This delicious Nigella Sweet Potato Mac and Cheese is a creamy and comforting twist on the classic. The sweet potatoes add a velvety texture, while the feta and cheddar create a rich, savory flavor. It’s an easy, quick dish that you can customize with different cheeses or herbs for extra flair!
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💛 Why You’ll Love This Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese Recipe:
- Creamy Comfort: Delight in the smooth texture of sweet potato-infused cheese sauce, offering a cozy and satisfying meal experience.
- Flavorful Twist: Experience the unique combination of sweet and savory flavors in this innovative take on classic mac and cheese.
- Easy Enjoyment: With straightforward steps, this recipe ensures a hassle-free cooking process, perfect for any occasion craving homemade goodness.
❓ What Is Nigella Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese Recipe?
Nigella Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese is a delightful blend of sweet potatoes, pasta, feta cheese, and a creamy white sauce.
🧀 Nigella Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese Ingredients
- 500 grams of sweet potatoes
- 300 grams macaroni (or other small, short pasta)
- 4 tablespoons soft unsalted butter
- 3 tablespoons plain flour
- 500 millilitres full-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon English mustard (from a jar)
- ¼ teaspoon paprika (plus another quarter teaspoon to sprinkle on top)
- 75 grams of feta cheese
- 125 grams mature cheddar (plus 25g/quarter cup to sprinkle on top)
- 4 fresh sage leaves
- Maldon sea salt flakes (to taste)
- pepper (to taste)
🍝How To Make Nigella Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/gas mark 6/400°F). Fill a large pot with water, cover it with a lid, and put it on the stove to boil.
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into roughly 2–3cm (1 inch) pieces. Once the water is boiling, add salt to taste, then the sweet potato pieces, and cook for about 10 minutes until they are soft.
- Remove them from the water and lightly mash them in a bowl with a fork, leaving some texture. Keep the water for cooking pasta later.
- In another saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then add the flour and whisk to make a roux. Take the pan off the heat and slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Put the pan back on the heat, switch to a wooden spoon, and stir until the sauce thickens. Add mustard and a pinch of paprika. Season lightly.
- Cook the pasta in the sweet potato water, checking 2 minutes before the recommended time for firmness. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and add the pasta to the mashed sweet potato, folding to combine.
- Crumble the feta cheese into the sweet potato and pasta mixture, then fold in the white sauce and grated Cheddar. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon the mixture into ovenproof dishes, sprinkle with remaining Cheddar and paprika, and scatter sage leaves on top.
- Place the dishes on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes (or 30–35 minutes for a larger dish) until hot and bubbly.
💭 Recipe Tips:
- Prep Ahead: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes in advance to streamline the cooking process.
- Texture Control: Mash the sweet potatoes lightly to retain some texture for a rustic feel to the dish.
- Smooth Sauce: Ensure a lump-free sauce by gradually adding milk to the roux and stirring constantly.
🥗 What To Serve With Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese?
You can serve sweet potato mac and cheese with crisp salad, roasted veggies, garlic bread, grilled chicken, steamed asparagus, crispy bacon, tomato soup, and cornbread.
🎚 How To Store Leftovers Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese?
- In the fridge: Store leftovers sweet potato mac and cheese in an airtight container for 3 days.
- In the freezer: Store leftovers of sweet potato mac and cheese in a freezer-safe container for 3 months.
🥵 How To Reheat Leftovers Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese?
- In the oven: Reheat leftovers sweet potato mac and cheese for 3 minutes at 350°F.
- In the microwave: Heat leftovers sweet potato mac and cheese on high for 2-3 minutes.
- On the stove: Reheat leftovers sweet potato mac and cheese gently in a saucepan over low heat for 1 minute.
- In the air-fryer: Leftovers Sweet potato mac and Cheese ir-fry for 5 minutes at 350°F.
FAQ’S:
Can I Use Skim Milk Instead Of Full-fat Milk?
Yes, you can use skim milk as a lighter alternative to full-fat milk. However, full-fat milk will provide a creamier texture to the sauce.
How Can I Prevent The Pasta From Becoming Mushy?
To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, cook it al dente by checking 2 minutes before the recommended cooking time. This ensures the pasta retains its firmness.
Can I Make Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese Spicy?
Yes, you can make Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese spicy by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the sauce for a kick of heat.
What Type Cheese Is Best For Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese?
The best cheeses for Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese are feta cheese for its tangy flavor and mature cheddar for its sharpness.
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Nigella Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese Nutrition Fact:
- Calories: 481
- Total Carbohydrate: 68g
- Total Sugars: 13g
- Protein: 24g
- Total Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 39mg
- Folate: 71mcg
- Sodium: 519mg
- Calcium: 437mg
- Iron: 3mg
- Magnesium: 124mg
- Potassium: 620mg
Nigella Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese
Description
Nigella Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese is made with wholesome ingredients including sweet potatoes, pasta, feta cheese, and a creamy white sauce. This comforting dish requires approximately 45 minutes to prepare and serves four.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C Fan/gas mark 6/400°F). Fill a large pot with water, cover it with a lid, and put it on the stove to boil.
- Peel and chop the sweet potatoes into roughly 2–3cm (1 inch) pieces. Once the water is boiling, add salt to taste, then the sweet potato pieces, and cook for about 10 minutes until they are soft.
- Remove them from the water and lightly mash them in a bowl with a fork, leaving some texture. Keep the water for cooking pasta later.
- In another saucepan, melt the butter over low heat, then add the flour and whisk to make a roux. Take the pan off the heat and slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Put the pan back on the heat, switch to a wooden spoon, and stir until the sauce thickens. Add mustard and a pinch of paprika. Season lightly.
- Cook the pasta in the sweet potato water, checking 2 minutes before the recommended time for firmness. Drain, reserving some pasta water, and add the pasta to the mashed sweet potato, folding to combine.
- Crumble the feta cheese into the sweet potato and pasta mixture, then fold in the white sauce and grated Cheddar. Add pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Spoon the mixture into ovenproof dishes, sprinkle with remaining Cheddar and paprika, and scatter sage leaves on top.
- Place the dishes on a baking tray and bake for 20 minutes (or 30–35 minutes for a larger dish) until hot and bubbly.
Notes
- Prep Ahead: Peel and chop the sweet potatoes in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Texture Control: Mash the sweet potatoes lightly to retain some texture for a rustic feel to the dish.
Smooth Sauce: Ensure a lump-free sauce by gradually adding milk to the roux and stirring constantly.
Nigella Sweet Potato Mac And Cheese