Delicious Ninja Foodi Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Twist
"Delicious Ninja Foodi Mac and Cheese with a Crunchy Twist" is a quick and comforting recipe that takes classic mac and cheese to the next level. Made creamy and flavorful in the Ninja Foodi, this dish is topped with a golden, crunchy layer for added texture. Perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks, it’s an easy crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.
BLOGSTEPHIE'S RECIPES
7/25/20247 min read
Ninja Foodi Mac and Cheese
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that has delighted palates for generations. With the advent of modern kitchen appliances, preparing this beloved dish has become faster and more convenient than ever before.
The Ninja Foodi is a multi-function electric pressure cooker and it revolutionizes the way we cook by significantly reducing prep and cooking time. It's an ideal choice for those who crave a quick meal without compromising on taste.
The Ninja Foodi mac and cheese is a straightforward process, where all ingredients can be added and cooked in one kitchen appliance. This recipe typically requires only seven simple ingredients, making it an accessible option for both seasoned chefs and novice cooks.
Moreover, cooking mac and cheese in the Ninja Foodi not only allows for quick assembly but also ensures that the pasta cooks perfectly while absorbing the rich, cheesy flavors.
One of the appealing aspects of this particular mac and cheese recipe is the addition of a special crunchy topping that takes this dish to another level. While traditional mac and cheese is adored for its creamy and cheesy texture, the incorporation of a crunchy element provides a delightful contrast.
The crunchy topping not only enhances the flavor profile but also adds an appealing visual aspect to the dish, transforming it from a simple meal to a gourmet experience!
Ninja Foodi mac and cheese presents an efficient and innovative approach to preparing a classic dish. With its minimal ingredient list and the promise of both creamy and crunchy textures, this recipe is bound to become a favorite for anyone looking to enjoy a comforting meal in a fraction of the time.
Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Mac and Cheese
Creating a delicious Ninja Foodi mac and cheese begins with selecting the right ingredients that contribute to both flavor and texture.
First, the foundation of this dish is the pasta.
typically elbow macaroni is the preferred choice and absorbs the creamy cheese sauce while maintaining its shape
shell macaroni comes in a close second, capturing the cheesy sauce within its curves and delivering a mouthwatering burst of flavor with every bite
Opting for high-quality pasta is essential, as it enhances the overall mouthfeel and ensures that the dish holds up well throughout the cooking process.
Recipe Tip: The Ninja Foodi mac and cheese will NOT work with gluten-free macaroni as they do not hold their shape and the end result is a clump of mushy, cheesy goop.
Second, comes the centerpiece of any mac and cheese:
the cheese! A combination of mild, medium, or sharp cheddar and creamy Monterey Jack is ideal, as it offers a balanced flavor profile. The cheddar provides a rich, bold taste, while Monterey Jack contributes a smooth texture that melts perfectly.
Recipe Tip: DO NOT use pre-shredded cheese as it often contains anti-caking agents and/or added preservatives. Plus the flavor or texture are drastically different and can ultimately affect the creamy consistency of the sauce. It is vitally important to freshly grate cheese to obtain the ideal flavor and texture for your Ninja Foodi mac and cheese.
Third, milk and butter play crucial roles in achieving the desired creaminess.
My preference is whole milk which contains fat that adds richness to the overall dish, enhancing the flavor without making it overly heavy.
Combining the milk and butter creates a velvety base that envelopes each piece of pasta, ensuring no one bite of the mac and cheese is without the creamy cheesy sauce. The addition of butter not only enriches the overall taste but also aids in achieving a luscious, indulgent consistency.
Recipe Tip: Evaporated milk can be used and adds a rich, creamy flavor to Ninja Foodi mac and cheese, blending seamlessly with shredded cheddar to achieve a perfectly smooth and melty consistency. Be sure to NOT use condensed milk as it contains sweeteners that can change the flavor of your dish.
Fourth, Himalayan sea salt is essential for elevating the flavors of the dish.
Its mineral-rich composition offers a unique taste compared to regular table salt, enhancing the cheese and overall flavor profile of the mac and cheese.
The quality of each ingredient plays a pivotal role in crafting a dish that is both comforting and delicious, making it worth the effort to select premium products for a truly flavorful experience.
Adding the Crunchy Twist: Ritz Crackers Topping
To elevate your Ninja Foodi mac and cheese, a delightful topping of Ritz crackers can add both texture and flavor. The crunchiness of the crackers pairs remarkably well with the creamy cheese sauce, creating a delectable contrast that enhances each bite.
Preparing this topping is a straightforward process that requires minimal effort yet yields significant flavor improvements to your already mouth watering mac and cheese.
First, gather your Ritz crackers and place them in a resealable plastic bag. Using a rolling pin or a meat hammer/tenderizer, crush the crackers until they reach a breadcrumb-like consistency. After crushing, transfer the cracker crumbs to a mixing bowl.
Recipe Tip: The goal is to have a mix of both fine and slightly larger pieces providing a satisfying crunch.
Second, turn on the “Sauté” function on the Ninja Foodi Once hot, add 2 TBSP butter and using a wooden spoon, stir coating the bottom. Stir in Ritz cracker crumbs and "Sauté" until light golden brown, approximately 2 minutes. Transfer the cracker crumbs back to the mixing bowl and set aside. Press the cancel button on your Ninja Foodi to stop the "sauté" function.
Recipe Tip #1: Make sure to stir frequently to avoid any sticking or burning during the "sauté" process.
Recipe Tip #2: Carefully wipe out the inside of the pot with a paper towel, and let the pot cool for a few minutes prior to moving forward with starting the mac and cheese.
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
To prepare the delicious Ninja Foodi mac and cheese with a crunchy twist, follow this detailed guide that ensures you achieve the perfect creamy consistency and a delightful topping.
Let's start by gathering all necessary ingredients, which include:
1 pound elbow or shell macaroni
3 cups mild, medium, or sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 - 1 cup whole milk
5 TBSP butter (3 TBSP for mac and cheese, 2 TBSP for crunchy topping)
1 tsp salt
4 cups water
1 sleeve Ritz crackers
Begin by adding 1 pound macaroni and 4 cups water to the Ninja Foodi. Add salt and pepper (optional) to taste. Using the same wooden spoon used for making the crunchy topping, stir to incorporate all ingredients together. Seal the Ninja Foodi lid tightly, ensuring the steam release valve is in the "sealing" position. Set to pressure cook on high for 4 minutes.
Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for a couple of minutes before performing a quick release to let out any remaining steam. Carefully open the lid as there will be remaining steam.
Add 3 TBSP butter and stir until melted. Add the milk 1/4 cup at a time and make the sauce as thick or creamy as you like. Grate the block of cheese, add 3 cups to your Ninja Foodi and stir thoroughly until the cheese melts. The mixture will be a creamy consistency. Salt to taste.
Spoon the mac and cheese into a serving bowl, sprinkle the Ritz crackers crunchy topping, and serve hot.
The crunchy Ritz crackers topping isn’t just a garnish; it's a transformative element that takes your Ninja Foodi mac and cheese to a whole new level. The added texture combined with the creamy goodness of the pasta creates a well-rounded dish that appeals to the senses and captivates the tastebuds.
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This is the most delicious mac and cheese recipe I've come across. I've loved mac and cheese since I was a kid and now I can make it myself.
Lorelei G. - New York, NY
My kids love mac and cheese. This recipe is so easy to make and homemade food is so much better than out of a box. Thank you Stephie.
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