I have a super special treat for you today!
I know I’m not the only person in love with the Macaroni and Cheese at Jiko, right? This signature restaurant at Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge — and this dish in particular! — regularly tops my list when I’m visiting Disney World.
And when you run into me having dinner here, chances are better than great that I’ll be enjoying their Oak-Grilled Filet with a side of their amazing Mac and Cheese.
While the filet is a mainstay on their menu, the side dishes that it’s paired with tend to change up regularly. But Jiko created a legend with the filet and cheesy goodness combo; it had legions of fans! So normally, even if the mac and cheese isn’t on the menu, you can request it.
Oak Grilled Filet with Mac and Cheese
And now you can make it at home too!
Jiko’s Macaroni and Cheese
Jiko — The Cooking Place, Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge
Serves 4 to 6
Ingredients:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 1/2 cups whole milk
8 ounces shredded Italian four-cheese blend (such as mozzarella, asiago, fontina and provolone)
1/4 teaspoon coarse salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked and kept warm
Instructions:
1. Melt butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour, stirring until combined. Cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes, or until golden (do not let brown).
2. Add milk to butter mixture, whisking until completely smooth and no lumps remain.
3. Simmer mixture, stirring frequently, until sauce coats the back of a spoon, 5 to 8 minutes.
4. Add cheese to saucepan in batches, stirring until completely melted. Add salt and pepper, stirring to combine.
5. Place cooked macaroni in a large bowl. Add cheese sauce, stirring to combine. Serve immediately.
Pretty simple, huh? And now I’m off to the pantry and the fridge to see if I have everything on hand to whip up a batch of this tonight!!
Will you be whipping up a side of Jiko’s Mac and Cheese for your dinner table tonight? Leave a comment and tell us all about it!
Recipe Credit: Orlando Sentinel
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People always think I’m crazy when I tell them about this dish…..like I travel all the way to Disney, eat in such a fancy restaurant, and I order mac and cheese? I try to tell them it’s NOT like kraft (which i love anyway) but until they have it they just don’t get it!
This was the first dish I ever had at Jiko years ago – SO GOOD!! Mouth is watering just looking at the picture!
The thing that’s so weird about the whole “mac and cheese is a low food” thing is that like–not if you make it fresh! Cheese is expensive!
Totally trying this recipe out. Just asked my husband if he’d help by making the steaks. Sharing the kitchen is fun 🙂
I tried this for the first time in May and fell in love! It was the most rich mac & cheese I ever had. I asked the waitress what’s in there and she mentioned mascarpone cheese. Not sure if that’s in there or if she made a mistake, but I’ll definitely try this receipe!
I’ve always wanted to try making this recipe with the filet at home, but I’ve never been lucky enough to go to Jiko! Could someone tell me a bit more about the sauce on top? Is it a red wine sauce, or more like a bbq type sauce which is sweet? Thank you!
Ashley it’s a red wine reduction, from what our most recent waiter told us it’s made with their South African wines. Think Cabernet, Shiraz or Malbec. Dry and smoky, balances out the creamy cheesiness of the Mac. Incredible!!!
When I went to Disney about 10 years ago, I had this dish for the first time and it was amazing!! I really hope that when we go back in Feb 2015 I can still get the mac n cheese with the filet. Thanks for sharing this recipe
I adore Jiko and animal kingdom lodge, it will forever remain in my soul and its going to be some years before I can ever go back. This is my favourite dish from Jiko and brings back soooo many memories 🙂
I have made this multiple times and it is my family’s favorite Mac and cheese thanks so much for the recipe!
Thar’s the same way I make my Mac and Cheese. Instead of Milk, I’ll use Half and Half or Heavy Cream. Makes it even BETTER.
Trying to find the original Jiko recipe. The Mac and cheese original had truffle. Anyone have a lead?