Apple Pie Mac and Cheese Recipe

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When I first heard about this Apple Pie Mac and Cheese, I’ll admit I was a little skeptical. But trust me, this recipe has a magic way of blending the gooey, cheesy goodness of mac and cheese with the warm, sweet flavors of apple pie. It’s like two worlds colliding—comfort food meets dessert heaven—and the result is nothing short of spectacular.

How to make Apple Pie Mac and Cheese

Apple Pie Mac and Cheese is an unusual sweet-and-savory comfort dish that combines elements of classic macaroni and cheese with the flavors of apple pie.

Ingredients

For the Mac and Cheese:

• 2 cups uncooked elbow macaroni (or other short pasta like shells or cavatappi)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups whole milk (or heavy cream for extra richness)
• 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

For the Apple Pie Mix:

• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced (I recommend Granny Smith for tartness or Honeycrisp for sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

For the Topping:

• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon nutmeg

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add elbow macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: In a medium skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced apples and cook for about 3–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Cook for another 2–3 minutes, until the apples are caramelized and the syrup is thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.

Step 3: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for about 1 minute to create a roux. Gradually pour in the milk while whisking constantly, ensuring a smooth mixture. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Lower the heat and add the shredded cheddar and mozzarella cheese, stirring until melted and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until fully coated. Gently fold in the caramelized apple mixture, ensuring the flavors are evenly distributed.

Step 5: In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, melted butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined.

Step 6: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish. Spread the breadcrumb topping evenly over the dish. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the topping is golden and crispy.

Step 7: Let the dish rest for 5–10 minutes before serving. Serve warm and dig into the delicious sweet-and-savory magic of Apple Pie Mac and Cheese!

Helpful Tips

• Choose the Right Apples: Granny Smith apples offer a tart contrast to the creamy mac and cheese, while Honeycrisp apples bring a naturally sweet flavor. Try mixing both types for the best balance!
• Get Creative with Cheese: While cheddar and mozzarella work beautifully, you can experiment with Gruyère or Monterey Jack for an extra melty texture and unique flavor profile.
• Customize the Topping: Take the topping to the next level by adding crushed pecans or walnuts for nuttiness. You could also sprinkle some Parmesan cheese for a savory edge.
• Make It Ahead: Apple Pie Mac and Cheese is perfect for meal prep. Assemble it ahead of time, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
• For a Kid-Friendly Version: Reduce the spices in the apple mixture slightly if it feels too bold for younger palates—or swap out the cinnamon topping for a sprinkle of sugar.

What to serve with

Apple Pie Mac and Cheese is a unique fusion dish that pairs sweet, savory, cheesy, and spiced flavors into one comforting creation. Because of its bold taste, choosing complementary side dishes is key to creating a balanced meal.

1. Fresh Salads

A crisp, tangy salad can help balance the richness of Apple Pie Mac and Cheese by bringing fresh, acidic flavors to your plate.

• Arugula & Spinach Salad: Toss together arugula, baby spinach, candied pecans, dried cranberries, and goat cheese. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette made of apple cider vinegar, olive oil, and honey. The nutty, tangy notes complement the sweetness in the dish beautifully.
• Mixed Greens with Citrus: Serve a salad made with mixed greens, mandarin orange slices, and thinly shaved fennel, topped with a citrus dressing. The bright and zesty flavors cut through the creamy and cheesy richness.
• Apple Slaw: Keep the apple theme going! Combine shredded cabbage, shaved apples, carrots, and a tangy dressing made of Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice. The crunch and acidity are the perfect counterpart to the gooey mac and cheese.

2. Roasted or Grilled Vegetables

Vegetables are a great way to add substance and savoriness to the meal without overwhelming the palate.

• Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Roast halved Brussels sprouts with olive oil, balsamic glaze, and a sprinkle of salt. Their smoky and slightly bitter flavor pairs perfectly with the sweetness of the apples and cheese in the mac and cheese.
• Honey-Glazed Carrots: Roast whole carrots with honey, olive oil, and fresh thyme to bring out their natural sweetness while adding a subtle herbal freshness that complements the dish.
• Grilled Zucchini or Summer Squash: Lightly season sliced zucchini or squash with olive oil, garlic powder, and salt before grilling. This simple preparation offsets the richness of the Apple Pie Mac and Cheese.

Ingredients substitutes

Apple Pie Mac and Cheese is undoubtedly a creative dish with its unique blend of sweet and savory flavors. While the original recipe is designed to balance all these notes perfectly, you may need to substitute certain ingredients due to preference, dietary restrictions, or availability.

1. Pasta Substitutes

While the original recipe calls for elbow macaroni, you can swap it with other types of pasta depending on your preference or what you have in your pantry.

• Cavatappi or Shells: These are great substitutes because their twisty, curved or concave shapes hold onto the creamy cheese sauce and caramelized apples well.
• Penne or Rigatoni: If you prefer larger tubes of pasta, these options will give you a heartier texture while still delivering the same indulgence in every bite.
• Gluten-Free Pasta: For those with gluten intolerance, opt for gluten-free pasta varieties made from chickpeas, quinoa, or brown rice. Cook according to package instructions to prevent mushiness.

2. Cheese Substitutes

Cheddar and mozzarella are the go-to cheeses in the original recipe, but you can get creative or cater to certain needs with alternative options.

• Cheddar: If sharp flavors are too strong for your taste, swap sharp cheddar for mild cheddar or a blend of medium cheddar and Colby Jack.
• Mozzarella: Choose Provolone or Monterey Jack cheese if you want a subtle, mild flavor.

3. Milk Substitutes

Traditional recipes call for whole milk for a rich and creamy texture. If you need to substitute it for dietary or taste preferences, here are your alternatives.

• Dairy-Free Milks: Unsweetened almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk can easily replace whole milk. Just ensure the non-dairy milk is unflavored and unsweetened so it doesn’t alter the dish’s flavor.
• Other Dairy Options: Half-and-half or heavy cream (for extra richness).

4. Apple Substitutes

Apples are the star of the “pie” part of the dish, but you have some flexibility depending on sweetness or tartness preferences or availability.

Fruit Replacements:

• Pears: Have a similar texture and sweetness to apples, making them a great alternative. Use firm pears like Bosc or Bartlett for the best results.
• Peaches: For a summer spin, swap out apples for diced peaches. They’re naturally sweet and pair well with cinnamon.
• Butternut Squash: For a savory twist, roasted butternut squash chunks can mimic the soft texture and sweetness of caramelized apples.

5. Brown Sugar Substitutes

Brown sugar is a key ingredient for caramelizing the apples. If you’re out of brown sugar, here are some alternatives:

White Sugar + Molasses: Mix white sugar with a small amount of molasses to create an easy substitute for brown sugar. The molasses adds that deep, caramel-like flavor essential to the recipe.

Coconut Sugar: This works as a direct substitute, offering a slightly nutty and caramelized flavor.

Maple Syrup or Honey: These liquid sweeteners can be used instead of brown sugar, but use slightly less to avoid overly wet apples.

6. Spice Substitutes

Cinnamon and nutmeg are the key spices that give the dish its apple pie flavor. If you don’t have these or prefer a different profile, try the following alternatives:

• Pumpkin Pie Spice Blend: This blend usually contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and allspice. It’s perfect for intensifying the warm, autumn flavors.
• Allspice or Cloves: Both of these spices can work as standalone alternatives, especially when paired with apples. Use sparingly, as their flavors are quite strong.
• Cardamom: Adds a floral, citrusy warmth that complements apple flavors beautifully without overwhelming the dish.

7. Panko Breadcrumb Substitutes

Panko breadcrumbs are used in the topping for crispiness, but if you need a substitute, here are other topping ideas:

• Traditional Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs will work as a direct substitute. For added flavor, toss them with melted butter and spices.
• Crushed Crackers: Ritz crackers or similar buttery crackers, crushed finely, make a rich, flaky topping.
• Cornflakes or Potato Chips: Unusual but delicious, crushed cornflakes or potato chips can add crunch and a subtle saltiness.
• Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs: Use gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs for a gluten-free version of the dish.

8. Butter Substitutes

Butter is used both in the apple caramelization and the cheese sauce. If you need a substitute, here are options:

• Margarine: Margarine works as an easy substitution, providing similar consistency and flavor.
• Plant-Based Butter: Most dairy-free butters can replace traditional butter equally, especially for vegan or lactose-free diets.
• Coconut Oil or Olive Oil: For the apple caramelization or cheese sauce, these oils can be used, but they’ll impart a slightly different flavor to the dish.

9. Vanilla Extract Substitutes

Vanilla extract helps bring out warmth in the apple pie-inspired flavors. If you don’t have it, don’t worry!

• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup can act as a flavor enhancer in place of vanilla extract for a sweeter, smoky flavor.
• Almond Extract: Use this sparingly, as almond extract has a stronger flavor, but it can provide a nutty richness to complement apples.
• Honey: A small amount of honey can add depth to the apple mixture, though it’s not an exact substitute for vanilla.

Final Thoughts

This Apple Pie Mac and Cheese recipe will take you on a flavor journey you never thought possible. Sweet, savory, creamy, and crunchy—all in one comforting dish!

More Pie Recipes:

• Baja Blast Pie Recipe