π₯π§ Pickle Mac & Cheese
This Pickle Mac & Cheese takes the ultimate comfort food and gives it a seriously good pickle twist. Creamy, cheesy pasta gets loaded with sharp cheddar, crunchy Tommy Pickles Garlic Dill Pickles, and a crispy breadcrumb topping for the perfect combination of rich, tangy, and crunchy.
Itβs cozy, cheesy, and just pickled enough to keep every bite interesting.
Perfect for chilly nights, fall dinners, game days, or anytime regular mac and cheese needs an upgrade.
π Ingredients
For the Mac & Cheese
- 12 oz elbow macaroni or your favorite short pasta
- 3 tbsp butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup Tommy Pickles Garlic Dill Pickles, finely chopped
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2 tbsp pickle brine straight from the Tommy Pickles Garlic Dill jar
For the Crispy Topping
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1/4 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
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1/4 tsp garlic powder
For Finishing
- Extra chopped Tommy Pickles Garlic Dill Pickles
- Fresh dill, optional
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Black pepper, optional
π§ Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta (10 Minutes)
- Cook pasta according to package directions until just al dente.
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Drain and set aside. Do not rinse.
Step 2: Make the Cheese Sauce (10 Minutes)
- Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute.
- Slowly whisk in the milk until smooth.
- Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar, Monterey Jack, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
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Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Step 3: Add the Pickle Flavor (3 Minutes)
- Stir the pickle brine into the cheese sauce.
- Fold in the chopped Garlic Dill pickles.
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Add the cooked pasta and stir until everything is evenly coated.
Step 4: Make the Topping (3 Minutes)
- In a small bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, cheddar cheese, and garlic powder.
- Stir until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated.
Step 5: Bake (15β20 Minutes)
- Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased baking dish.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top.
- Bake at 375Β°F for 15β20 minutes, or until hot and bubbly with a golden, crispy topping.
- Let cool for a few minutes before serving.
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Finish with extra chopped pickles and fresh dill, if desired.
π₯ How Garlic Dill Pickles Add
Why stop at cheese? Pickles are tangy. Put them together and somehow, it just works. Itβs the little twist that makes this mac and cheese anything but ordinary.
β± Time Breakdown
- Cook Pasta: 10 minutes
- Make Sauce & Prep: 16 minutes
- Bake: 15-20 minutes
- Total: ~ 40-45 minutes
π₯ Make It With Tommy Pickles
Creamy. Cheesy. Crispy. Pickly.
Once you try it, regular mac and cheese might feel like it's missing something. Pickle your mac.
