I woke up this morning in the mood for some real comfort food. It’s just so cold here in Florida and I need something to warm me up from the inside out. Mac and cheese is so good for this and it’s a yummy go-to for kids and adults. I know my kids love to gobble this up!
It’s such a good side dish too – along side a turkey for Christmas or some corn bread and sides for a weeknight meal. However and whenever you make this, you’re going to love it!
Classic Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
- Kosher salt
- Vegetable oil
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 1 quart milk
- 8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, divided
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 12 ounces Gruyere, grated (4 cups)
- 8 ounces extra-sharp Cheddar, grated (2 cups)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups fresh white bread crumbs (5 slices, crusts removed)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
- Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
- Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don’t boil it. Melt 6 tablespoons of butter in a large (4-quart) pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or two more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, and 1 tablespoon salt and pepper. Add the cooked macaroni and stir well. Pour into a 3-quart baking dish.
- Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter, combine them with the fresh bread crumbs, and sprinkle on the top.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top. Enjoy!
Adapted from Ina Garten at foodnetwork.com.
Season Generously 