Gratineed Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes Recipe

Name: Gratineed Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for dish; 1 1/4 cups small pieces torn baguette or other crusty bread; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme; Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper; 1 pound elbow macaroni or other short, tubular pasta; 1 quart milk; 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour; Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg; 4 cups grated sharp white Cheddar cheese (about 1 pound); 1 pound red and yellow tomatoes in all sizes, cut into 1-inch pieces if large or halved if small (cherry, grape, or pear)

Servings: persons

1
Preheat the oven to 375F.
2
Butter a 9 x 13-inch baking dish or a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside.
3
Melt 2 tablespoons butter, and pour over the bread in a medium bowl; toss.
4
Add 1 teaspoon thyme, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper; toss.
5
Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add salt.
6
Cook the pasta until just beginning to soften, 2 to 3 minutes (it will not be fully cooked).
7
Drain and rinse.
8
Warm the milk in a saucepan over medium heat.
9
Heat the remaining 5 tablespoons butter in a high-sided skillet (or a pot) over medium until foaming.
10
Add the flour; whisk 1 minute.
11
Slowly whisk in the warm milk.
12
Cook, whisking, until bubbling and thickened, 8 to 10 minutes.
13
Remove from heat.
14
Add 2 teaspoons salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, the remaining 2 teaspoons thyme, the nutmeg, and cheese to pan; stir until the cheese is melted.
15
Stir the pasta and tomatoes into the cheese sauce.
16
Pour into the buttered dish; sprinkle with the bread topping.
17
Bake until bubbling and golden, about 30 minutes.
18
Let cool slightly before serving.

1158

kcal

Calories

Fat

106

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
A good 1:1 gluten-free flour blend works well if you need a gluten-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 10 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for dish, 1 1/4 cups small pieces torn baguette or other crusty bread, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, and more.

Yes, Gratineed Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes falls under the Pasta & Noodles category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3–5 days. For longer storage, freeze for up to 3 months — no need to refrigerate or reheat.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Gratineed Macaroni and Cheese with Tomatoes

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions