Mac ‘n’ cheese toastie from The Cheesy Toast Shack

Indulgent Mac ‘n’ Cheese Toastie its is the ultimate comfort food fusion. Creamy, cheesy macaroni with crispy, buttery toast, it’s a decadent treat. It’s quick to make, taking about 30 minutes, but it’s definitely a special occasion dish due to its high calorie content.

Mac ‘n’ cheese toastie from The Cheesy Toast Shack

Preparation time
less than 30 mins

Cooking time
10 to 30 mins

Serves
Serves 5

By Kate-Carter-Larg-and-Sam-Larg
(St Andrews takeaway The Cheesy Toast Shack)
From Saturday Kitchen

Nutri-score E

This dish has a poor nutritional profile due to its high content of saturated fats from multiple cheeses and butter, as well as refined carbohydrates from the pasta and white bread. While it provides calcium and protein, the overall composition is very high in calories and unhealthy fats. (nutri-score)

Ingredients

For the mac ‘n’ cheese:

  • Elbow macaroni: 250g/9oz
  • Evaporated milk: 150ml/3½fl oz
  • Red leicester cheese: 150g/5½oz, grated
  • Gruyère cheese: 150g/5½oz, grated
  • Mozzarella cheese: 100g/3½oz, grated
  • English mustard: 1 tsp

For the toasties:

  • Truffle butter (or regular butter): amount as needed
  • Gouda cheese: 10 slices
  • White bloomer bread: 10 slices
  • Truffle oil: to garnish
  • Parmesan cheese: grated, to garnish

Method

Prepare the mac ‘n’ cheese

  • Cook macaroni in salted boiling water according to package instructions. Drain, reserving some cooking water.
  • Add evaporated milk and a little reserved water to the pasta, stirring to combine.
  • Gradually add grated gruyère and red leicester, stirring until melted.
  • Remove from heat, then add mozzarella and mustard. Set aside.

Assemble and cook the toasties

  • Melt truffle butter (or regular butter) in a heavy frying pan.
  • Place a slice of bread in the pan.
  • Spoon mac ‘n’ cheese mixture onto the bread.
  • Add 2 slices of gouda cheese.
  • Top with another slice of bread.
  • Toast until golden brown and crispy on both sides, flipping carefully.

Finish and serve

  • Remove toastie from pan and cut in half.
  • Garnish with truffle oil and grated Parmesan.
  • Repeat the process to make a total of 5 toasties.

Nutri-score Health Check

This recipe receives a Nutri-score of E, indicating it’s among the least healthy options. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional aspects:

  • Positive factors: High calcium content from multiple cheeses, some protein from cheese and pasta.
  • Negative factors: Very high in saturated fats from multiple cheeses and butter, high in refined carbohydrates from white pasta and bread, low in fiber, and very calorie-dense.

While this dish is undoubtedly delicious, it’s nutritionally poor and should be consumed in moderation. To improve its health profile, consider:

  • Using whole grain pasta and bread for added fiber
  • Reducing the amount of cheese or using lower-fat alternatives
  • Adding vegetables to the mac ‘n’ cheese for nutrients and fibre
  • Using a non-stick pan to reduce the amount of butter needed

Remember, this is a treat food and not suitable for regular consumption as part of a balanced diet.

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