Cooks Illustrated Mac And Cheese Recipe

March 16, 2023 Post a Comment

Classic Macaroni and Cheese Cook's Country from www.cookscountry.com

Description

When it comes to classic comfort food, few dishes are as beloved as macaroni and cheese. It's a simple dish that is incredibly versatile, and can be customized to suit any taste. But when you're looking for something a little more special than your go-to mac and cheese recipe, this Cooks Illustrated Mac and Cheese recipe is the perfect choice. With a creamy cheese sauce, crunchy topping, and a hint of spice, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table.

Ingredients

For the macaroni and cheese:

1 pound elbow macaroni
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 ½ cups milk
2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 cups (8 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Gruyère cheese
1 cup (4 ounces) shredded Monterey Jack cheese

For the topping:

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 cup plain dried breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside. 3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and stir until smooth. Gradually whisk in the milk, then add the mustard, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes. 4. Add the cheddar, Gruyère, and Monterey Jack cheeses to the sauce. Stir until the cheese is melted. 5. To assemble the dish, pour the macaroni into the prepared baking dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir to combine. 6. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and pepper. Sprinkle the mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese. 7. Bake for 25-30 minutes, until the top is golden brown and the sauce is bubbly. Let cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Equipment

To make this recipe, you'll need a few pieces of equipment, including a 9x13-inch baking dish, a large pot for boiling the macaroni, and a large saucepan for making the cheese sauce. You'll also need a small bowl for combining the topping ingredients.

Notes

For a spicier mac and cheese, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese sauce. You can also add cooked bacon, chopped cooked broccoli, or cooked diced ham to the macaroni for an extra special twist. For a creamier mac and cheese, use whole milk instead of 2% or skim. You can also use a mixture of different types of cheese for a more complex flavor. Try using sharp cheddar, Gouda, or white cheddar for a delicious twist.

Nutrition

One serving of this Cooks Illustrated Mac and Cheese recipe contains approximately 590 calories, 30 grams of fat, 550 milligrams of sodium, and 45 grams of protein. While this recipe is high in calories, it is also a good source of calcium and other essential vitamins and minerals. It should be consumed in moderation, as part of a balanced diet.