Notes¶
dans world famous mac and cheese
similar to - https://www.sugarandsoul.co/tinis-mac-and-cheese/
INGREDIENTS¶
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Pasta: - 1 pound cavatappi (corkscrew) pasta
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Cheeses: - 2 cups freshly shredded mozzarella cheese - 2 cups freshly shredded Colby Jack cheese - 2 cups freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese (yellow preferred)
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Spices: - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - 1 teaspoon coarse salt - 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
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Sauce: - 4 tablespoons salted butter - ¼ cup all-purpose flour - 1 (12 oz) can evaporated milk - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (or 1 teaspoon mustard powder)
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Garnish: - Fresh parsley, chopped (optional), breadcrumbs (panko or italian)
- you can really spice it up with like graham crackers or doritos even
STEPS¶
- Prepare the Pasta: - Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Preheat Oven: - Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Make the Cheese Sauce: - In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. - Whisk in the flour to form a roux, cooking for about 1-2 minutes until lightly golden. - Gradually whisk in the evaporated milk and heavy cream until smooth. - Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. - Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Toast the Breadcrumbs: - toast the panko breadcrumbs in some butter. Feel free to add some garnish
- You can spice it up and use something other than panko too! Say Doritos or graham crackers!
- Add Cheeses: - Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in 1½ cups each of mozzarella, Colby Jack, and sharp cheddar until melted and smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: - Add the cooked pasta to the cheese sauce, stirring to coat evenly.
- Assemble the Dish: - Transfer half of the macaroni and cheese into a greased 9x13-inch baking dish. - Sprinkle ½ cup each of the remaining cheeses over the pasta. - Layer the remaining macaroni and cheese on top and sprinkle with the remaining cheeses.
- Bake: - Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Broil (Optional): - For a crispier top, broil on high for 2-3 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Serve: - Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes. - Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. - Serve hot and enjoy!