5-Star Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

A true American classic, this recipe for baked macaroni and cheese could not be easier or more rewarding. It is also a very versatile dish, it lends itself to many variations. For example, there is no reason to go with macaroni recipe, try penne, rigatoni or rotini. And you can use the cheese, mix well. How about a mixture of Cheddar and Monterey Jack or Gruyere and Fontina? Variations on the plate are limited only by your imagination.

Preparation time: 15 minutes

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Total time: 45 minutes

Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients:

• Macaroni 12 oz (3 cups)
• 1/2 stick (4 tablespoons) butter
• 1/2 cup finely chopped onion
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 3 1/2 cups whole or 2 percent milk fat
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• Pinch of cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 8 ounces grated cheddar cheese (2 cups)
• 1 cup fresh bread crumbs or dry 1/2 cup

Preparation:

1 Preheat oven to 375 ° C

Two. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add and cook pasta according to package directions. Drain in a colander.

Three. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Onion and cook, stirring frequently, for 5 minutes or until they are soft. Flour and cook, stirring for 1 minute.

April. Pour the milk and whisk until the mixture is smooth slow. Over medium heat, stirring frequently, until mixture thickens to form and bubbles, about 6 minutes. Add the mustard and cayenne pepper to taste.

Embed / 2 cups grated cheese until melted and smooth, 5 January 1. Season with salt and pepper.

6 Pasta Add the cheese sauce and stir to coat. Scrape the mixture into a 9 - by 13-inch baking pan.

7 In a small bowl, mix 1/2 cup grated cheese and remaining bread crumbs. Sprinkle crumb mixture on top of the macaroni and cheese.

8th Pan Bake until the top is golden, about 30 minutes. Serve hot.

Recipe Notes

• They can be thawed by adding 1 cup chopped ham and / or 1/2 cup mix the recipe a little frozen peas.
• Another variation of this macaroni and cheese is the use of Fontina and add some chopped mushrooms and sauteed spinach or some Monterey Jack cheese and canned chopped green chiles and add a little chili powder.
• Make individual servings of macaroni and cheese: Pour the macaroni and cheese in January-February mold cup size and bake for 15-20 minutes.
• Make sure that the sauce is smooth, add the cheese in small batches, stirring until smooth before the next batch.