Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

The comforting magic of baked macaroni and cheese gets a sophisticated, savory upgrade with the addition of roasted plum tomatoes and four indulgent cheeses. The tomato slices roast until perfectly charred, infusing each cheesy forkful with smoky, sweet depth. This easy-to-follow recipe delivers big on flavor without the fuss. Whether you’re feeding your family on a weeknight or craving an elevated twist on a classic, this dish brings home the warmth and nostalgia of mac and cheese while introducing a new layer of culinary flair.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni

• 4 plum tomatoes (about 1 lb.), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano

• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, divided

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

• 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

• 1 1/2 cups 2% reduced-fat milk

• 4 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (about 1 cup)

• 3 ounces sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded (about 3/4 cup)

• 2 ounces fontina cheese, shredded (about 1/2 cup)

• 1 ounce Parmesan cheese, grated (about 1/3 cup)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).

2. Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

3. Arrange tomato slices on a wire rack over a baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and season with oregano, pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Roast for 18–20 minutes or until slightly charred.

4. In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook for 2–3 minutes until golden and nutty. Add dry mustard.

5. Gradually whisk in milk, cooking until slightly thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Remove from heat and cool slightly.

6. Slowly whisk in Monterey Jack, Cheddar, fontina, and the remaining salt until fully melted and smooth. Stir in cooked pasta.

7. Spoon pasta into a greased 11×7-inch baking dish. Top with roasted tomato slices and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

8. Bake at 450°F for 10 minutes or until bubbly and aromatic. Serve hot.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 35 minutes | Total Time: 45 minutes
Kcal: 411 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

The Story Behind Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese is a comforting, elevated twist on a timeless classic. At its core, macaroni and cheese is a dish with roots tracing back to Europe, particularly Italy and England. In America, it gained prominence in the South, where it became a staple of soul food and family dinners. This version pays homage to that heritage while introducing fresh, roasted plum tomatoes and a luxurious blend of four cheeses, transforming it into a dish worthy of both weeknight meals and special occasions.

The idea behind adding roasted tomatoes comes from the desire to balance the richness of the cheese with the natural acidity and sweetness of roasted produce. Tomatoes, when roasted, become slightly caramelized and smoky, which adds complexity to the dish without overpowering the creamy elements. It’s a beautiful marriage of texture and taste—crisped tomato edges, silky cheese sauce, and al dente pasta all coming together in every satisfying bite.

Why This Mac and Cheese Stands Out

This isn’t just your average mac and cheese—it’s a next-level comfort food. Here’s why:

• Four-Cheese Blend: Instead of relying on a single type of cheese, this recipe incorporates Monterey Jack, sharp Cheddar, fontina, and Parmesan. Each cheese brings its own unique profile—Monterey Jack adds creaminess, Cheddar brings tang, fontina melts beautifully for that velvety texture, and Parmesan offers depth and nuttiness.
• Roasted Plum Tomatoes: These are more than just a garnish. They infuse the entire dish with a smoky, slightly sweet profile that balances the cheesy richness. Plum tomatoes are meaty and low in moisture, which makes them perfect for roasting.
• Aromatic Seasoning: A touch of fresh oregano and dry mustard enhances the flavor complexity, offering herbal notes and a hint of warmth that cuts through the dairy.
• Simple Yet Sophisticated: It’s quick to prepare, uses accessible ingredients, and doesn’t require fancy techniques, yet the final result feels restaurant-quality.

Healthier Than You Might Think

While this dish doesn’t skimp on indulgence, it’s surprisingly balanced for a mac and cheese:

• Moderate Calories: At 411 calories per serving, it provides comfort without overindulgence, making it suitable for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
• 2% Milk: The use of reduced-fat milk helps lighten the sauce slightly while still maintaining its creamy consistency.
• Tomatoes Add Nutritional Value: Roasted tomatoes are a great source of lycopene, an antioxidant known for its potential health benefits including heart health and reduced risk of certain cancers.

Perfect for Family Dinners or Entertaining

Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese checks all the boxes for a versatile meal:

• Kid-Friendly: Despite the added tomatoes and seasoning, the dish remains approachable for kids thanks to its creamy, cheesy core.
• Crowd-Pleasing: Whether served at a casual potluck, family dinner, or holiday gathering, it always garners rave reviews.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the pasta and cheese sauce in advance, then assemble and bake when you’re ready, making it a great option for busy nights or meal planning.

Tips for Success

If you want the best possible outcome, a few expert tips will help elevate your mac and cheese game:

• Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheeses often contain anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Shredding cheese yourself ensures a smoother sauce and better flavor.
• Cool the Sauce Before Adding Cheese: Letting the white sauce cool slightly before whisking in the cheeses prevents it from becoming grainy.
• Use a Wire Rack for Roasting Tomatoes: This method allows hot air to circulate around the tomato slices, helping them char evenly and preventing sogginess.

Flavor Pairings and Variations

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, you can branch out with a few variations:

• Add Protein: Fold in crispy bacon, shredded rotisserie chicken, or even sautéed shrimp for a protein boost.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chopped jalapeños for a spicy kick.
• Vegetable Upgrades: Mix in spinach, caramelized onions, or roasted red peppers to add more nutrition and color.

As for pairings, this dish goes wonderfully with:

• A simple green salad with a vinaigrette to balance the richness
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
• Light side dishes like steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus

Comfort Food That Feels Gourmet

One of the best things about Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese is how it blurs the lines between comfort and sophistication. It’s the kind of recipe that brings people together around the table, sparks nostalgia, and yet surprises them with the depth of flavor.

The roasted tomato layer on top is not just visually beautiful—it’s a sensory experience. As it bakes, the cheese bubbles up through the tomatoes, creating an irresistible golden crust that signals something truly special. And that first spoonful—creamy, cheesy pasta with a burst of tomato tang—is pure comfort food magic.

Conclusion

There are thousands of mac and cheese recipes out there, but this one is set apart by its elegance and simplicity. You don’t need to invest in gourmet ingredients or spend hours in the kitchen. The steps are intuitive, the flavors are layered, and the results are consistently impressive.

It’s also a dish that feels seasonal all year round—light enough for spring and summer dinners (thanks to the fresh tomatoes), yet hearty enough for fall and winter comfort. Add a crunchy breadcrumb topping or drizzle with balsamic glaze for a new spin, and suddenly you’ve got a fresh version every time.

Whether you’re cooking for picky eaters, impressing guests, or just craving something warm and cheesy after a long day, this Roasted Tomato Macaroni and Cheese is a recipe worth bookmarking—and making over and over again.