Ultimate Doublecheese Chorizo Mac Cheese Bake

Craving Comfort? Let's Talk Mac & Cheese!

Ever have one of those days where only seriously high calorie meals will do? Honestly, me too! This Ultimate Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac & Cheese Bake is exactly that kind of dish.

It is pure comfort food recipes . Think of it as a giant hug in a baking dish!

Mac & Cheese: A Classic with a Twist

This recipe isn't just about satisfying a craving. Mac and cheese is an American staple. It is loved across cultures.

We are giving it a gourmet spin with smoky chorizo and a crunchy topping. I have been known to make it as part of an easy meal prep dinners strategy, because it reheats so well.

It's a relatively straightforward recipe that's perfect for a weekend treat. It yields 6 generous servings. This makes it ideal for feeding the whole family or impressing some mates.

Why This Mac & Cheese is Special

This version is packed with flavor and boasts a serious calorie count. (Yep, we're leaning into it!). The chorizo adds a spicy, savory depth that's hard to resist.

This makes it a fantastic option for anyone looking for weight gain meals or bulking recipes . It's also perfect for those chilly evenings when you need something hearty and satisfying.

Plus, with all that cheese, you are getting a decent dose of calcium and protein! I would add a Healthy Meal Plan to balance my diet.

Ready to dive in? Next up, the ingredients.

Okay, let's talk about what you'll need to nail this Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac. Honestly, it's mostly stuff you probably already have.

This Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac is one of my favorite comfort food recipes to make on a cold day.

Ingredients & Equipment

Main Ingredients

• Elbow macaroni: 1 pound (450g) . Good quality pasta cooks evenly. It also tastes better.
• Unsalted butter: 6 tablespoons (85g) . Adds richness to the sauce.
• All-purpose flour: 1/2 cup (60g) . This is what makes the cheese sauce thick.
• Whole milk: 4 cups (950ml) . Full fat milk makes a creamier sauce, you know.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon .
• Black pepper: 1/2 teaspoon .
• Ground nutmeg: 1/4 teaspoon . This really brings the flavors together.
• Sharp cheddar cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , shredded. A good sharp cheddar gives you that classic mac flavor.
• Fontina cheese: 8 ounces (225g) , shredded. Fontina melts like a dream.
• Cream cheese: 4 ounces (115g) , softened. This adds a creamy tang.
• Spanish chorizo: 8 ounces (225g) , casings removed and diced. Real Spanish chorizo gives the best flavor.
• Grated parmesan cheese: 1/4 cup (30g) .
• Panko breadcrumbs: 1 cup (100g) . Panko gives the best crunch!
• Unsalted butter: 3 tablespoons (40g) , melted.
• Garlic powder: 1/4 teaspoon .

Seasoning Notes

This isn't just mac, it's next level mac. Nutmeg is key here, don't skip it. A little garlic powder in the topping adds a certain je ne sais quoi .

• Essential spice combinations: Salt, pepper, nutmeg, and garlic powder. The basics, but essential.
• Flavor enhancers and aromatics: Garlic powder for the topping.
• Quick substitution options: If you don't have nutmeg, a pinch of mace works too.

Equipment Needed

Nothing too fancy here, I promise!

• Large pot: For cooking the pasta.
• Large saucepan: For the cheese sauce.
• 9x13 inch ( 23x33 cm ) baking dish: For baking.
• Cheese grater: A must for grating your own cheese.
• Skillet: For cooking the chorizo.

I honestly use a cheese grater about every day! If you are looking for weight gain meals this can be a part of your healthy meal plan .

If you are looking to add healthy foods to your diet, this might not be the best choice but it sure is delicious and we can make some healthy meal plan alternatives.

Maybe you are looking for Easy Meal Prep Dinners , well this can be that easy Meal Prep Pasta you were looking for.

So, what are we waiting for? Let's do some Easy Meal Prep Dinners .

This recipe is perfect for those seeking high calorie meals . These high calorie recipes are great for those looking for bulking recipes or simply seeking comfort food recipes .

If you're looking for high fat meals , this mac and cheese is definitely a winner. This Mac and cheese variations is one of the weight gain meals .

Level Up Your Mac & Cheese: The Chorizo Kick

Honestly, who doesn’t love mac and cheese? It's the ultimate comfort food. But sometimes, you fancy something a bit extra, right? Something with a bit of a kick.

That's where this Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac & Cheese Bake comes in. We are talking serious high calorie recipes here.

Prep Steps: Your Mac's Mise en Place

First things first: get everything organised. Chop that chorizo! Grate your cheeses. Seriously, pre-shredded cheese is a no-go. Grate your own because you deserve better.

It melts so much smoother, trust me. Essential mise en place , folks.

Chorizo Mac, step-by-step

1. Cook 1 pound of macaroni until al dente . Nobody likes mushy pasta.
2. Sauté 8 ounces of diced chorizo until crispy. Drain that grease!
3. Melt 6 tablespoons butter, whisk in 1/2 cup flour, cook for 2 minutes to make the roux.
4. Whisk in 4 cups milk until smooth, simmer for 5 minutes to thicken.
5. Remove from heat, stir in salt, pepper, nutmeg, 8 ounces cheddar, 8 ounces fontina, and 4 ounces cream cheese. Make sure everything is melted and smooth.
6. Add pasta and chorizo to the sauce. Mix well. Pour into a baking dish.
7. Mix 1 cup panko, 3 tablespoons melted butter, parmesan, and garlic powder. Sprinkle on top.
8. Bake at 375° F for 20- 25 minutes . Golden brown and bubbly is the goal.

Pro Tips: Mac & Cheese Mastery

Want to take this to the next level? Toast your breadcrumbs before baking. It adds an extra crunch. Also, don’t overcook the pasta.

Al dente really is key! This can also be part of your easy meal prep dinners , just assemble it in advance and bake when needed.

Thinking about a healthy meal plan ? Maybe not the main goal here , but balance it out with a big salad, yeah? And if you're looking for weight gain meals or bulking recipes , this is a great starting point.

There you have it! A delicious and satisfying high calorie meal that's perfect for a chilly evening. It is also one of those great comfort food recipes .

Enjoy!. If you like it, maybe we can look at some mac and cheese variations too.

Recipe Notes for Your Ultimate Mac & Cheese Adventure

Alright, listen up, foodies! Before you dive headfirst into this incredible Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac & Cheese Bake, let's chat about some essential notes.

Honestly, these little tips and tricks can make all the difference between a good mac and cheese and a mind blowing mac and cheese.

You know?

Serving Suggestions: Let's Get This on a Plate!

Presentation matters, even for comfort food! For plating, I like to scoop a generous portion into a bowl and sprinkle a little extra parmesan on top.

A sprig of parsley adds a pop of freshness. Complementary sides? A crisp green salad with a zingy vinaigrette is a must.

It cuts through the richness. Roasted asparagus or green beans are also fantastic. I'd pair this beaut with a glass of red wine!

Storage Tips: Leftovers? What Leftovers?

Okay, if you somehow manage to have leftovers, here's the lowdown. For refrigeration, let the mac and cheese cool completely before covering it tightly and popping it in the fridge.

It will be good for 3-4 days .

Freezing? You can freeze individual portions for up to 2 months . Just make sure they are well wrapped. Reheating? The best way is to bake it in the oven at 350° F ( 175° C) until heated through, about 20- 25 minutes .

You can also microwave it, but it might be a little less creamy.

Variations: Making it Your Own

Want to tweak this recipe? Go for it! For a dietary adaptation, simply omit the chorizo for a vegetarian version and load it up with roasted veggies for a healthy meal plan .

Roasted broccoli and bell peppers work a treat. Wanna make a spicy Mac and cheese variations ? Add a chopped jalapeño to the cheese sauce for a kick.

A seasonal swap? In the autumn, add roasted butternut squash!

Nutrition Basics: Fuel Your Body Right

Okay, this is one of those high calorie meals for a reason! Each serving is packed with around 850-950 calories , 35-40g of protein , and 50-60g of fat .

It is a great option for anyone seeking weight gain meals or bulking recipes . Plus, all that cheese gives you a decent dose of calcium.

Remember, it’s okay to indulge sometimes! Especially with a high fat meals comfort food like this! And, this is definitely one of those easy meal prep dinners you can look forward to all week.

Right then, that's your lot! Get in the kitchen and make this bad boy! Don't forget to adapt to your own taste.

And share those pictures. I want to see this creation. So you can make this pasta as a part of your Meal Prep Pasta in your Healthy Meal Plan .

Ultimately, what we’re after is not just calories, but healthy foods that are packed with energy. Whether you're bulking up, needing some comfort food recipes , or just looking for something that hits the spot, this recipe delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac & Cheese Bake really that high in calories? I'm a bit gobsmacked!

You bet your bottom dollar it is! With all that cheese, chorizo, and creamy sauce, each serving packs a substantial caloric punch around 850-950 calories. This recipe is designed to be a satisfying and indulgent high calorie meal, perfect for those looking to increase their calorie intake or simply enjoy a hearty comfort food dish.

But like a proper fry-up, enjoy in moderation!

Can I make this Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac & Cheese Bake ahead of time? I am proper busy at work, so prepping in advance would be a godsend!

Absolutely! You can assemble the mac and cheese completely (up to the topping) and store it, covered, in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Add the breadcrumb topping just before baking to prevent it from getting soggy.

You might need to add a few minutes to the baking time to ensure it's heated through properly, like when reheating leftovers.

I'm trying to gain weight. Are there any other variations to make these even more high calorie meals?

Certainly, there are several ways to boost the calorie content! You could add more cheese (because why not?), incorporate heavy cream into the sauce for extra richness, or stir in some cooked bacon or sausage along with the chorizo. Adding a layer of mashed potato to the base will give extra carbs and calories.

Think of it as adding more bells and whistles.

What's the best way to store leftover Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac & Cheese Bake? I always seem to end up throwing food away!

To keep your leftover mac and cheese tasting its best, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, you can microwave it (although the topping might lose some crispness) or bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through.

Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating to prevent it from drying out.

Can I freeze this Double Cheese & Chorizo Mac & Cheese Bake?

You can freeze it, but the texture might change slightly. Let it cool completely, then wrap it tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil, or place it in a freezer safe container. Freeze for up to 2-3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as usual, keeping in mind that the cheese sauce can sometimes separate a bit after freezing and thawing.

I'm not a massive fan of Chorizo, what else could I use instead?

No worries, mate! You can easily swap the chorizo for other delicious ingredients. Diced bacon, pancetta, or even Italian sausage would work beautifully. You could also go vegetarian and add roasted vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a healthier twist.

The possibilities are endless, so get creative and make it your own!