Ingredients: |
Ingredients: Kosher salt
1 pound pasta shells
1 tsp. vegetable oil
1 stick butter
5 Tbs. all-purpose flour
5 c. whole milk
3 c. grated Cheddar cheese
3 c. grated Gruyere or Swiss cheese
¾ pound orange American cheese (about 16 slices of Kraft Singles)
Freshly ground black pepper
¾ tsp. cayenne pepper, or more to taste
Cheesy Garlic Bread Crumbs - recipe below
8 slices white sandwich bread, torn into pieces (or 4 c. bread crumbs)
6 cloves garlic
6 Tbs. butter
1 tsp. kosher salt
½ tsp. black pepper
5 Tbs. finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
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Directions: |
Directions:Preheat oven to 425º
In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta a minute less than called for on the package. Drain, rinse, and toss with the oil to prevent sticking.
Grease 9x13 baking dish with a little butter. (Clair uses whatever casserole dish she feels like that day of Mac & Cheese)
In a large saucepan or soup pot, heat the 1 stick butter over medium-high heat until melted but not browning. Add the flour and cook, constantly whisking, until it turns a light and toasty brown color (5-6 minutes). Gradually add the milk while whisking, then increase the heat and bring it to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium and cook, whisking, until it thickens (4-5 minutes). Add the cheeses, a few handfuls/slices at a time, reserving a handful of the cheese, and whisk the sauce until smooth. Whisk in 2 tsp. salt, 1/4 tsp. black pepper, and the cayenne.
Stir in the cooked pasta, season to taste with more salt and pepper, and cook until the pasta is hot again.
Pour the mixture into the buttered baking dish. Top with the remaining cheese and spread the bread crumbs evenly over the top. Bake until the topping is browned and crisp (about 8 minutes).
Cheesy Garlic Bread Crumbs:
In a food processor, process the bread until it forms fine crumbs (it should be about 4 cups crumbs). Transfer the crumbs to a bowl. Add the garlic to the processor and process until finely minced (or mince by hand).
In a large skillet, heat the butter over medium-low heat. When it foams, add the garlic and cook, stirring, until the garlic smells great but hasn't browned (1-2 minutes). Add the bread crumbs, increase the heat to medium, and cook, stirring frequently, until toasty browned (7-9 minutes). Stir in the salt and pepper, remove from the ehat, and transfer to a large plate to cool for 5 minutes. Toss in the Parm. |
This recipe for Mac & Cheese is from