Everyone grew up with a version of this classic comfort food. I have had a love affair with Macaroni & Cheese since I was a child. Who hasn’t? Pasta wrapped in a creamy, comforting, cheesy sauce. How could you go wrong? If you have never made homemade Mac & Cheese, except for the blue box with the day glow orange “cheese,” I think you need to change that.
This is my family’s favorite version of this classic dish, my Nanny’s famous Macaroni and Cheese. If you’re on a really tight timeline, you could serve it after you combine the pasta and the cheese sauce in the saucepan. I prefer it after it bakes and the cheese on top gets a golden crust. Not to mention the toasted bread crumbs, which are nice contrast to the creaminess of the sauce. Keeping with my New Year’s resolution of eating fewer processed foods, I made this last week. I know, I know, it is not low fat, but it is made with wholesome ingredients that I can pronounce! Don’t tell my kids, but I used whole wheat pasta and bread crumbs on the top. We are taking baby steps. Shhhh…..
- 1 pound pasta, your favorite shape
- ½ cup butter, divided
- ½ cup flour
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 4 cups milk
- 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
- 1 teaspoon Frank's Hot Sauce
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 cups (16 ounces) Cheese, We like to use ½ Sharp Cheddar and ½ Colby/Jack.
- 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 4 tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it is al dente.
- Meanwhile, melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan or dutch oven.
- When the butter is melted add the flour and whisk until bubbly, about 2 minutes.
- Add the garlic and continue cooking for a minute until fragrant.
- Slowly add the milk and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and let simmer a few minutes until thickened.
- Remove from heat and add the Dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt & pepper.
- Stir to combine.
- Add the cheese a handful at a time and continue stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.
- Stir in the cooked pasta.
- Transfer the macaroni to a 9 x 13 inch dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
- In a small bowl combine your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and melted butter.
- Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni.
- Bake at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes or until bubbly and top is browned.
- Cook's Note: Don't let the Frank's Hot Sauce or the Dijon Mustard scare you. They give the cheese sauce a nice flavor that is not spicy.
Enjoy!
Kim
Linked to the following link parties:
Gooseberry Patch Recipes from Home
Walking on Sunshine Foodie Friends Friday
Six Sisters’ Stuff Strut Your Stuff Link Party
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So delicious!
I just found your blog and loved it! Am a happy follower now! Visit me at:
my-greek-cooking.blogspot.com
Thanks Elpiniki! Just checked out your blog and what I’ve seen so far looks delicious! I’m now a happy follower of you! Have a great day!
Kim
Wow! This looks great. I love mac and cheese and so does my whole family. Thanks for sharing on Foodie Friends Friday! Don’t forget to come back and vote on Sunday!