Monday, August 30, 2021

The Best Mac and Cheese Recipe


 I made this recipe yesterday.  It turned out fantastic.  It is definitely worth trying if you want a dish or good tasting Mac and Cheese.


Cook 8 oz. dry elbow macaroni pasta according to the directions on the box.  Drain your pasta and set it aside.

When pasta is cooking, grease the casserole dish you plan to use.

Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.

Gather up the following ingredients to use:

3 Tablespoons butter

3 Tablespoons flour

1 1/4 cups whole milk

1/2 cup half and half

2 cups shredded cheese - all or mostly cheddar; maybe some gruyere, but NOT mozzarella.  I usually use up partial packages in my fridge if there are any.  It is just fine to mix it up with some colby or jack cheese as well, but use mostly cheddar.

1/4 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon pepper

1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (this is different than the mustard in the bottle.  If you have never used it, get some in the bulk section of your store if they have it or borrow some from your neighbor and invite them over to eat with you!)

1/4 teaspoon paprika

1/4 to 1/2 cup chopped, COOKED bacon (you can also use real bacon bits in a package, or you can use ham if you prefer, but real bacon adds a great flavor)

Topping:

3-4 Tablespoons Panko bread crumbs  

3-4 Tablespoons Parmesan cheese (I love Parmesan cheese and usually add a bit more!)


Mix the ingredients for the topping in a separate bowl and set it aside.


Make your cheese sauce:

Melt the butter in a pan.  I usually use a frying pan and always use a whisk to stir.

Add the flour and stir.

Add the milk, a little at a time, stirring to avoid lumps.  Add the half and half as well.  

Stir it on a medium-low heat until you bring it just to a boil and/or it starts to thicken.  

Once it thickens, turn the heat down to a simmer and add the cheese.

When the cheese is melted, shut off the burner.  

Add your salt, pepper, dry mustard and paprika.  

Add your pasta and bacon.

Place in a greased casserole dish.

Sprinkle the topping on the Mac and Cheese.

Bake at 425 for about 10--20 minutes until the top starts to turn a light brown and it starts to bubble.

Remove from the oven and let it cool slightly if you can wait to eat it!

Enjoy!






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