serving Equipment
For the final assembly and bake, these tools make all the difference:
- Baking Dish: A 9×13-inch oven-safe dish to layer and bake the mac and cheese mixture until it’s golden and bubbly, providing even heat distribution for that irresistible crust.
- Oven: A standard preheated oven set to 375°F, essential for achieving the comforting, melted-cheese topping that defines our Clarkston Union version.
- Colander: To drain the cooked macaroni quickly and efficiently, preventing excess water from diluting the creamy sauce.
By gathering these tools ahead of time, we streamline the process and focus on the joy of creating this elevated mac and cheese dish. Remember, quality equipment can make your cooking experience even more rewarding, so invest in durable pieces if you make this recipe often.
Make-Ahead Instructions
One of the beauties of our Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese recipe is its flexibility for busy schedules. We often prepare components in advance to save time while preserving that creamy, gourmet texture and rich flavors. Below, we outline the steps to make this dish ahead, ensuring it remains a crowd-pleaser without compromising quality.
Preparing Components in Advance
To streamline your cooking process, focus on prepping key elements from our earlier steps. Here’s how:
- Cook the macaroni early: Boil and drain 1 pound of elbow macaroni as described, then toss it with a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
- Make the cheese sauce ahead: Prepare the roux using 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, then add 4 cups of warmed whole milk, 2 cups of freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese, and 1 cup of shredded Gruyère cheese along with seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Let the sauce cool completely, then transfer to a sealed container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Assemble the full dish: Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce and any add-ins such as crumbled bacon or fresh chives. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, cover tightly with foil or plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking.
Storage Tips
Proper storage is key to maintaining the dish’s velvety consistency and bold flavors. We recommend the following:
- Refrigeration: Always use airtight containers or cover the baking dish with foil to prevent drying out. The assembled dish can last 1–2 days in the fridge.
- Freezing for longer storage: If you plan ahead for events, freeze the fully assembled (but unbaked) mac and cheese for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 2 days | Cool components completely before storing to avoid condensation. |
| Freezing | Up to 2 months | Wrap the dish in multiple layers of plastic wrap for extra protection against freezer burn. |
Reheating and Baking Instructions
When you’re ready to serve, follow these steps to achieve that golden, bubbly finish:
- Thaw if frozen: If the dish was frozen, transfer it from the freezer to the refrigerator 24 hours in advance to thaw evenly.
- Bring to room temperature: Let the refrigerated or thawed assembly sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to ensure even baking.
- Bake as planned: Preheat your oven to 350°F, remove any covering, and bake for 25–30 minutes until heated through and the top is perfectly golden. If it was refrigerated, you may need an extra 5–10 minutes.
- Rest before serving: Allow the dish to rest for 10 minutes post-baking to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken, delivering that comforting, elevated experience we love.
By following these Make-Ahead Instructions, we ensure your Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese stays fresh, flavorful, and ready to impress at any gathering.
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese recipe as it’s become a staple in our kitchen. It’s the perfect way to bring warmth and flavor to any table.
Try it for your next gathering and watch it steal the show with its creamy indulgence. We’re confident it’ll elevate your comfort food game and create lasting memories.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese?
Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese is a gourmet twist on the classic comfort dish, featuring creamy textures and rich flavors inspired by the Clarkston Union recipe. It uses high-quality cheeses like sharp cheddar and Gruyère, along with seasonings and add-ins like bacon and chives, to create a crowd-pleasing, elevated version perfect for gatherings.
What are the key ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include 1 pound of cooked elbow macaroni, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, ¼ cup of all-purpose flour, 4 cups of warmed whole milk, 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese, 1 cup of Gruyère cheese, and seasonings such as garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Optional add-ins like crumbled bacon and fresh chives enhance the flavor.
How do you prepare Clarkston Union Mac and Cheese?
Start by prepping ingredients, then make a velvety cheese sauce by melting butter, adding flour, and whisking in milk and cheeses. Mix with cooked macaroni, add seasonings, and bake until golden. Use essential tools like a saucepan, whisk, and baking dish for smooth preparation, resulting in a creamy, gourmet dish.
Can I make this mac and cheese ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the macaroni and cheese sauce in advance, then assemble the dish and refrigerate for up to 2 days. This flexibility suits busy schedules, allowing you to bake it fresh when needed for optimal creaminess and flavor.
How should I store and reheat this dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 2 months to maintain texture and taste. To reheat, thaw if frozen, then bake at 350°F until warmed through and golden, adding a splash of milk if needed to restore creaminess.
What makes this mac and cheese different from traditional versions?
This version elevates traditional mac and cheese with gourmet ingredients like Gruyère cheese, smoked paprika, and add-ins such as bacon and chives, creating richer, more complex flavors while keeping the comforting creaminess intact for a sophisticated yet approachable dish.
What tools do I need to make this recipe?
You’ll need basic kitchen tools like a large pot for cooking macaroni, a saucepan for the cheese sauce, a whisk for mixing, a baking dish for assembly, and measuring cups/spoons for accuracy. These essentials help streamline the process and ensure a perfectly creamy result.