Sardine-Studded Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

Introduction

This Mac and Cheese with Sardines is a comforting, savory twist on a classic favorite. Creamy cheese sauce coats tender pasta, while the sardines add a delightful richness and a boost of protein. It’s an easy, flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

• 10.5 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shells
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• Two 4.2 oz cans sardines in olive oil, drained and gently flaked
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed for toasting breadcrumbs

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and lightly grease a medium baking dish.
2. Step 2: Cook the macaroni in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Gradually whisk in the milk, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Step 5: Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheddar, Parmesan, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, black pepper, and salt until smooth.
6. Step 6: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir to coat evenly.
7. Step 7: Gently fold in the flaked sardines, being careful not to break them too much.
8. Step 8: Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
9. Step 9: In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, Parmesan topping cheese, and olive oil if using. Sprinkle this evenly over the pasta.
10. Step 10: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, toast the breadcrumbs in a dry pan with olive oil before topping the casserole.
• Try swapping sardines with smoked salmon or canned tuna for different flavors.
• If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a splash of cream or extra milk when whisking in the cheese.
• Fresh herbs like chives or dill can be added to brighten the flavor.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through. To maintain crispness of the topping, reheat in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes rather than the microwave.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, small shapes like shells, rotini, or penne work well in this dish. Choose pasta that holds sauce nicely.

Do I have to bake this mac and cheese?

Baking adds a crispy topping and melds the flavors, but you can enjoy the dish right after mixing if you prefer a creamier texture without the crust.

Sardine-Studded Mac and Cheese Bake Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 113 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A comforting and flavorful baked mac and cheese recipe enhanced with the rich taste of sardines. This dish combines creamy cheddar and Parmesan cheese sauce with tender pasta and gently flaked sardines, topped with a crispy breadcrumb and herb crust, perfect for a satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 10.5 oz elbow macaroni or small pasta shells

Cheese Sauce

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• 7 oz sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• Salt, to taste

Sardines and Topping

• Two 4.2 oz cans sardines in olive oil, drained and gently flaked
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (for topping)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, if needed for toasting breadcrumbs

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Instructions

1. Prepare Oven and Baking Dish: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Lightly grease a medium baking dish to prevent sticking and prepare for baking.
2. Cook Pasta: Boil the elbow macaroni or small pasta shells in a large pot of salted water until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside for the cheese sauce.
3. Make Roux: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter. Whisk in the all-purpose flour and sauté for about 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste and develop flavor.
4. Prepare Cheese Sauce: Gradually pour in the whole milk while whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 4 minutes.
5. Incorporate Dairy and Seasonings: Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the grated sharp cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, ground black pepper, and salt until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
6. Coat Pasta: Add the drained pasta into the cheese sauce and stir well to ensure each piece of pasta is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
7. Add Sardines: Gently fold in the flaked sardines into the pasta and cheese mixture, taking care to keep the sardines in chunks rather than breaking them up too much for texture.
8. Transfer and Assemble: Pour the combined pasta and sardine mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading evenly.
9. Combine Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, chopped fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese for topping, and olive oil if you prefer to moisten the breadcrumbs for crispness. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pasta in the baking dish.
10. Bake and Rest: Bake the dish in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until the topping is golden brown and the sauce is bubbling. Remove from oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set slightly.

Notes

• Use fresh breadcrumbs and parsley for a more aromatic topping.
• The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tanginess that enhances the cheesy flavors.
• Drain sardines well to avoid making the sauce too oily.
• You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free alternatives to suit dietary needs.
• Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: mac and cheese, sardines, baked mac and cheese, creamy pasta, comfort food, cheese sauce