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Gooey Mac & Cheese Quesadilla

Gooey Mac & Cheese Quesadilla: Comfort Food with a Twist

Gooey Mac & Cheese Quesadilla combines comforting mac and cheese with crispy tortillas, offering a delightful twist on a classic favorite.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 quesadillas
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 400

Ingredients
  

For the Quesadilla
  • 8 oz Elbow Macaroni gluten-free pasta can be used
  • 2 tbsp Butter or margarine for dairy-free option
  • 2 tbsp All-Purpose Flour substitute with gluten-free flour if desired
  • 1 cup Whole Milk or almond milk for dairy-free
  • 1/2 cup Heavy Cream or coconut cream for dairy-free
  • 1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese can swap with Gouda or dairy-free cheese
  • 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese mix with Pepper Jack for heat
  • 1 tsp Garlic Powder fresh garlic can enhance flavor
  • 1/2 tsp Smoked Paprika regular paprika is a milder alternative
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper to taste
Serving Suggestions
  • Sour Cream or Greek yogurt for a healthier option
  • Salsa customizable between mild and spicy
  • Hot Sauce for those who enjoy it fiery

Equipment

  • Large Pot
  • medium saucepan
  • Large skillet
  • Colander

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the elbow macaroni and cook for 6-8 minutes until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the all-purpose flour for 1-2 minutes until light golden brown to form a roux.
  3. Gradually pour in the warm whole milk and heavy cream, whisking to avoid lumps. Cook for 3-5 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly.
  4. Reduce heat to low, stir in sharp cheddar and mozzarella until melted. Mix in garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
  5. Fold in the cooked elbow macaroni until well coated with the cheese sauce.
  6. Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Butter one side of a tortilla and place it in the skillet, buttered-side down. Add extra cheese, mac and cheese mixture, and top with more cheese.
  7. Fold the tortilla in half. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and crispy.
  8. Remove from skillet, let sit for a minute, then slice into wedges and serve hot with sour cream, salsa, or hot sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1quesadillaCalories: 400kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 15gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 12gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 200mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 800IUCalcium: 300mgIron: 1.5mg

Notes

For optimal leftover texture, reheat in a skillet. Prepare filling in advance for easy assembly.

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