Deluxe Mac and Cheese for Two
User Reviews
5
Deluxe Mac and Cheese for Two
Description
Deluxe Mac and Cheese for Two features elbow macaroni coated in a smooth cheese sauce crafted from melted butter, flour, milk, and sharp cheddar blended with Parmesan. The sauce is gently seasoned with cayenne and nutmeg to add delicate hints of spice. After baking, the topping of toasted bread cubes provides a crunchy contrast to the creamy interior. The recipe cooks the macaroni al dente, ensuring a pleasing bite beneath the luscious sauce. This personal-sized casserole works well for a satisfying dinner or a side paired with salads or grilled meats. Baking in a small dish helps create a warm, comforting meal without leftovers.
Ingredients
Special Equipment
- 7x5-inch Baking Dish
Pasta
- 1 cup elbow macaroni 5oz, or small shells
Cheese Sauce
- 2 tablespoons butter salted, 1oz
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 15 g
- 1 cup milk any percentage
- 1 cup cheddar cheese divided, shredded, sharp, 4oz
- 1/2 cup Parmesan Cheese divided, shredded, 2oz, or Pecorino Romano
- Pinch cayenne pepper optional
- Pinch nutmeg optional
- salt to taste
- black pepper to taste
Topping
- 2 lices white bread cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon butter melted, 1/2 oz
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F and lightly grease a 7x5-inch baking dish (or any oven-safe dish of a similar size).
- In a medium pot of salted water, cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- While your pasta is cooking, in a medium pot, over medium heat, melt butter. Add flour and whisk together until golden, 30 seconds to 1 minute. Whisk in milk and continue whisking constantly until mixture thickens and becomes bubbly, about 3 to 5 minutes. Add 2/3 of the Cheddar and 2/3 of the Parmesan and stir until smooth. Add a generous pinch of cayenne and nutmeg (if desired) and salt and pepper to taste.
- Add drained pasta to your cheese sauce and stir. Pour mac and cheese into your prepared baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Cheddar and Parmesan over the top.
- Place your bread cubes into a medium bowl and pour melted butter over the top. Stir to coat all the cubes. Pile bread over your mac and cheese. (If your baking dish looks precariously full, place on a cookie sheet before putting it into the oven to avoid overflow.) Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, until bread is toasted.
- Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Use salted butter for the roux to simplify seasoning; adjust salt later to taste.
- Pinches of cayenne and nutmeg can be omitted or adjusted according to preference.
- Butter the bread cubes thoroughly to ensure a crisp, golden topping after baking.
- Prepare the sauce over medium heat and whisk constantly to avoid lumps in the béchamel.
- Serve immediately for the best texture, as the crust softens upon standing.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 2to 4 servings
Amount Per Serving
Calories 421 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 421kcal | 21% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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