The Pioneer Woman Tasty Kitchen
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Dad’s Macaroni & Cheese

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Level: Easy

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Description

I call this “Dad’s Macaroni & Cheese” not because he created the dish, but because it was developed for him. In my family, the best macaroni and cheese has a crunchy top – not leathery as melted cheese can sometimes get, but light, crunchy and full of flavor. The crunchy brown edges contrast nicely with the creamy pasta underneath. Serve this with a salad and (if you’re feeling sassy) chilled white wine. Yum. Yum. Yum.

Ingredients

  • 1-½ cup Elbow Macaroni
  • 2 Tablespoons Butter
  • 2 Tablespoons Flour
  • 1-¼ cup Whole Milk
  • ¼ teaspoons Hot Paprika
  • Freshly Grated Nutmeg
  • ½ teaspoons Freshly Ground White Pepper
  • 3 cups Grated Sharp Cheddar (I Use Tillamook Aged White Cheddar), Divided
  • 1 cup Panko Crumbs
  • Salt To Taste

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Boil macaroni according to package directions and drain. You want the pasta fairly al dente since you’re going to bake it further. Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan over low heat. Blend in flour, stirring constantly. Gradually stir in milk. Cook, stirring constantly, until mixture boils and thickens, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and add paprika, nutmeg, pepper and 2 cups of the cheese; stir until cheese is melted. Gently stir in macaroni and adjust seasoning to taste. Place in a buttered 1-quart casserole dish.

Toss panko crumbs with remaining grated cheese. Sprinkle over the top of the macaroni & cheese. Bake 25-30 minutes or until golden brown. Let sit for 5 minutes or so after removing from the oven. Serve with hot sauce on the side. Serves 4-6 (with no leftovers).

NOTES: I double this recipe most of the time, as the leftovers are sublime. A riff on this dish is to add a little protein (this is a trick from a fine Louisiana chef). After you get the mac and cheese into the casserole dish, gently stir in one beaten egg. Add panko crumb topping and bake. This dish is a great one to send over to a friend who’s just had a baby or has been sick. Bag up the panko/cheese topping separately and have them add it just before the dish goes in the oven.

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