Best 4 Alton Browns Baked Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

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Comfort food gets a gourmet makeover in Alton Brown's Baked Macaroni and Cheese. This elevated version of a classic dish features a creamy, flavorful cheese sauce made with a blend of sharp cheddar, Parmesan, Gruyère, and cream cheese, all enveloped in a crispy breadcrumb topping. The recipe boasts a detailed step-by-step guide, ensuring a rich and velvety cheese sauce that coats every noodle perfectly. Whether you prefer a gooey center or a slightly firmer texture, Alton Brown provides precise cooking times to achieve your desired doneness. The recipe also includes variations for a stovetop version, a slow-cooker method, and a baked macaroni and cheese casserole, catering to different cooking preferences and occasions. With its enticing photos, helpful tips, and comprehensive instructions, this recipe will satisfy both experienced home cooks and those seeking a foolproof guide to crafting the ultimate macaroni and cheese.

Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!

BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     side-dish

Time 1h5m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 16

8 ounces elbow macaroni
1 tablespoon kosher salt
Cheese Sauce:
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon powdered mustard
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 cup finely diced yellow onion
1 bay leaf
3 cups whole milk
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp Cheddar, shredded, divided
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Steps:

  • Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
  • For the pasta: In a 4-quart pot, cover the macaroni and salt with 1 inch of cold water. Bring to boil over medium heat. When the pasta comes to a boil begin testing for doneness. Cook to al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water to stop cooking
  • For the cheese sauce: While the pasta is cooking, melt the butter over medium heat in a 3-quart saucepan. Once the butter stops bubbling, whisk in the flour and cook until the mixture is a pale blonde, stirring occasionally, about 3 minutes. Add the mustard, paprika, onion and bay leaf and whisk to combine. Add the milk, whisking continually for 7 to 8 minutes or until slightly thickened. Remove from the heat and discard the bay leaf.
  • In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg. Add a few ounces of the milk mixture to the egg and whisk to combine. Add another few ounces of the milk mixture to the egg and thoroughly combine. Then add the egg mixture back to the milk mixture and whisk vigorously. Stir in three-quarters of the cheese and season with the salt and pepper. Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 4-quart casserole dish.
  • For the topping: Top the macaroni with the remaining cheese. Toss the breadcrumbs with the melted butter to coat. Sprinkle the macaroni with the breadcrumb mixture in an even layer.
  • Bake for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.

STOVE TOP MAC-N-CHEESE



Stove Top Mac-n-Cheese image

Stir together Alton Brown's kid-pleasing Stovetop Mac-and-Cheese recipe from Good Eats on Food Network and you'll never go back to the store-bought box.

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     main-dish

Time 35m

Yield 6 to 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 pound elbow macaroni
4 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
6 ounces evaporated milk
1/2 teaspoon hot sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
Fresh black pepper
3/4 teaspoon dry mustard
10 ounces sharp cheddar, shredded

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente and drain. Return to the pot and melt in the butter. Toss to coat.
  • Whisk together the eggs, milk, hot sauce, salt, pepper, and mustard. Stir into the pasta and add the cheese. Over low heat continue to stir for 3 minutes or until creamy.

NEXT DAY MAC AND CHEESE "TOAST"



Next Day Mac and Cheese

Provided by Alton Brown

Categories     appetizer

Time 25m

Yield varies according to amount of

Number Of Ingredients 8

Leftover baked macaroni and cheese, refrigerated for at least overnight
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon cayenne
1 egg beaten with 2 ounces water
1 cup panko bread crumbs
Oil for deep frying, preheated to 375 degrees

Steps:

  • Cut refrigerated macaroni and cheese into slices or bite size pieces.
  • Season the flour with salt, pepper and cayenne. Dredge each piece through the flour and gently tap off excess. Dip in the egg wash and then coat with the bread crumbs. Allow them to rest for 5 minutes so the crust can set. Very carefully drop into the oil and fry until golden brown. Remove to a baking sheet fitted with a rack and rest for 2 minutes before serving.

ALTON BROWN'S BAKED MACARONI AND CHEESE



Alton Brown's Baked Macaroni and Cheese image

This is in reply to a request for mac and cheese. I copied this from Alton Brown "Good Eats" from the food network. Does take a bit of work, but well worth it. You can add tuna, hot dogs or any other kinds of additions you want.

Provided by Chef Boy of Dees

Categories     Cheese

Time 45m

Yield 6-8 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

1/2 lb elbow macaroni
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon mustard powder
3 cups milk
1/2 cup yellow onion, finely diced
1 bay leaf
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1 large egg
12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon kosher salt
fresh black pepper
3 tablespoons butter
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot of boiling, salted water cook the pasta to al dente.
  • While the pasta is cooking, in a separate pot, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and mustard and keep it moving for about five minutes making sure it's free of lumps.
  • Stir in the milk, onion, bay leaf, and paprika. Simmer for ten minutes and remove the bay leaf.
  • Temper in the egg. Stir in 3/4 of the cheese. Season with salt and pepper.
  • Fold the macaroni into the mix and pour into a 2-quart casserole dish. Top with remaining cheese.
  • For the topping, melt the butter in a sauté pan and toss the bread crumbs to coat. Top the macaroni with the bread crumbs. Bake for 30 minutes.
  • Remove from oven and rest for five minutes before serving.

Tips:

  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh pasta, cheese, and milk will give you the best flavor.
  • Don't overcook the macaroni: Cook it just until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite.
  • Use a good quality cheese: A sharp cheddar cheese will give you the best flavor.
  • Don't be afraid to experiment: You can add different ingredients to your macaroni and cheese, such as bacon, vegetables, or herbs.
  • Let the macaroni and cheese rest before serving: This will allow the flavors to meld together.

Conclusion:

Baked macaroni and cheese is a classic comfort food that is easy to make and always a crowd-pleaser. With a few simple tips, you can make the best macaroni and cheese you've ever tasted. So next time you're looking for a delicious and easy meal, give baked macaroni and cheese a try.

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