Celebrate the Holidays with Idaho Sparkling Wine and Mac and Cheese Pairing

Posted by Idaho Wine Commission on December 5 2024

The holidays are a time for cherished traditions, festive gatherings, and, of course, scrumptious meals. This season, bring a little sparkle to your celebrations with a delicious Idaho twist! Imagine the creamy decadence of three-cheese macaroni perfectly paired with a crisp sparkling wine from Idaho. Create this simple, irresistible pairing at home for all of your friends and family to enjoy.

Sparkling Wine: The Perfect Pairing

Idaho sparkling wines turn any meal into a celebration. With their crisp, vibrant profiles and notes of citrus and green apple, they’re the ideal match for creamy, cheesy entrees like three-cheese macaroni (see recipe below!).

For this pairing, we recommend the 2019 Whitewater from 3100 Cellars, a standout Sparkling Chardonnay that won gold at the 2024 Idaho Wine & Cider Competition for Best Sparkling Wine. Crafted in the traditional Champagne method, this wine dazzles with flavors of crisp Jonagold apple, delicate hints of Anjou pear, and enticing aromas of freshly baked apple cake.

Pour a glass, raise a toast, and savor the magic of good food, great company, and Idaho’s finest sparkling wine.

Looking to explore more sparkling options? Discover exceptional offerings from Idaho wineries such as: Coiled Wines, 3100 Cellars, Holesinsky Vineyard and Winery, Proletariat Wine Company, Split Rail Winery, Rolling HIlls Vineyard, Telaya Wine Co., Snake River Winery, Sawtooth Winery and Ste Chapelle.

Three-Cheese Macaroni: A Cozy Winter Favorite

There’s nothing quite like a warm, creamy bowl of mac and cheese to make a snowy winter day feel extra cozy. Our three-cheese macaroni takes comfort food to the next level with a luxurious blend of smoked gouda, earthy gruyère, and buttery cheddar—all locally sourced for a truly Idahoan touch.

For the smoked gouda, we recommend Bush Creek Creamery’s Smoked Gouda, which is expertly pressed and smoked over local walnut shells and mesquite chips. This process creates the perfect balance of creamy richness and smoky depth. Next, add a touch of smooth decadence with Gruyere Style Cheese from Mountain Cloud Creamery. Known for its superior meltability, it creates a velvety sauce that coats every bite. Finally, no mac and cheese is complete without a classic cheddar. Mild Cheddar from The Creamery is our go-to for its springy texture, mild flavor, and creamy finish that perfectly complements the bold flavors of gouda and gruyère.

With these high-quality ingredients, your three-cheese macaroni will not only warm you up but also leave a lasting impression on your holiday guests.

RECIPE

For the Sauce:

Half a pound of cheddar
Quarter pound of gruyere
Quarter pound of gouda
1.5 quarts of water
2 teaspoons sodium citrate*
Pinch of garlic powder and cayenne

For The Topping:

Half a cup of breadcrumbs
Heaping tablespoon of butter
2 tablespoons of parsley

1. Preheat oven to 400F. Get a pot of salted water boiling. Throw a half pound of macaroni in and cook for a couple minutes less than what the box says. It will continue to cook in the oven.

2. While it’s cooking, get your water for your sauce simmering, add your sodium citrate and let it dissolve.

3. Add your cheese a hand-full at a time, stir and let dissolve. Drain your pasta and throw it in a baking dish.

4. Once all your cheese is in and your sauce is nice and glossy, pour it over your pasta until it’s just about flush with the top of your pasta. It may look runny but the time in the oven will fix that.

5. Melt a heaping tablespoon of butter in a pan over medium heat and add your breadcrumbs. Toast them for just a minute or two because they will continue to toast in the oven.

6. Spread your bread crumbs over your Mac and cheese with your parsley and throw it in the oven. It can bake for up to 45 minutes but depending on your oven, start checking to make sure the breadcrumb isn’t getting burnt at about 25 minutes. Once it’s brown on top and the sauce is bubbly, take out the oven and let rest for 15 minutes to let sauce start to thicken.

*sodium citrate: essentially a salt found in citrus foods, that allows any cheese to melt without breaking. So it can turn any cheese into a wonderful cheese sauce.

Celebrate The Holidays With Idaho Wines

Let Idaho wines bring a touch of magic to your celebrations. Whether you’re gathering with loved ones, searching for the perfect gift, or simply looking to embrace the festive spirit, Idaho wineries have you covered. Explore a variety of fun and unique holiday events designed to make the season merry and bright:

Cheers to a holiday season filled with family, friends, and Idaho’s finest wines!

Topics: Idaho Wine Events, Featured Post, Wine Pairings, Sparkling Wine