Description
A classic cheddar mac and cheese goes gourmet with Gruyère cheese and spicy jalapeños before baking until golden.
Ingredients
1 pound elbow macaroni (454 g)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus 1 tablespoon melted for topping (60 g, plus 15 g)
1/4 cup all-purpose flour (30 g)
3 cups whole milk (710 mL)
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard (2.5 g)
2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (200 g)
2 cups Gruyere cheese, shredded (200 g)
1 1/2 cups Panko bread crumbs (90 g)
1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese (25 g)
2 jalapeños, roasted and minced (with seeds)
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Prepare the Jalapeños:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Place the jalapeños on an aluminum-lined baking sheet.
- Roast for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through until they develop some color and are tender.
- Reduce oven temperature to 350°F (175°C) and grease a medium-sized (3-quart) casserole dish.
Cook the Pasta:
- Cook the elbow macaroni according to package directions, but reduce the cooking time by one minute.
- Drain the pasta and set aside.
Prepare the Sauce:
- In the same pot used for the pasta, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
- Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Gradually add the milk, whisking frequently.
- Bring the milk mixture to a boil, then remove from heat.
- Stir in the dry mustard, sharp cheddar cheese, Gruyere cheese, roasted and minced jalapeños, salt, and pepper.
- Mix until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
Assemble the Dish:
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce, stirring until well coated.
- Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish.
Prepare the Topping:
- In a small bowl, combine the Panko bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 tablespoon melted butter.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the mac and cheese.
- Optionally, slice a fresh jalapeño and place the slices on top of the bread crumbs. Dot with butter.
Bake:
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the mac and cheese is bubbly.
Notes
- Ensure the pasta is slightly undercooked before baking to avoid mushy texture.
- For extra heat, leave the seeds in the roasted jalapeños.
- Let the mac and cheese rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Category: Main
- Method: Oven Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 75mg