I've experimented over the last several years searching for MY mac n cheese. The one recipe that goes into my files and the only one I'll ever make... period.
There have been some really good ones along the way but what I'm looking for is creamy and rich on the inside and crunchy deliciousness on top. Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much.
It has to be decadent but not too rich. The cheese has to have a pronounced sharp flavor but not too overpowering. Pasta has to have just a little bit of a bite and let's talk about the topping: Panko or Ritz cracker. Both have significant reasons to love them. Panko is light and crunchy, a very nice contrast to the rich mac. Ritz is buttery heaven and let's face it, we're not eating mac and cheese because it's part of a low cal diet. Mac has to be that perfect decadent indulgence. With all this testing, New Years may be the next time I make it!
OK, so i think I have the recipe to end all recipes in my hands. Now, I just need to decide once and for all... are we a Panko or Ritz family. Pretty sure I know where this is headed but for scientific purposes, let's do a taste test.
There have been some really good ones along the way but what I'm looking for is creamy and rich on the inside and crunchy deliciousness on top. Sounds easy enough, right? Not so much.
It has to be decadent but not too rich. The cheese has to have a pronounced sharp flavor but not too overpowering. Pasta has to have just a little bit of a bite and let's talk about the topping: Panko or Ritz cracker. Both have significant reasons to love them. Panko is light and crunchy, a very nice contrast to the rich mac. Ritz is buttery heaven and let's face it, we're not eating mac and cheese because it's part of a low cal diet. Mac has to be that perfect decadent indulgence. With all this testing, New Years may be the next time I make it!
OK, so i think I have the recipe to end all recipes in my hands. Now, I just need to decide once and for all... are we a Panko or Ritz family. Pretty sure I know where this is headed but for scientific purposes, let's do a taste test.
The testing vehicles above provided just enough for a few bites of each to render a decision (my kid's favorite experiment... ever). In the casserole dish, it's Panko on the left and Ritz on the right. Next time, I would leave the Ritz crackers in slightly larger chunks but we're splitting hairs. The flavor is 100% there. .
We have a hands down winner for this household. It's buttery delicious Ritz crackers all the way baby!! My daughter is going to eat straight through the ramekin!
We have a hands down winner for this household. It's buttery delicious Ritz crackers all the way baby!! My daughter is going to eat straight through the ramekin!
Here is the recipe to add to your files. Even better, you can mix this recipe up and make it a spicy mac, a bacon mac, a lobster mac... go forth and play in the kitchen my friends! This is the base for amazing macs to come. My search is over... now I need to log a few miles on the treadmill! It was worth it :) Enjoy my friends.
The Best Mac N Cheese
Ingredients:
1/2 stick salted butter
1/2 cup flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream (do not substitute)
1 Tb dry mustard
1 1/2 lbs of cavatappi pasta (my fav... or use your fav)
2 lbs extra sharp cheddar grated (mix it up here. I used Vermont extra sharp, aged extra sharp... grab 2-4 varieties)
2 sleeves of Ritz crackers
Panko crumbs (I prefer seasoned)
Optional add ins: Bacon, Chipotle chilies in adobo, lobster meat
Preheat oven to 350`
Grab 2 9x11 pans (about 1 1/2 quart)
Prep all your ingredients before you begin. Trust me! This recipe makes 2 large casseroles. Options are provided below to make 1 classic mac and a new creation.
Let's make the sauce Melt butter over moderate heat in a large saucepan or skillet with 3-4 inch sides. Add flour and whisk constantly for 1 minute to cook out the raw flour taste. Now, mix together whole milk, cream and dry mustard and gradually add to make a rue. Do not substitute skim, low fat or anything else for the whole milk and cream. This is the secret for velvety, creamy perfection. Whisk away for about 3 minutes or until a nice rich, thick white sauce has come together. Here's the fun part... slowly add all that beautiful grated cheese to the white sauce. It's a lot. Slowly whisk until it's all melted.
Pasta Boil water and cook your pasta until just underdone. (take off about 2 minutes from the cooking time). Drain and set aside.
Go forth and create Divide the sauce into two large bowls if you are making 2 versions. Add flavorings to the cheese sauce bowls before mixing in the pasta.
Variations
Spicy Mac add 2-3 Tablespoons of chopped chipotle chilies in adobe. I went on the lighter side and it still had a lovely kick. Your discretion here.
Bacon Mac add 8-12 pieces of chopped crispy bacon to the sauce. Reserve the drippings to toast your breadcrumbs.
Lobster Mac I would pick up already steamed claws and tails for this version.. 1 tail and 2 claws or 2 tails should be enough here. Chop and add to the sauce.
After you've settled on your flavorings, add half the pasta to each of the cheese sauces and mix to thoroughly combine. Pour into your 2 casserole dishes. Select your topping, spread evenly over pasta and cook for about 30 minutes until bubbly and brown and toasty on top. ENJOY!!
Breadcrumbs
Classic Ritz cracker topping... crunch up 1-2 sleeves of crackers by hand or with rolling pin but leave them in good size pieces. Melt 2-4 tablespoons butter in skillet and toast up your crumbs. Approx 1 sleeve per casserole dish.
Bacon Mac Ritz Crumbs... melt 1 Tb butter and 1 Tb reserved bacon drippings and toast up those crumbs.
Classic Panko topping.... melt 1 Tb butter and 1 Tb extra virgin olive oil and 1 cup seasoned Panko crumbs if making for 1 casserole. Double for 2.
Bacon Mac Panko Crumbs... melt 1 Tb butter and 1 Tb reserved bacon drippings in the skillet. Add 1 cup of breadcrumbs and toast away.
side note: you make this up to 2 days ahead of time and store in the fridge. keep your bread crumbs sealed in a ziploc bag in the fridge too until ready to assemble and bake. May need a few extra minutes in the oven.