Honey Mac and Cheese Recipe: Deliciously Sweet and Savory

Welcome to a culinary adventure that promises to delight your taste buds – the delectable Tasty Honey Mac & Cheese recipe! This unique dish combines the creamy goodness of mac and cheese with the savory-sweet kick of zesty honey pepper chicken to create a symphony of flavors that will have your family coming back for more.

Inspired by a beloved Applebee’s favorite, this homemade version is a labor of love that has been perfected over time. The key to achieving that irresistible sticky coating lies in letting the honey pepper mixture simmer to perfection, infusing each bite with a burst of flavor that mirrors the restaurant original.

As a food blogger and devoted mom, I’ve honed in on the little tricks that elevate this dish from good to extraordinary. From adding a hint of nutmeg to the cheese sauce for an extra depth of flavor to ensuring each component is prepared with precision, every step is crucial in creating a dish that is as visually stunning as it is mouthwateringly delicious. So, roll up your sleeves, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the magic of Tasty Honey Mac & Cheese!

Quick Benefits

• Balanced Flavors: The dish combines the richness of cheese sauce with the zesty kick of honey pepper chicken for a mouthwatering balance of sweet and savory flavors.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Components like bacon, honey pepper sauce, and cheese sauce can be prepared in advance, making dinner time a breeze.
• Pro Tips for Success: Tips like cooking pasta al dente for reheatability, monitoring temperatures closely, and letting flavors develop can elevate the dish to restaurant-quality status.
• Family Favorite: A close replica of a beloved restaurant dish, this mac and cheese recipe is sure to become a household favorite for special occasions or weeknight dinners.

Why You’ll Love This Honey Mac and Cheese Recipe: Deliciously Sweet and Savory Recipe

• Restaurant-Quality Dish: Recreate the beloved Applebee’s honey pepper chicken mac and cheese at home, making it a special and satisfying meal.
• Family Favorite: Impress your loved ones with a homemade version that tastes so authentic, they might prefer it over dining out for special occasions.
• Complex Flavors: Enjoy the delightful combination of zesty honey pepper chicken with creamy mac and cheese, offering a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy notes.
• Cooking Techniques: Learn essential cooking tips like allowing the honey pepper sauce to reduce properly for that sticky coating, boosting cheese sauce with a hint of nutmeg, and maintaining precise temperatures for each component.
• Meal Prep Tips: Save time and stress by prepping ingredients in advance, cooking parts separately for quick assembly, and storing components for easy reheating, ensuring a smooth cooking experience.
• Beautiful Presentation: Serve this fancy mac and cheese dish on a platter or in separate bowls, topped with fresh basil, extra bacon bits, and a drizzle of warm honey pepper sauce for an elevated dining experience.
• Versatile Assembly: Customize your meal by keeping parts separate for easy reheating, ensuring the pasta remains creamy, the chicken stays crispy, and the honey pepper sauce maintains its perfect consistency.
• Exciting Twist on a Classic: Elevate the classic mac and cheese dish with the addition of crispy chicken and a flavorful honey pepper glaze, creating a unique and delicious meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients for Honey Mac and Cheese Recipe: Deliciously Sweet and Savory

Base

• 25 oz crunchy chicken strips
• 5 slices bacon, fried and broken up
• 16 oz twisted pasta
• leafy basil
• salt and pepper as needed

Honey Pepper Sauce

• ¾ cup honey
• juice squeezed from 1 lemon
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon vinegar
• ¼ cup juice from pineapple
• ¼ teaspoon spicy cayenne pepper
• 3 tablespoons reduced salt soy sauce
• ¼ cup soft brown sugar

Cheese Sauce

• 1 cup newly grated mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 2-3 cloves chopped garlic
• ¾ cup newly grated colby jack cheese
• 2 cups thick cream
• 1 stick butter

Pro Tips for Honey Mac and Cheese Recipe: Deliciously Sweet and Savory

Pro Tip 1: To achieve that signature sticky coating like Applebee’s, be patient and let the honey pepper mix simmer for a full 15 minutes. This step is crucial in creating the authentic flavor and texture.

Pro Tip 2: For an extra boost of flavor in your cheese sauce, try adding a pinch of nutmeg. It enhances the cheese taste without being overpowering.

Pro Tip 3: To ensure everything comes together perfectly, pay attention to temperatures – boil water vigorously for pasta, maintain oil at 350°F for crispy chicken, and avoid letting the cheese sauce bubble. Additionally, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes at room temperature before saucing to prevent it from sliding off.

How to Make Honey Mac and Cheese Recipe: Deliciously Sweet and Savory

Step 1: Get everything ready

Cook the chicken and pasta according to the instructions on the package.

Step 2: Whip up honey pepper sauce

Combine all sauce ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens.

Step 3: Create cheese sauce

Combine butter and cream in a saucepan and heat. Gradually stir in the cheeses, then add garlic, salt, and pepper.

Step 4: Put it together

Mix pasta with cheese sauce and bacon bits. Coat chicken with honey pepper sauce.

Step 5: Dish it up

Top the pasta with saucy chicken, sprinkle with basil, and add additional bacon if desired.

Storage Tips

To store the finished dish of Tasty Honey Mac & Cheese, it is recommended to keep the components separate. Store the pasta with the cheese sauce in one container and the crispy chicken in another. When reheating, warm the pasta mix over low heat with a splash of cream to maintain its creamy texture. To restore the crunch of the chicken, place it in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes. Freshly mix the honey pepper sauce before serving, as stored sauce tends to thicken.

For longer storage, you can prepare the components in advance. Cook the bacon and prepare the honey pepper sauce up to three days ahead. Keep the chicken uncovered in the refrigerator to preserve its crispiness. When ready to serve, warm the cheese sauce slowly with a bit of cream and cook the pasta until slightly firm if you plan to reheat it later. By storing and reheating the components separately, you can enjoy a fresh and delicious serving of this delightful homemade dish anytime you crave it.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you need to substitute ingredients in this recipe, you can try a few variations. For the pasta, you can swap out twisted pasta for other shapes like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli. These shapes hold sauce well and will work nicely with the cheese sauce in this dish. Additionally, if you prefer a different protein instead of chicken strips, you can use grilled shrimp, cooked ground beef, or even roasted vegetables to create a different flavor profile while still maintaining the heartiness of the dish.

When it comes to the cheeses, feel free to experiment with different types based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Substitute Parmesan with pecorino or asiago, switch mozzarella for provolone or fontina, and try cheddar instead of colby jack. These changes can give the dish a unique twist while still delivering that cheesy goodness. Remember that different cheeses may affect the overall flavor and texture, so adjust quantities or combinations accordingly to suit your taste.

Serving Suggestions

For a creative serving suggestion, consider plating individual portions of this Tasty Honey Mac & Cheese in small cast-iron skillets. Top each portion with a sprinkle of extra bacon bits, a few fresh basil leaves, and a drizzle of warm honey pepper sauce just before serving. This presentation adds a rustic and charming touch to the dish, perfect for a cozy family dinner or a casual gathering with friends.

To elevate the presentation further, serve this delicious dish in mini mason jars or glass ramekins for a trendy and Instagram-worthy presentation. Layer the twisted pasta and cheese sauce mixture alternately with crunchy chicken strips in the jars, then top with a generous drizzle of the honey pepper sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese and a basil leaf for a visually appealing and appetizing individual serving that will impress your guests.

FAQs for Honey Mac and Cheese Recipe: Deliciously Sweet and Savory

Question?

What is the key to getting the perfect sticky coating for the honey pepper chicken?

Question?

What is the family trick mentioned for creating a knockout cheese sauce?

Question?

How can I prepare in advance to make assembling the dish easier later?

Question?

How can I store and reheat the different components of the dish for later enjoyment?

Conclusion

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this Tasty Honey Mac & Cheese as much as I have. It’s truly a delightful dish that brings together a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can recreate this beloved restaurant favorite right in your own kitchen.

Remember, cooking is a labor of love, and each step you take in preparing this dish only adds to the satisfaction of enjoying the final result. So don’t rush the process – take your time, enjoy the journey, and revel in the delicious outcome of your efforts. Tasty Honey Mac & Cheese is not just a meal; it’s an experience to be savored and shared with loved ones. Cheers to many happy meals ahead!