Old fashioned baked mac and cheese with a panko breadcrumb topping.
Prep Time10 minutesmins
Cook Time40 minutesmins
Total Time50 minutesmins
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Servings: 10people
Author: Caitlin Charlton
Ingredients
Macaroni and cheese
1lbshort pastasuch as macaroni
6tablespoonbutter
1shallotminced
1teaspoongarlicminced
½cupall-purpose flour
1qtmilk
2tablespoonDijon mustard
4dash cayenne pepper
2pinchessalt
2pinchespepper
6cupsfreshly shredded cheeseJust over 1 lb of cheese; I use a mixture of gruyere and sharp cheddar
Crispy panko topping
1cuppanko breadcrumbs
1tablespoonextra virgin olive oil
2tablespoonbuttermelted
¼cupgrated parmesan cheese
salt and pepperto taste
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees. Spray a large baking dish (such as 9x13) with cooking spray.
In a large pot, boil water and cook pasta 2 minutes less than directions, or until al dente. Drain.
In a small pot, heat milk on low heat until just warm, being careful not to boil.
Meanwhile, melt butter in a large pot or dutch oven. Add shallots, garlic, and a pinch of salt and stir until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
Whisk in flour, 1 tablespoon at a time, creating a roux (thick mixture), about 1 minute. One cup at a time, whisk in 1 quart of warm milk to the roux and stir until creamy and lump-free.
Whisk in the Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). One cup at a time, add in the shredded cheese and whisk until the cheese is completely melted. Fold in the cooked pasta. Transfer the mac and cheese to the prepared baking dish.
To make the crispy topping, melt butter with olive oil in the microwave using a microwave-safe bowl (about 30 seconds). Stir in panko breadcrumbs, parmesan, and a dash of salt and pepper each with the melted butter and oil. Distribute evenly on top of mac and cheese.
Bake for 25-30 minutes, until bubbly and top is golden brown.
Notes
Be careful not to get your milk too hot or you run the risk of the milk curdling and your mac and cheese turning grainy and runny. You want it warm but not piping hot.