Freeze-Dried Creamy Macaroni and Cheese - Prep4Life

Freeze-Dried Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

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Planning a road trip with the littles this year? Enjoy the irresistible goodness of macaroni and cheese wherever life takes you with our freeze-dried version. This crispy, gooey, and creamy delight is perfect for those on-the-go moments when you need a quick and satisfying meal. If you are late for soccer or half way to Yellowstone park with a hungry child, this recipe is a life saver. Here's how to whip up this freeze-dried marvel:

Ingredients:

For the Topping:

  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter
  • 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 cups panko
  • 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 oz. finely grated Parmesan (about ½ cup)
  • ½ tsp. Diamond Crystal or ¼ tsp. plus ⅛ tsp. Morton kosher salt

For the Macaroni and Sauce:

  • 2 tsp. Diamond Crystal or 1 tsp. Morton kosher salt, plus more
  • 1 lb. dried elbow macaroni
  • ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish
  • 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups whole milk
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • ½ tsp. ground white pepper
  • 1½ tbsp. mustard powder
  • 16 oz. coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese (about 6 cups)
  • 2 oz. grated Parmesan (about ½ cup)

Instructions:

For the Topping:

  • Melt 2 tbsp. unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil, stirring until butter foam subsides.
  • Add 2 cups panko and 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; cook until crumbs are golden brown, 4–6 minutes.
  • Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl, stir in 2 oz. finely grated Parmesan and salt, and set aside.

For the Macaroni and Sauce:

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb. dried elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente. Drain par-cooked macaroni and set aside (do not rinse).
  • Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 13x9” baking dish with unsalted butter.
  • Melt ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter in a large pot over medium-low heat. Sprinkle 6 tbsp. all-purpose flour over butter, whisking to incorporate and make a roux.
  • Cook, stirring constantly, until roux is light golden, about 4 minutes.
  • Gradually pour in 4 cups whole milk and ¾ cup heavy cream, whisking constantly to make a béchamel sauce.
  • Bring sauce to a low boil, whisking constantly. Reduce to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook until béchamel sauce is thick.
  • Add salt, ground white pepper, and mustard powder. Add grated extra-sharp cheddar cheese and grated Parmesan in three batches, whisking until each addition is melted.
  • Remove from heat.
  • Add drained macaroni to pot with cheese sauce and stir well to coat.
  • Transfer macaroni mixture to prepared baking dish and sprinkle panko topping evenly over macaroni.
  • Bake until golden and bubbling, 18–22 minutes. Let baked mac and cheese cool for 15 minutes before serving.

Enjoy the convenience of a classic macaroni and cheese that's freeze-dried for your on-the-go adventures!

FREEZE-DRYING INSTRUCTIONS

  1. Spread evenly on trays lined with silicone mats. Or use a small cookie scoop to make  dollops. Make note of the weight of the trays with food.
  2. Process according to freeze-dryer instructions.
  3. When finished freeze-drying, note the weight of the trays. The difference in weight of the trays before and after freeze-drying is the recommended amount of water needed to reconstitute.

TO RECONSTITUTE

Add recommended amount of hot water. Stir and let sit a few minutes until fully reconstituted. More, or less, than the recommended amount of water can be added to get the desired consistency.


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