We’ve always had a soft spot for classic comfort food, and our take on the San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese recipe brings that cozy vibe straight to your table. Originating from simple Italian-inspired pasta traditions, this dish uses San Giorgio’s premium macaroni to create a creamy, irresistible favorite that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
What makes it stand out is how easy it’s to whip up with everyday ingredients, yet it delivers bold flavors that’ll have everyone asking for seconds. We’re confident you’ll love how this recipe elevates a timeless classic into something truly special.
Ingredients
In our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese recipe, we select straightforward, everyday ingredients that blend Italian-inspired roots with comforting simplicity, ensuring a dish that’s both premium and approachable for family gatherings.
- 8 ounces San Giorgio elbow macaroni: Cook this premium pasta al dente as the base for our hearty dish.
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter: Use this to create a smooth roux—melt it first for the sauce foundation.
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour: Add this gradually to the melted butter to thicken our creamy sauce.
- 4 cups whole milk: Pour in slowly while whisking to achieve a velvety consistency in the sauce.
- 4 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese: Freshly grate this for the best melt, providing the bold, cheesy heart of our recipe.
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: Incorporate this for an Italian twist, adding a stretchy, flavorful layer.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Season to taste after combining the sauce elements.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Grind fresh for a subtle kick that enhances the overall depth.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Sprinkle in for an aromatic, Italian-inspired note without overpowering the cheese.
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Optional but recommended—stir in a pinch for added warmth and complexity in the sauce.
Required Equipment
To seamlessly prepare our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese, we rely on a few key tools that ensure efficiency and perfect results. These items help us handle everything from boiling pasta to creating a creamy cheese sauce, maintaining the dish’s comforting Italian-inspired flavors.
Here’s a list of the essential equipment, organized by their primary use in the recipe:
- Large pot: For boiling the San Giorgio elbow macaroni to achieve that ideal al dente texture—we recommend one with a capacity of at least 4 quarts to prevent overflow.
- Colander: To drain the cooked pasta quickly and safely, preserving its premium quality without any loss of starch that contributes to the sauce’s creaminess.
- Medium saucepan: Ideal for making the cheese sauce; opt for a heavy-bottomed one to evenly melt the butter and whisk in the flour without scorching.
- Whisk: A must-have for smoothly incorporating the flour into the butter and blending in the milk, ensuring a lump-free sauce that coats the macaroni perfectly.
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula: For stirring the sauce as it thickens, preventing it from sticking and allowing us to add cheeses like sharp cheddar and mozzarella for that bold, melty finish.
- Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate tools for precise measurements of ingredients such as 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter and 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, which are crucial for balancing flavors.
- 9×13-inch baking dish: If we’re baking the dish for a golden crust, this size works best to evenly distribute our 8 ounces of macaroni and the creamy sauce mixture.
- Oven: Necessary for baking at 350°F, transforming the assembled dish into a bubbly, irresistible comfort food in about 20-25 minutes.
With these tools in hand, we’re set to elevate our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese from everyday ingredients to a standout family favorite.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our premium ingredients and essential tools for San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese, we will walk you through the straightforward steps to create a creamy indulgent dish bursting with cheesy flavors and comforting warmth.
Prep
Before we begin cooking our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese, let’s prepare the key components for efficiency. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 ounces of San Giorgio elbow macaroni and cook according to package instructions until al dente—typically 7 to 9 minutes—then drain using a colander and set aside. Next, grate 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese for smooth melting, and measure out 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 4 cups of whole milk, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg to ensure precise blending of flavors.
Cook
With our ingredients prepped, we now cook the rich cheese sauce that elevates our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Immediately, whisk in 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour to form a roux and cook for 1 to 2 minutes until bubbly and golden. Gradually pour in 4 cups of whole milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps, then stir in 1 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of nutmeg. Continue cooking for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon, then remove from heat and gradually add 2 cups of sharp cheddar cheese and 1 cup of mozzarella cheese, stirring until fully melted for that signature gooey texture.
Assemble
Now we assemble our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese to layer flavors and textures perfectly. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained San Giorgio elbow macaroni with the warm cheese sauce, tossing gently to coat each noodle evenly for maximum creaminess. Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out smoothly with a wooden spoon or silicone spatula. For added crunch, sprinkle an additional 1/2 cup of shredded cheddar cheese on top to create a golden crust that enhances the dish’s comforting appeal.
Bake
Finally, we bake our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese to achieve that irresistible bubbly finish. Preheat your oven to 350°F and place the assembled dish on the middle rack. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling around the edges, releasing an aroma of melted cheese and subtle spices that will draw everyone to the table. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to settle.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To make our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese recipe even more convenient for busy weeknights or gatherings, we recommend these make-ahead strategies. This approach lets you prepare components in advance while preserving the dish’s creamy texture and bold flavors.
Preparing Ingredients Ahead
Follow these steps to prep your ingredients up to 24 hours in advance:
- Cook the macaroni early: Boil 8 ounces of San Giorgio elbow macaroni until al dente as outlined in our step-by-step instructions. Drain it thoroughly, then toss with a teaspoon of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- Make the cheese sauce in advance: Prepare the roux and sauce using 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 4 cups of whole milk, and the cheeses. Once smooth, cool the sauce completely and transfer to a sealed container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Grate cheeses beforehand: Shred the sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses ahead of time. Place them in separate resealable bags and store in the fridge to keep them fresh.
Assembling the Dish
You can assemble the full San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese up to a day before baking:
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the prepared cheese sauce in a large bowl.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish and top with extra shredded cheese for that golden crust.
- Cover the dish tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Proper storage ensures your dish remains creamy and flavorful:
| Storage Method | Duration | Key Tips |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration | Up to 24 hours | Keep the assembled dish covered to prevent drying. Avoid freezing the assembled version as it may affect texture. |
| Freezing (for sauce or macaroni only) | Up to 1 month | Freeze the cooked macaroni or cheese sauce in freezer-safe bags. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before use. |
When you’re ready to serve, reheat the assembled dish in a preheated oven at 350°F for 20-25 minutes or until bubbly and heated through. This method maintains the comforting, Italian-inspired richness of our San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese recipe, making it perfect for effortless family meals.
Conclusion
We’ve shared how this San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese can turn simple ingredients into a family favorite. It’s more than just a meal—it’s a way to create lasting memories around the table.
We’re confident you’ll find joy in customizing it to suit your tastes, making it a go-to for gatherings. Give it a try and let it become part of your routine.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients in this San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese recipe?
The key ingredients include 8 ounces of San Giorgio elbow macaroni, 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter, 1/4 cup of all-purpose flour, 4 cups of whole milk, sharp cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, plus seasonings like garlic powder and nutmeg. These create a creamy, flavorful sauce that’s simple yet premium.
What equipment is needed to prepare San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling macaroni, a colander for draining, a medium saucepan for the cheese sauce, a whisk for blending, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, a wooden spoon or spatula for stirring, and a 9×13-inch baking dish with an oven to bake until golden and bubbly.
How do I make San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese step by step?
First, cook 8 ounces of macaroni until al dente. Make a roux with butter and flour, add milk and cheeses to create a sauce, then mix in the macaroni. Transfer to a baking dish, top with extra cheese, and bake at 350°F for about 30 minutes until golden and bubbly. Prep time is around 20 minutes.
Can I make this San Giorgio Macaroni and Cheese recipe ahead of time?
Yes, prepare the macaroni, cheese sauce, and grated cheeses in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Assemble the dish the day before baking, then bake when ready. This makes it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings, keeping flavors fresh and creamy.
How should I store and reheat leftovers of this dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cover with foil and bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes until warmed through and bubbly. For the microwave, heat in short bursts, stirring to maintain creaminess and prevent drying out.