Chrissy Teigen's Mac and Cheese
User Reviews
4.4
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Prep Time
45 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Additional Time
5 mins
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Total Time
1 hr
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Servings
8 to 12 servings
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Calories
717 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
Chrissy Teigen's Mac and Cheese
Description
This mac and cheese recipe uses medium pasta shells cooked al dente and tossed with olive oil to prevent sticking. The cheese sauce starts with a roux of butter and flour, to which milk is added and thickened. Three types of cheese – cheddar, Swiss (or Gruyère), and diced American – are combined for a complex, creamy flavor. The sauce is seasoned with kosher salt, black pepper, and a small amount of cayenne pepper to add subtle warmth without overwhelming.
A crispy breadcrumb topping is made from white sandwich bread processed finely, then toasted with butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until golden and fragrant. This topping adds texture contrast and extra flavor when baked on top of the creamy pasta mixture.
The casserole is baked at 425°F until bubbly and browned on top. This dish makes a rich, comforting main or side, suitable for adjusting spice levels by changing the cayenne amount. Bread crumbs can be prepared in advance and cooled before topping.
Ingredients
For the Bread Crumbs
- 8 lices white sandwich bread torn into pieces
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 6 tablespoons butter unsalted
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 5 tablespoons Parmesan Cheese grated
For the Mac and Cheese
- 1 pound pasta shells I used medium size shells
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- ½ cup butter unsalted
- 5 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 cups milk whole
- 12 ounces cheddar cheese shredded (3 cups)
- 12 ounces swiss cheese shredded (3 cups, or gruyere cheese
- 12 ounces American cheese diced small
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish with butter.
- Make the Bread Crumbs: In a food processor, process the bread until it forms fine crumbs (you should have about 4 cups crumbs). In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-low heat. When it foams, add the garlic and cook, stirring, until the garlic is fragrant but not browned, 1 to 2 minutes. Add the bread crumbs, increase the heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until toasty and browned, 7 to 9 minutes. Stir in the salt and pepper, remove from the heat, and transfer to a large plate to cool for 5 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Make the Mac and Cheese: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to the al dente directions on the package (if not included, cook for one minute less than called for). Drain, rinse, and toss with the vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, heat the butter over medium-high heat until melted. Add the flour and cook, constantly whisking, until it turns a light and toasty brown color, 3 to 6 minutes. Gradually add the milk while whisking, then increase the heat to high and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, whisking, until it thickens, 4 to 5 minutes. Add the cheeses, a few handfuls at a time, and whisk the sauce until smooth. Whisk in the salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir in the cooked pasta, and season to taste with more salt and pepper.
- Pour the mixture into the buttered baking dish and spread the bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake until the topping is browned and crisp and the cheese is bubbling, about 8 minutes to 10 minutes. Leftovers can be stored, covered, in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Notes
- American cheese can be substituted with Colby cheese if unavailable.
- The original recipe suggests using 3/4 teaspoon or more cayenne pepper, but you can adjust the amount to control heat.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 8to 12 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 717 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 717kcal | 36% |
| Carbohydrates | 47g | 16% |
| Protein | 30g | 60% |
| Fat | 45g | 69% |
| Saturated Fat | 27g | 135% |
| Cholesterol | 131mg | 44% |
| Sodium | 1447mg | 60% |
| Potassium | 334mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 8g | 16% |
| Vitamin A | 1400IU | 28% |
| Vitamin C | 0.5mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 921mg | 92% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.4
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