This dish is so versatile, it can do double duty as a potluck side dish and also as a weeknight dinner. If you're looking to add meat to this recipe, a nice sausage cooked and mixed throughout the penne would be so delicious, absolutely no one could resist.
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The best part? Just cook the pasta, mix in the cheeses and goodies, and spread on a baking sheet. The high oven temperature creates the perfect crisp layer of cheese that completely defies reasoning while the apples become so soft and tender that they melt in your mouth.
Make this just once and everyone will be immediately asking for more. While it is not a completely traditional way to make mac and cheese (there's no cheese sauce made beforehand), it's a fun way to get dinner on the table fast.
How to Make Green Apple Macaroni and Cheese
Preheat your oven to 475F. Thoroughly grease an 11" x 17" baking sheet or casserole dish with the butter. Combine shredded white cheddar cheese and shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese in one bowl. Set aside two cups of the shredded cheese for the topping.
Cook penne pasta or elbow macaroni according to package directions and drain. Coat in olive oil and place in a bowl, stirring to prevent the noodles from sticking. Toss the cheeses, pasta, paprika, lemon juice, wine, and season with salt and black pepper to taste in the bowl. Spread mixture in single, even layer on a baking sheet then evenly distribute the cubes of Granny Smith apples over the baking sheet. Take reserved cups of cheese and sprinkle evenly over apples and pasta mixture.
Pour whole milk over the surface of the baking sheet in even measure. Top with paprika, grated nutmeg, and parsley and bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is golden and crispy.
Watch: How to Make Apple Pie Moonshine Punch
Green Apple Macaroni and Cheese
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp butter
- 12 oz white cheddar cheese, shredded
- 12 oz extra sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 lb penne pasta, cooked
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 Granny Smith apples, cubed
- 1 tsp grated nutmeg
- 2/3 cup whole milk
- 4 tbsp parsley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475. Thoroughly grease an 11" x 17" baking sheet with the butter.
- Combine the grated cheeses in one bowl and set aside two cups.
- Cook penne pasta according to package directions and drain. Coat in olive oil and place in bowl, stirring to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Toss the cheeses, pasta, paprika, lemon juice, wine, and salt and pepper to taste in bowl.
- Spread mixture in single, even layer on baking sheet.
- Evenly distribute the cubes of Granny Smith apples over baking sheet. Take reserved cups of cheese and sprinkle evenly over apples and pasta mixture.
- Pour whole milk over surface of baking sheet in even measure. Top with paprika, grated nutmeg, and parsley.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese is golden and crispy.
