Description

The Union Mac Recipe is a rich, creamy, and indulgent baked mac and cheese that originated from Clarkston Union Bar & Kitchen. This oven-baked comfort dish features a three-cheese blend of sharp cheddar, Pinconning cheese, and Parmesan, combined with a silky smooth cheese sauce and baked to golden, crispy perfection. A must-try for mac and cheese lovers, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Pasta:

1 lb penne rigate (or elbow macaroni)
1 tbsp salt (for boiling water)
1 tbsp unsalted butter (to coat pasta after draining)

For the Cheese Sauce:

4 tbsp unsalted butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
1 tsp dry mustard powder
½ tsp paprika
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
¼ tsp nutmeg (optional)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Pinconning cheese, shredded (or substitute with Gouda/Colby Jack)
½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated

For the Topping:

½ cup Parmesan cheese (for a crispy golden top)
½ cup panko breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
2 tbsp melted butter (for a buttery crisp texture)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of salt.
Add the penne rigate and cook until al dente (about 1–2 minutes less than package instructions).
Drain, toss with 1 tablespoon of butter, and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Cheese Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1–2 minutes, stirring constantly to form a roux.
Gradually whisk in milk and heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
Add dry mustard, paprika, black pepper, salt, and nutmeg, and stir until combined.
Lower the heat and slowly stir in the cheddar, Pinconning, and Parmesan cheese until fully melted and smooth.

Step 3: Combine Pasta & Sauce

Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated.
Transfer the mixture to a buttered baking dish or cast-iron skillet.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping & Bake

In a small bowl, mix Parmesan cheese, panko breadcrumbs, and melted butter.
Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
Bake in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until golden and bubbly.
(Optional) Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for an extra crispy topping.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Let the mac and cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and serve hot!

Notes

✔️ Cheese Substitutes – If Pinconning cheese isn’t available, use Gouda, Havarti, or Colby-Jack for a similar creamy texture.
✔️ Gluten-Free Option – Swap all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta.
✔️ Spice it Up – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes for a bit of heat.
✔️ Protein Add-Ins – Stir in grilled chicken, lobster, or crispy turkey bacon for a heartier dish.
✔️ Make-Ahead Tips – Assemble the dish and refrigerate before baking. When ready to serve, bake at 375°F for 25–30 minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course, Pasta
Method: Oven-Baked
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/6 of the recipe
Calories: ~550 kcal
Sugar: ~3g
Sodium: ~720mg
Fat: ~34g
Saturated Fat: ~20g
Unsaturated Fat: ~10g
Trans Fat: ~0g
Carbohydrates: ~40g
Fiber: ~2g
Protein: ~18g
Cholesterol: ~90mg

Keywords: mac and cheese, baked mac and cheese, cheesy pasta, comfort food, creamy mac and cheese, homemade mac and cheese, golden crust mac, cheesy baked dish, oven-baked pasta, Clarkston Union mac, best mac and cheese, gourmet mac and cheese, pasta recipes, cheese sauce, mac and cheese variations, indulgent meals, ultimate cheesy dish, cheesy goodness.