Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese Recipe

Prep Time::15 mins

Cook Time::45 mins

Total Time:: 1 hr

Servings::6

Ingredients

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Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

1 (16 ounce) package elbow macaroni

¼ cup butter

¼ cup all-purpose flour

¼ teaspoon dried thyme

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

⅛ teaspoon white pepper

3 cups milk

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

1 pinch ground nutmeg

3 cups shredded sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

½ cup panko bread crumbs

1 tablespoon butter, melted

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in flour; cook on medium heat until flour begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes.

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Add thyme, cayenne, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring sauce just to a simmer.

Stir in salt, Worcestershire sauce, and nutmeg. Simmer, whisking often, on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes.

Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Mix in Dijon mustard.

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Transfer macaroni into a casserole dish, then pour in cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine pasta with sauce.

Mix together panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl.

Sprinkle mixture over macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese on top.

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Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown, about 20 minutes.

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