Cooking Up the Magic: Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac Recipe from Disneyland Resort

Originally published at Disney Parks News

Over at the Disney California Adventure Food & Wine Festival – which runs through April 26 –  you’ll find something that any true foodie needs to try. What happens when you combine two of the ultimate comfort foods into one culinary concoction? Those of you who guessed the Peanut Butter & Jelly Mac from Nuts About Cheese are correct.

If you love peanut butter and jelly and mac and cheese, then you simply must give your tastebuds the honor of trying this delicious dish topped with a brown sugar streusel and strawberry crackle– yum! And you’re in luck because you can now whip up this mac in the comfort of your own home. In this latest edition of Cooking Up the Magic, I have the recipe for you to try!

I was lucky enough to taste this dish for myself at the festival and can attest that it is a truly one-of-a-kind dish that brings together two of my favorite foods into one must-try treat. From the little ones to the mac n’ cheese lovers at any age, this recipe will be a hit at the dinner table. As a self-proclaimed mac and cheese connoisseur myself, I know I’ll be putting my kitchen skills to the test and try this dish at home!

If you want to see the rest of the mouthwatering eats and sips being served at this year’s festival, be sure to check out our Foodie Guide for everything food and fun at the event.

Now, let’s get to the recipe. Grab your ingredients and your appetite because it’s time to start cooking up the mac – I mean magic!

PEANUT BUTTER AND JELLY MAC

Disney California Adventure Park Food & Wine Festival – Serves 4-6

MACARONI

• 1 pound dried elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon canola oil

STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE

• 1 cup flour
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 4 tablespoons butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons strawberry jelly

STRAWBERRY SAUCE

• 1/2 cup strawberry jelly

PEANUT BUTTER SAUCE

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
• Coarse salt, to taste

TOPPING

• 1 packet strawberry-flavored popping candies

FOR MACARONI:

1. Cook macaroni according to package instructions. Drain and toss with canola oil to prevent sticking.
2. Set aside.

FOR STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper; set aside.
2. Combine flour, brown sugar and salt in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a paddle attachment on low speed until combined.
3. Add melted butter and strawberry and mix on medium speed until crumbly.
4. Place on reserved sheet pan and bake for 6-8 minutes, until crumble begins to brown.
5. Set aside.

FOR STRAWBERRY SAUCE:

1. Heat strawberry jelly in a medium saucepan over low heat for 5 minutes, until jelly is easily poured.
2. Keep warm until ready to serve.

FOR PEANUT BUTTER SAUCE:

1. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 2 minutes. Add heavy cream and stir constantly until heavy cream is 175°F.
2. Remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Season with salt, to taste.
3. Keep warm until ready to serve.

TO SERVE:

1. Stir reserved macaroni into peanut butter sauce. Evenly divide among 4-6 plates and top with strawberry crumble and strawberry sauce. Sprinkle strawberry-flavored popping candies on top.

Always use caution when handling sharp objects and hot contents. Please supervise children who are helping or nearby.

This recipe has been converted from a larger quantity in the restaurant kitchens. The flavor profile may vary from the restaurant’s version.

Don’t forget to download the recipe here!