Mac and Cheese
This is simpler than it looks. And it is by far worth it. Makes a lot and everyone will go back in for seconds if not thirds! Cut recipe in half and use a 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish.
This is simpler than it looks. And it is by far worth it. Makes a lot and everyone will go back in for seconds if not thirds! Cut recipe in half and use a 1 1/2 qt. casserole dish.
Ingredients:
8 tbsp (1 stick) unsalted butter, and more for buttering dish
6 slices good white or whole wheat sandwich bread, crusts removed, torn into 1/4-1/2? pieces
5 1/2 cups of 2% milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, or to taste
4 1/2 cups (about 18 oz) grated sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups (about 8 oz) grated Gruyere cheese
1 1/4 cups (about 5 oz) grated Pecorino Romano cheese
1 lb elbow macaroni
Preheat ove to 375F. Butter a 3 qt. casserole dish; set aside.
Place the torn bread pieces in a medium bowl. Melt 2 tbsp butter in microwave and then pour over bread. Toss and set aside.
In a medium saucepan, warm milk over medium heat.
Melt remaining 6 tbsp butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, stirring about 1 minute. While whisking, slowly pour in hot milk. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until the mixture bubbles and becomes thick. Remove pan from heat.
Stir in salt, nutmeg, black pepper, cayenne pepper, 3 cups cheddar cheese, 1 1/2 cups Gruyere and 1 cup Pecorino Romano; set cheese sauce aside.
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add macaroni; cook 3 minutes less than manufacturer’s directions, until the outside of pasta is cooked and the inside is underdone. Transfer the macaroni to a colander, rinse under cold running water, and drain well. Stir macaroni into the reserved cheese sauce.
Pour mixture into prepared dish. Sprinkle remaining 1 1/2 cups cheddar, 1/2 cup Gruyere and 1/4 cup Pecorino Romano, and bread crumbs over top. Bake until browned on top, about 25-30 minutes. Transfer dish to a wire rack to cool 5 minutes and serve.