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The Ultimate Macaroni and Cheese

This is the ultimate macaroni and cheese dish that you are going to love. Creamy and cheesy in the middle...a quick browning under the broiler crisps up the toasted bread crumbs and makes for the perfect flavor combination.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 8 people
Calories: 426 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

FOR THE BREAD CRUMBS
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 cup coarse fresh bread crumbs use a food processor to make finely chopped bread crumbs...take a French baguette, slice off edges...then finely chop
FOR THE MAC 'N CHEESE
  • 4 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups whole milk
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • ½ teaspoon white pepper
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 12 oz macaroni about 3 cups of uncooked pasta
  • 1 cup White Cheddar Cheese grated
  • 1 cup Muenster cheese grated
  • 1 cup gruyere cheese grated
  • 1 cup gouda cheese grated

Instructions

MAKE THE BREADCRUMBS
    Cup of Yum
  1. Heat the butter and oil in a large heavy skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the bread crumbs, stirring until crumbs are golden. About 10 minutes.
  3. Transfer to paper towels to drain.
  4. Season with a pinch of salt. 
MAKE THE MAC 'N CHEESE
  1. Pre-heat oven to 350°F. 
  2. Heat a pot of salted water until boiling.
  3. Add the macaroni to the boiling water. Cook until al dente...about 12 minutes. Drain.
  4. Meanwhile, melt the butter in a large sauce pan (preferably a large cast iron skillet) over medium-high heat.
  5. Add flour and cook, whisking, for about 2 minutes.
  6. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, mustard, and white pepper and simmer, whisking occasionally, about 5 minutes, or until slightly thickened.  Stir in the salt. 
  7. Slowly add the cheese, stiffing constantly.
  8. Fold in the cooked macaroni.
  9. If not baking in the skillet, transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture into a greased 9"x13"casserole dish.
  10. Sprinkle the bread crumbs on the top.
  11. Bake for 20 minutes, until bubbly.   Remove from oven and turn broiler on high.  Place dish under broiler for about 1 minute, just to brown the bread crumbs.  Keep an eye on this...don't let it burn as broilers vary!
  12. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes.  

Nutrition Information

Calories 426kcal (21%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 8people

Amount Per Serving

Calories 426

% Daily Value*

Calories 426kcal 21%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.