Disney World Mac and Cheese Recipe
Transform your kitchen into the happiest place on earth with this Walt Disney World mac and cheese recipe!
Rich, creamy, and bursting with that nostalgic touch, this dish marries the culinary genius of Disney chefs with the comfort of home-cooking.
Here’s the scoop on how to create this creamy, cheesy masterpiece, step by step.
The History Behind the Recipe
The story of mac and cheese at Disney World, particularly in Epcot, is as rich and varied as the dish itself.
Epcot, known for celebrating global cultures and cuisines, introduced this American comfort food in a uniquely Disney way, transforming it into a gourmet experience.
Served in various iterations across the park, mac and cheese is a testament to Disney’s commitment to culinary excellence and innovation.
From the classic version to those infused with international flavors, the mac and cheese offerings reflect both the traditional roots of this beloved dish and the diverse palettes of Epcot’s global showcase.
This synthesis of simplicity and sophistication is what makes the mac and cheese at Disney World a must-try experience, symbolizing the magic of Disney dining.
This is one of the favorite dishes at Disney’s World Showplace Pavilion and the year’s festival marketplaces.
Bring the taste of Epcot International Food & Wine Festival into your home with this full recipe of homemade mac and cheese from Walt Disney parks.
If this is your first time making this small dish from a Disney buffet, follow the cooking techniques to ensure the perfect mac and cheese that even Mickey Mouse and other Disney characters will love.
Ingredients:
Prepare your shopping list with the essentials:
- 1 pound of elbow pasta
- 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 8 oz of white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz of yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup of Boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese
- 1/4 cup of cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- A handful of herb panko, or toasted panko for the topping
Instructions:
Follow our step-by-step guides for a cheesy perfection. Make sure to hit the grocery store to make sure you have all your ingredients before starting this gourmet pasta dish.
Preparation:
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Boiling time should be about 3-5 minutes. Drain the cooked pasta and set aside.
- Shred the white and yellow cheddar cheeses and prepare the Boursin, cream cheese, and butter.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
Cooking:
- For the first step, in a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter.
- Add the garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and cook for about 2-3 minutes.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and add the Boursin, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheeses, salt, and white pepper. Stir until the combination of cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the pot, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with the herb panko.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
Serving:
Scoop a generous helping of this creamy mac and cheese onto your plates from a large bowl. Pair it with your favorite green salad or enjoy it on its own – it’s a meal that speaks for itself! This Disney’s recipe that encapsulates the taste of Epcot International Wine & Food Festival should serve around 6-8 bowls.
Tips and Variations:
- For an added layer of flavor, consider adding a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of paprika to the cheese sauce.
- Use any pasta of choice or gluten-free substitutes that your family loves.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, try incorporating different kinds of cheese, like Monterey Jack, Parmesan cheese, or herb cheese to create your own unique flavor profile. For cheese lovers, try going to a cheese marketplace or a global food market to find new, authentic ingredients and a different kind of cheese from different continents.
- Vegetarian? No problem! This special recipe is a crowd-pleaser for vegetarians. You can even toss in some sautéed green peppers or spinach to make it a complete veggie delight.
- Use panko crumbs or toasted bread crumbs if you’re a picky eater, compared to adding complex ingredients like a green pepper or Boursin’s garlic.
- For a true taste of the event from all the theme parks, try making a new recipe: gratin de macaroni. Add it to your collection of delicious Disney recipes!
FAQs:
Q: Can I make the Disney World mac and cheese recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! You can prepare the mac and cheese up to two days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator after allowing it to cool. When ready to serve, reheat in the oven at 350°F until warm and bubbly.
If you realize your mac and cheese has been sitting in the fridge for the past week, it may be time to toss.
Q: Is it possible to freeze this mac and cheese?
A: Yes, this side dish freezes well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in the oven.
Q: Can I use low-fat milk instead of whole milk and heavy cream?
A: While you can use low-fat milk for a lighter version, the sauce may not be as creamy or rich. The dish’s overall taste and texture might slightly differ from the original recipe.
Q: What can I use as a substitute for Boursin cheese?
A: If Boursin cheese is not available, you can use a mixture of cream cheese with herbs such as chives and garlic as a substitute. It gives a similar flavor and creamy texture to the dish.
Key Takeaways
Now you have it, the infamous Disney World mac and cheese recipe.
Whisking up a batch of Disney’s gourmet macaroni and cheese at home is more than just cooking; it’s a magical experience that will have your whole family beaming with delight.
Whether it’s a special occasion or you simply want to recreate a taste of Disney at home, this special dish is sure to impress.
Gather your ingredients, channel your inner chef, and relish in this truly enchanting meal. Don’t forget to share the magic with us and other Disney enthusiasts!
Disney World mac and cheese recipe
Rich, creamy, and bursting with that nostalgic touch, this dish marries the culinary genius of Disney chefs with the comfort of home-cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 pound of elbow macaroni
- 1 1/2 cups of whole milk
- 1/2 cup of heavy cream
- 1/4 cup of unsalted butter
- 8 oz of white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 8 oz of yellow cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1/4 cup of Boursin garlic & fine herbs cheese
- 1/4 cup of cream cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon of coarse salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- A handful of herb panko, or toasted panko for the topping
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the elbow macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Shred the white and yellow cheddar cheeses and prepare the Boursin, cream cheese, and butter.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F.
- In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the garlic, onion powder, mustard powder, and garlic powder. Stir to combine and cook for about 1 minute.
- Slowly pour in the whole milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat and add the Boursin, cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheeses, salt, and white pepper. Stir until the cheeses are melted and the sauce is creamy.
- For an ultra-smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend the sauce.
- Combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce in the pot, ensuring the pasta is well coated.
- Transfer the mac and cheese into a greased baking dish and sprinkle with the herb panko.
- Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the edges are bubbling.
- Allow to cool for a few minutes before serving.
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