Ultimate Build-Your-Own Baked Mac and Cheese Bar with Roasted Broccoli and Pickled Jalapeños

Turn dinner into a fun, interactive experience with this build-your-own baked mac and cheese bar. Creamy, cheesy pasta forms the base, while a lineup of toppings-crunchy everything-bagel breadcrumbs, roasted broccoli, juicy diced tomatoes and tangy pickled jalapeños-lets everyone create their perfect bowl.

This recipe is all about flexibility. You can prep the toppings ahead and let your family or guests assemble their own plates. The baked mac and cheese is rich and satisfying and the contrasting textures and flavors make every bite exciting.

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Ingredients

2 cup Cheddar CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 ounce Cavatappi PastaView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

6 tablespoon Cream CheeseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

4 ounce Cream Sauce BaseView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon White Wine VinegarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit JalapeñoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit BroccoliView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Mushroom Stock ConcentrateView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit TomatoView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 cup Panko BreadcrumbsView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 tablespoon Everything Bagel SeasoningView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon Garlic PowderView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

0.25 teaspoon (tsp) SugarView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

1 unit Cooking SprayView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

teaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guideLike ingredientDislike ingredient

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 425°F with racks in the top and middle positions. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. Cut broccoli into bite-size pieces if needed. On a baking sheet, toss broccoli with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast on the top rack until browned and tender, 15-20 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, melt 1 tablespoon butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add panko, everything bagel seasoning, salt and pepper. Cook, stirring, until golden brown, 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a small bowl and set aside. Wipe the pan clean.
3. Once water is boiling, add cavatappi pasta and cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Drain and return pasta to the pot.
4. In the same pan used for panko, whisk together cream sauce base and 1 cup water over medium heat. Bring to a simmer. Add cream cheese, mushroom stock concentrate and garlic powder. Cook, whisking, until cream cheese is fully incorporated and sauce is smooth, 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat. Whisk in three-quarters of the cheddar and 1 tablespoon butter until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Pour the cheese sauce over the drained pasta and stir to combine. Coat an 8×8-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Transfer the mac and cheese to the dish and top with remaining cheddar. Bake on the middle rack until browned, 12-15 minutes. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.
6. While the mac and cheese bakes, halve the jalapeño lengthwise, remove ribs and seeds for less heat and thinly slice crosswise into half-moons. Dice the tomato into ½-inch pieces.
7. In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the sliced jalapeño, 1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, ¼ teaspoon sugar and a pinch of salt. Cover with plastic wrap and microwave for 30 seconds. Set aside to pickle, stirring occasionally.
8. Serve the roasted broccoli, baked mac and cheese, toasted panko, diced tomato and pickled jalapeño family style. Let everyone build their own plate by adding toppings as desired.

Recipe Tips

FAQ

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute cheddar with gouda, Monterey Jack or a mix of your favorite melting cheeses.

How do I reheat leftovers?

Reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven at 350°F until warmed through. Add a splash of milk if the sauce seems dry.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta and panko breadcrumbs. Ensure all other ingredients are gluten-free.