Sesame Lemon Miso Mac and Cheese

Mac and Cheese is the ultimate classic comfort food. This fusion dish takes the creamy goodness of Mac and Cheese and adds an unexpected twist. The scrumptious silky sauce in this recipe is infused with the flavors of sesame, lemon, and miso. These three singular ingredients transform a humble bowl of noodles and cheese into a repast that's rich, yet delightfully light, and refreshing. The sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds adds a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch, while the lemon brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness of the cheese, the miso rounds out the profile with a depth of flavor that is both savory and umami. Whether you're looking for a comforting weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for your next dinner party, this Sesame Lemon Miso Mac and Cheese is sure to have everyone smacking and asking for more!

• Time and Serving Size

  Time:

  Prep: 5 min

  Cook: 25 min

  Servings: 2-3 for a meal, 4-5 for a side dish

• Ingredients

  167 grams Noodles

  2 teaspoons miso

  ⅛ cup Parmesan

  ¼ cup fontina

  ⅔ cup whole milk

  1 tablespoon butter

  3 teaspoons flour

  1 green bell pepper

  Japanese Panko

  Drizzle Sesame oil

  Tips:

  For a richer flavor, use whole milk instead of skim milk.

  For a sharper flavor, use a more aged Parmesan cheese.

  For a more intense flavor, use a darker miso paste.

  For a more delicate flavor, use a lighter miso paste.

• Nutrition

  Nutrition per serving: (Based on 3 servings)

  Calories 394.04kcal, 20% DV

  Total Fat 12.96g, 19% DV

  Carbs 53.29g, 20% DV

  Sugars 4.81g, 5% DV

  Protein 15.39g, 31% DV

  Sodium 306.77mg, 15% DV

  Fiber 2.74g, 10% DV

  Percent Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet.

  Health Score: 6.2/10

  *Health Scores are calculated on a 1-10 scale based on nutrient density and USDA recommendations for a healthy diet. A higher Health Score means healthier food. The value based on impact of more than 28 nutrients.

  Nutrients in this dish with a positive impact:

  Unsaturated Fat 5g, 10% DV

  Fiber 3g, 10% DV

  Protein 15g, 31% DV

  Potassium 278mg, 8% DV

  Magnesium 46mg, 12% DV

  Iron 3mg, 18% DV

• Flavor Profile

  Tasting Notes:

  Sweet, Savory, Umami- Miso

  Nutty - Sesame seeds, Sesame Oil

  Earthy, Nutty, Buttery - Fontina

  Sharp, Salty - Parmesan Cheese

  Peppery - Green Bell Pepper

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Step 2

Chop bell pepper and grate cheese if not already grated.

Step 3

Boil macaroni in a pot until al dente or tender. Drain and set aside.

Step 4

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour until smooth. Add the miso paste and break up with a cooking utensil. Gradually whisk in milk until thickened.

Step 5

Stir in grated fontina and parmesan cheese, chopped green bell peppers, salt, and pepper.

Step 6

Pour sauce over macaroni and stir to combine.

Step 7

Transfer macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish or 9-inch cast iron skillet. Top with Japanese panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, and toasted sesame seeds. Drizzle with sesame oil. Bake in a preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.

Step 8

Squeeze lemon juice over the mac and cheese (optional: add lemon zest as well for a stronger lemon flavor) then serve immediately and enjoy!