Inspired by the fresh produce of California and the heartiness of Southern cooking, this mac & cheese was my father’s personal twist on a classic. Sharp cheddar melted into a creamy sauce, mingling with garden-fresh tomatoes and fragrant herbs. Baked until bubbly and golden, it was a celebration of flavor—a dish that honored tradition while embracing creativity.

Heirloom Harvest Mac & Cheese Delight

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A fresh, garden-inspired twist on classic Southern mac & cheese, featuring ripe heirloom tomatoes and fragrant herbs. This creamy, cheesy delight brings comfort food to a new level with a burst of vibrant flavors.

• Author: Don Nicholas
• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Sides & Sauces

Ingredients

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• 2 cups elbow macaroni
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 2 large tomatoes, diced
• 1 cup fresh herbs (a mix of basil, oregano, and thyme), finely chopped
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 large tomato, thinly sliced (for topping)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a baking dish and set aside.
2. Cook the Macaroni: Boil the elbow macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Stir in the flour to make a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Cook and stir until the mixture thickens.Reduce heat and add the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses. Stir until melted and creamy.
4. Add Fresh Flavors: Mix in the diced tomatoes and fresh herbs into the cheese sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Let the flavors dance together for a couple of minutes.
5. Combine and Bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheesy herb and tomato mixture. Transfer the heavenly mix into the greased baking dish. Top it off with additional slices of fresh tomatoes and a sprinkle of cheese.
6. Bake to Perfection: Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the top is golden and bubbly.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Allow it to cool for a few minutes before serving. Dive into the creamy, herb-infused goodness of this Heirloom Harvest Mac & Cheese Delight!