Okay, hear me out. I know what you’re thinking: Funyuns... in mac and cheese? Trust me on this one. It might sound like a crazy combination, but the salty, oniony crunch of Funyuns takes classic mac and cheese to a whole new level. It's the kind of comfort food mashup that’ll have everyone talking – and coming back for seconds. One time my cousin, bless her heart, thought I was pulling her leg with this recipe. Now, she brings it to every potluck! I'm telling you, don't knock it 'til you try it!
This Funyuns Mac Fusion isn’t just about shock value; it’s about flavor and texture. The creamy, cheesy pasta is perfectly complemented by the crispy, savory Funyuns. It’s a symphony of comfort and crunch. The inspiration? A late-night craving, a nearly empty pantry, and a dare from a friend. The result? A surprisingly delicious dish that’s become a staple in my kitchen. It all started when my friend, after one two many glasses of wine, challenged me to make something with only macaroni, cheese and Funyuns. The end result was this! Who knew it could become such a crowd favorite!?
Now, before you run off screaming, let me assure you that this recipe is surprisingly easy. It's a simple mac and cheese base amped up with a crunchy, flavorful topping. We're talking creamy cheddar and mozzarella, perfectly cooked macaroni, and a generous sprinkle of crushed Funyuns. What more could you want? It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a potluck, or just when you need a little something...different. It’s also a fantastic way to use up that bag of Funyuns that's been sitting in your pantry (we all have one, right?). I mean, seriously, who doesn't love the simplicity of classic mac and cheese? So, why not kick it up a notch?
Required Equipments
- Large Pot
- Colander
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Rubber Spatula
Funyuns Mac Fusion: A Culinary Collision You Need to Try!: Frequently Asked Questions
Funyuns Mac Fusion: A Culinary Collision You Need to Try!
Level up your mac and cheese game with this Funyuns Mac Fusion recipe! The creamy, cheesy pasta gets a crunchy, savory twist with a generous topping of crushed Funyuns. It's a surprisingly delicious comfort food mashup that's sure to be a hit!
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 6 servings
Preparation Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Get Started: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures the mac and cheese bakes evenly. Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish. Nobody likes a sticky mess later!
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 1 pound of elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. You want the pasta al dente – slightly firm. This prevents it from becoming mushy in the oven. Drain the pasta well in a colander and set aside.
- Make the Cheese Sauce (Part 1): While the pasta is cooking, let's start on the cheese sauce. In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup (1 stick) of butter over medium heat. Whisk in 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly. This creates a roux, which thickens the sauce. Keep stirring; you don't want it to burn!
- Make the Cheese Sauce (Part 2): Gradually whisk in 3 cups of milk until the mixture is smooth. Continue stirring to prevent lumps. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir often! Now, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder. Seasoning is key; don't skip this step!
- Add the Cheese: Add 4 cups (about 16 ounces) of shredded cheddar cheese to the sauce, one cup at a time, stirring until melted and smooth after each addition. Make sure the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is creamy. Nobody wants stringy, unmelted cheese! Next, stir in 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. This adds a lovely stretch to the mac and cheese.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is evenly coated. Make sure every piece of macaroni is swimming in cheesy goodness. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Prepare the Funyuns Topping: In a large zip-top bag, crush 5 ounces (about one bag) of Funyuns into coarse crumbs. You don't want a powder; some chunks are good! Sprinkle the crushed Funyuns evenly over the mac and cheese. This is what gives it that salty, oniony kick!
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the mac and cheese is bubbly and the Funyuns topping is golden brown. Keep an eye on it; ovens vary.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes before serving. This prevents cheese-sauce-burns-mouth. Serve hot and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce.
- You can substitute other types of cheese, such as pepper jack or gouda.
- If you don't have Funyuns, you can use other onion-flavored snacks or crushed crackers.
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 650 kcal
Protein: 25g
Fat: 35g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 3g
Calcium: 400mg
