Save A creamy, tangy macaroni and cheese infused with the bright flavor of dill pickles—an irresistible comfort food with a zesty kick.
This recipe quickly became a family favorite when I added the pickle twist for the first time
Ingredients
- Pasta: 340 g (12 oz) elbow macaroni
- Cheese Sauce: 2 tbsp unsalted butter 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 480 ml (2 cups) whole milk 170 g (6 oz) sharp cheddar cheese, shredded 85 g (3 oz) Monterey Jack cheese, shredded 2 tsp Dijon mustard 1 tsp garlic powder Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Pickle Twist: 120 g (about 1 cup) dill pickles, finely chopped 60 ml (1/4 cup) dill pickle juice 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
- Topping (optional): 60 g (1/2 cup) panko breadcrumbs 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
- Preheat oven:
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F) if baking with topping.
- Cook macaroni:
- Cook the macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Make roux:
- In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to form a roux.
- Add milk:
- Gradually whisk in the milk and cook, stirring constantly, until slightly thickened (about 3–4 minutes).
- Add cheese:
- Lower heat and add cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
- Mix in flavors:
- Add Dijon mustard, garlic powder, pickle juice, chopped pickles, and fresh dill. Mix well. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine macaroni:
- Fold in the cooked macaroni until fully coated with the sauce.
- Add topping (optional):
- For a crunchy topping, mix panko with melted butter and sprinkle over the mac and cheese in a baking dish. Bake for 10–12 minutes until golden brown.
- Serve:
- Garnish with extra chopped dill and serve immediately.
Save This dish always brings my family together around the table, sharing smiles and seconds
Notes
For a spicier version, add a pinch of cayenne or sliced pickled jalapeños. Use toppings wisely to keep the crunch.
Required Tools
Large pot, saucepan, whisk, baking dish (optional), cheese grater
Allergen Information
Contains dairy (milk, cheese, butter) and gluten (pasta, flour, breadcrumbs). Always check pickle and cheese labels for potential allergens or additives.
Save Enjoy this unique twist on classic mac and cheese that is sure to become a new favorite!
Recipe Guide
- → Can I bake this dish with a topping?
Yes, mixing panko breadcrumbs with melted butter and baking for 10–12 minutes creates a crunchy, golden topping.
- → What cheeses are best for the sauce?
Sharp cheddar and Monterey Jack provide a creamy, smooth sauce, but Gruyère or mozzarella can be swapped in for variety.
- → How do the dill pickles affect the flavor?
Dill pickles and their juice add a bright, tangy twist that balances the richness of the cheese sauce.
- → Can I make this spicier?
Adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or sliced pickled jalapeños offers a spicy kick to contrast the creamy sauce.
- → Is this dish suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it contains no meat and uses vegetarian-friendly ingredients, though it includes dairy and gluten.
- → What tools do I need to prepare this dish?
A large pot for pasta, a saucepan for sauce, a whisk, and optionally a baking dish for the topping are required.