Entrees

Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Makes 8 servings

Old-Fashioned Macaroni and Cheese

Makes 8 servings

Extra-creamy, this will become a family favorite.

Nutritional information per serving:Calories 319 (44% from fat)
carb. 32g
pro. 12g
fat 15g
sat. fat 10g
chol. 43mg
sod. 429mg
calc. 260mg
fiber 1g

Ingredients

  • nonstick cooking spray
  • ½pound elbow macaroni
  • 1teaspoon olive oil
  • ¼cup (4 tablespoons) unsalted butter
  • 3tablespoons unbleached, all-purpose flour
  • 3cups whole milk
  • 2cups (about 6 ounces) shredded cheese (we use a variety of Cheddar, Gruyère and Monterey Jack for ultimate creaminess and flavor)
  • ¾teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼teaspoon ground mustard
  • pinch ground nutmeg
  • dash hot sauce
  • 1½cups prepared white-bread croutons, divided

Preparation

  1. 1.Lightly coat a 9-inch square or round baking pan with cooking spray; reserve.
  2. 2.Cook macaroni according to the package instructions. Drain pasta and rinse under cold water. Toss with the olive oil to prevent sticking; reserve.
  3. 3.Put the butter into a medium saucepan set over medium heat . Once melted, stir in the flour until smooth. Continue to cook, constantly stirring, for about 2 minutes to cook the flour. While whisking, slowly add the milk to the butter/flour mixture. Raise the heat slightly to bring the milk to a boil, while stirring. Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer, stirring so a film does not form on the bottom of the pot. Cook until the sauce becomes very thick, about 30 to 45 minutes. Once thickened, stir in the shredded cheeses until sauce is smooth. Add the salt, ground mustard, nutmeg, hot sauce and then the macaroni, stirring to combine. Finally, stir in 1 cup of the croutons, and remove from heat.
  4. 4.Preheat oven on Bake at 350°F with the rack in the lower position.
  5. 5.Pour the macaroni and cheese into the prepared pan. Scatter the remaining ½ cup of croutons on the top and loosely cover with aluminum foil. Bake for 30 minutes. Carefully remove the foil and switch the oven to Broil for an additional 5 minutes to brown the top.