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Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese

  • Administrator
  • Oct 6
  • 2 min read
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Menu Concept


The ultimate comfort food gets an elevated Italian twist! Start with creamy mac & cheese, then blend in rich Cacio e Pepe sauce made with Parmesan and cracked black pepper. The result: a sophisticated take on a beloved classic that’s simple to execute and endlessly craveable.



Trending Insights

  • Italian Flavor Appeal: 62% of consumers love or like Cacio e Pepe flavor profiles — signaling high acceptance and low risk for operators introducing Italian-inspired sauces. (Datassential FLAVOR, 2024)

  • Cheese-Driven Growth: Cheese-based sauces appear on 31% more menus than five years ago — proving indulgent, creamy formats continue to dominate across menu segments. (Datassential MenuTrends, 2024)

  • Comfort Food Reimagined: 72% of consumers say they crave familiar dishes with a unique twist — comfort classics like mac & cheese remain a top menu performer when elevated with global or premium cues. (Datassential, 2024)



Culinary Tips

  • Finish with parsley and a generous crack of freshly ground black pepper and a dusting of Pecorino Romano for an authentic, tableside feel.

  • For added indulgence, stir in a spoonful of mascarpone or top with toasted breadcrumbs for texture contrast and upscale presentation.




Recipe


Cacio e Pepe Mac & Cheese

16 oz cooked pasta

24 oz Chef’s Table Cacio e Pepe Sauce

½ cup grated parmesan cheese + extra for the top

1 cup shredded mozzarella + extra for the top


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Optional Garnishments:

Fresh cracked pepper

Chopped Italian parsley

Grated Pecorino Romano



Instructions


1. Add the ingredients to a bowl and mix until well combined.

2. Transfer to a baking dish and top with parmesan and mozzarella.

3. Bake at 375°F for 15-20 minutes until hot and bubbly and the top is golden

brown.

4. Finish with fresh cracked pepper on the top and chopped parsley.

 
 
 

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