Sourdough Discard Cheddar Mac and Cheese

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Mac and cheese is a super popular comfort food because it’s so creamy and full of cheese. But if you’re feeling adventurous and want to try something new, adding sourdough discard to your mac and cheese can make it even more exciting. This special ingredient gives the mac and cheese a slightly tangy taste that goes really well with the creamy, cheesy flavor we all love. Ready to learn how to make Sourdough Discard Cheddar Mac and Cheese? This recipe could easily become one of your favorite dishes to add to your weekly rotation.

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If you’re making sourdough bread, you might end up with a lot of leftover “discard,” which is just the extra sourdough that you don’t need for your bread. It might seem like a problem, having all this extra stuff, but actually, it’s a great chance to get creative in the kitchen! You don’t have to just throw it away. Instead, you can use it can be incorporated into several different recipes. One of our favorite recipes we enjoy adding discard to is our Cheddar Mac and Cheese. This isn’t just any mac and cheese; it’s a special one because the sourdough discard adds a subtle tang to it that we know and love. So, if you’ve got too much sourdough discard and don’t know what to do with it, making this mac and cheese could be a fantastic idea. It’s a smart way to use up what you have and make an amazing meal at the same time.

Ingredients

• 16 oz uncooked macaroni pasta – Choose your kind of pasta, but macaroni offers the best results.
• 1 stick of unsalted butter – Melted butter forms the base of our cheese sauce.
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – Works with the butter to create a roux for the béchamel sauce.
• 1/2 cup unfed sourdough starter – The star, bringing a unique sourdough flavor.
• 2 cups heavy cream + 1.5 cups milk – The duo that provides the creamy texture.
• 8 cups shredded cheese – I recommend sharp cheddar cheese and aged white cheddar for stronger flavors.
• Bread crumbs and parmesan cheese – These are optional, but it gives the mac and cheese a crunchy top layer.
• Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential seasonings to enhance the dish.

Detailed Instructions for Sourdough Discard Cheddar Mac and Cheese

1. Preparing the Pasta

Boil Water

Fill a large saucepan with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring it to a rolling boil. The salt not only flavors the pasta but also helps to reduce stickiness by affecting the starch on the pasta’s surface.

Cook the Pasta

Add the macaroni to the boiling water and stir occasionally to prevent the pieces from sticking together. Keep an eye on the cooking time; you want the pasta to be al dente, which usually means cooking it for 1-2 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This ensures the pasta retains a slight bite, preventing it from becoming mushy when baked.

2. Combining Milk and Sourdough Starter

Whisk Together

In a small bowl, combine the milk with the unfed sourdough starter. The acidity and fermentation products in the starter will add a complex flavor profile to the dish. Whisk until the mixture is smooth, ensuring the starter is fully incorporated into the milk. This step is crucial for introducing the sourdough flavor into your cheese sauce.

3. Creating the Cheese Sauce

Melt the Butter

Over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter in a large skillet or Dutch oven. Opt for unsalted butter to better control the saltiness of the dish.

Add Flour to Make Roux

Once the butter is melted and bubbling, sprinkle in the all-purpose flour. This is the beginning of your roux, a thickening agent for the sauce. Whisk the mixture continuously for about 2 minutes. This cooks the flour, eliminating any raw taste and achieving a golden, paste-like consistency.

Gradually Add Heavy Cream

Slowly pour the heavy cream into the skillet while whisking vigorously. This gradual addition helps prevent lumps from forming in your sauce. The cream enriches the sauce, giving it a velvety texture.

Incorporate Milk/Starter Mixture

Add the previously combined milk and sourdough starter to the skillet. Continue to whisk the mixture over medium to medium-high heat. The sauce will begin to thicken as it heats, transforming into a creamy white sauce, the perfect base for your cheese sauce.

4. Adding the Cheese

Gradually Mix in Cheese

After removing the skillet from the heat, start adding the shredded cheeses in batches of 1-2 cups, whisking constantly. The residual heat will melt the cheese, and whisking ensures a smooth and even sauce. Using a combination of sharp cheddar and aged white cheddar offers depth and complexity to the flavor, but feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Monterey Jack or Gouda for different taste profiles. Also, grating your own cheese for recipes like mac and cheese can significantly enhance the flavor, as freshly grated cheese melts more smoothly and has a fresher, more intense taste than pre-packaged shredded cheese.

5. Combining Pasta and Cheese Sauce

Mix Pasta into Sauce

After draining the pasta, add the cooked pasta directly into the cheese sauce. Use a large spoon or spatula to gently fold the pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. This step marries the al dente pasta with the creamy, tangy cheese sauce, infusing the dish with the delightful sourdough flavor.

6. Baking

Prep for Oven

Transfer the mixture into a greased 9 x 13 baking dish. Spreading it evenly allows for uniform baking and ensures that every serving is equally cheesy and delicious.

Add Breadcrumb Topping

Sprinkle a generous layer of bread crumbs mixed with parmesan cheese, over the top. This will create a crispy, golden crust that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta beneath.

Bake

Place the dish in a preheated oven at 350°F and bake for about 20 minutes. The goal is a bubbly interior and a golden brown crust, indicators of a perfectly baked mac and cheese.

Serving Suggestions

Once baked, let the Sourdough Discard Cheddar Mac and Cheese sit for a few minutes before serving. This rest period allows it to set slightly, making it easier to serve. Pair it with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the dish.

Why This Recipe Works

Incorporating sourdough discard into mac and cheese not only utilizes leftover sourdough in a creative way (a great way to reduce waste!) but also introduces a depth of flavor that you simply can’t achieve with a traditional cheese recipe. The tangy notes of the sourdough perfectly cut through the richness of the cheese, creating a balanced and irresistible dish.

For your next day leftovers, if there are any, simply reheat in the oven or on the stovetop with a little milk to bring it back to its creamy glory. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, and enjoy the convenience of a delicious meal ready to be enjoyed again.

Conclusion

Whether you’re looking to use up that sourdough discard, impress guests, or simply treat yourself to a comforting, flavorful meal, this recipe promises satisfaction in every cheesy, tangy bite. So, next time you’re pondering over what to make for dinner, remember that this Sourdough Discard Cheddar Mac and Cheese could just be the best decision you make—melding tradition with innovation for a truly memorable meal.

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