Hmmm it appears I'm in the mood for comfort food. This was a first attempt for me. Again, I modified a Joy of Cooking recipe. I really want to tell you to avoid making homemade macaroni and cheese, that it's difficult and not very good, but unfortunately, I can't. This was AWESOME.
It was really easy. I can see this is going to be a problem for me. I loved the subtle kick the cayenne pepper gave it. I stood in the kitchen eating out of the dish before it got washed. I just couldn't walk away. The flavor was great and the texure was perfect.
Baked Macaroni and Cheese (adapted from the Joy of Cooking)
Makes 6 main dish servings
Ingredients:
8 oz. elbow macaroni, cooked until just tender in salted water
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp flour
2 cups skim milk
2 large shallots, minced
1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1/4 tsp paprika
2 1/4 cups grated sharp cheddar cheese
salt and pepper to taste
Topping:
1 tbsp butter
1/2 cup dry breadcrumbs
Directions:
Melt butter in large saucepan over med-low heat. Add in flour and whisking frequently, cook for 3 minutes. Gradually stir in milk, shallots and spices and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring often.
Melt butter for topping (either in microwave or stovetop) and stir breadcrumbs in butter until well coated.
Preheat oven to 375. Stir in 1 3/4 cups of cheese and salt and pepper to taste. Stir in cooked macaroni. Pour into greased 1 1/2 quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs. Bake 30 minutes or until breadcrumbs are lightly browned. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
12 comments:
Thank you. Your timing could not have been better as I need a baked Mac & Cheese recipe for a scouting event tonight!
Heidi
I totally agree about the ease of making homemade mac n cheese. I do it ALL the time. I love it. I pretend it is healthy by adding broccoli.
Funny enough we pretended it was healthy by eating it with an equal portion of broccoli and a side of green beans. Hahaha!
skim milk, huh? I use 2% and half&half in mine. But I'm all for healthier. Means I can eat more right? lol! The cayenne and paprika sound like a great addition. Thanks!
YUM! Baked macaroni & Cheese is one of my favorites!!! (But I don't make it myself of course).
Never made my own, but my friend Home Cook is always making it. She modified hers from Joy of Cooking too and sometimes actually bakes it as a broccoli mac and cheese to at least TRY to make it healthier. :P I'd probably serve it on the side like you did.
Hmm, delicious! I just had mac and cheese for lunch. But, not as good as yours.
Cheers,
Elra
Thanks for posting this! I've got some in the oven now, with the addition of a diced ham.
Found you via Google blog search for mac 'n' cheese.
Er, that should be a couple cups of diced ham. Not the whole ham.
Jeni:
Thanks for posting this recipe. I love baked M&C. One quick question...do you have any issues with the milk curdling during baking? I have had all kinds of issues with this and the M&C comes out of the oven with little white clumps inside which is presumably from the milk curdling. Any advice?
I think that's the separation of milk fat. Yeah you'll see a little of that with this recipe. If it's a texture issue for you, I'd suggest trying a processed cheese. It wouldn't taste the same but your end result may be more to your individual liking.
Made this tonight! Yum. I added some red pepper flakes. Delish! Thanks for posting. I'll be making it for a friend who had a baby tomorrow!
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