Gourmet Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

This gourmet macaroni and cheese recipe is the ultimate in comfort food. There’s a reason this delicious pairing is one of America’s favorite homemade dishes; creamy, cheesy, baked, what’s not to love? Starting with a white roux (pronounced roo: a creamy, pasty sauce made from butter and flour), your favorite cheese is blended in to create a sauce so rich and thick you’ll fall in love.

Things You’ll Need:

• 1 box (16 oz.) elbow macaroni
• 1 stick salted butter, plus extra to make roux
• ½ cup all-purpose white flour
• 2 cups whole milk or canned evaporated milk
• 3 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
• ½ tsp. black pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1 tsp. onion powder
• 1 cup seasoned bread crumbs

1. Pre-heat oven to 375 degrees.
2. In a large saucepan, bring 6 to 8 cups of water to a boil. Add macaroni and boil for just about 5 to 6 minutes. You want the pasta to be slightly undercooked (it will continue to cook and soften while baking). If desired, add 1 to 2 teaspoons salt to boiling pasta water. Strain pasta (do not rinse) and pour into glass baking dish. Set aside.
3. Create the roux. Melt about ½ stick of butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Once butter is liquefied, slowly add bits of flour at a time, whisking constantly, until butter and flour create a thick, sticky white paste.
4. Heat the 2 cups of milk in the microwave until warm, not hot. Slowly pour the warm milk into the roux, whisking constantly. Be sure to scrape the bottom of the pan well to get any bits of paste stuck to the bottom. Continue whisking until a thick, creamy sauce forms.
5. Add cheese. Mix slowly until cheese has melted and become one with the sauce. If desired, add a few slices of American cheese or Velveeta for color and creamier texture. Add pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to cheese sauce.
6. Pour cheese sauce over pasta in baking dish. Slice butter into small cubes and stir into pasta and cheese mixture.
7. Sprinkle bread crumbs and additional cheese over the top. Bake at 375 degrees for about 30 minutes or until browned and bubbly.

Tips/Suggestions: Experiment with your favorite cheese! Try white cheddar, Gruyere, or Romano. Want to add a little kick? Stir in ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper into your cheese sauce before pouring over pasta. For a modern twist, try cavatappi or penne pasta instead of elbow macaroni.