BECHAMEL MACARONI & CHEESE

facebook share image   twitter share image   pinterest share image   E-Mail share image



BECHAMEL MACARONI & CHEESE image

Categories     Cheese

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 12

For the béchamel:
4 cups (1 quart) whole milk
8 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 stick)
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons kosher salt
1 tsp dry mustard
to assemble:
Kosher salt
1 pound elbow macaroni
8 ounces shredded 2-year aged sharp cheddar cheese (about 3 cups)
3 ounces grated Pecorino Romano cheese (about 1 cup)
2/3 cup panko (optional)

Steps:

  • For the béchamel: Heat the milk in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat until it just comes to a simmer, then turn off the heat and set aside. In a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly until the mixture turns light brown in color, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. While whisking constantly, slowly add the hot milk to the flour mixture until evenly combined and smooth. (It will get very thick when you first add the milk, then thin out.) Return the saucepan to medium-high heat and while whisking constantly, cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in 1 tablespoon of the salt, taste, dry mustard, and add the remaining salt as desired. Remove from the heat and set aside. Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the pasta and cook until it's almost al dente (just on the edge of being underdone), then drain and rinse with cold water; set aside. (If you plan to top the mac 'n' cheese with panko and bake it, heat the oven to 400°F and arrange a rack in the middle.) Place the reserved saucepan of béchamel over medium heat and stir in both cheeses just until melted and smooth. Add the pasta and continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is heated through and steaming, about 2 to 4 minutes. Serve immediately or, if baking, transfer to a 5-quart baking dish, sprinkle with the panko, and bake until bubbling and brown on top, about 25 to 30 minutes.

Opeyemi Grace
[email protected]

I've made this recipe several times and it's always a success. It's a great dish to serve at a potluck or a party.


Dev Mak
[email protected]

This recipe is a great way to use up leftover macaroni and cheese. I just add some vegetables and some cooked chicken or beef.


nedaahmad asekzay
[email protected]

I'm a vegetarian, so I made this recipe with tofu instead of cheese. It was delicious!


Hephzibah Ezegbogu
[email protected]

I'm allergic to dairy, so I made this recipe with almond milk instead of cow's milk. It turned out great!


Kousar Malik
[email protected]

I've made this recipe several times and it's always a hit. It's a great dish to serve at a party.


Catalina Carrera
[email protected]

This recipe is a little too cheesy for my taste. I would use less cheese next time.


Khaliah Khaliah
[email protected]

I made this recipe for my picky kids and they loved it! It's a great way to get them to eat their vegetables.


Shuly Cox
[email protected]

This recipe is a little bland for my taste. I would add some more salt and pepper.


Biniyam Zewude
[email protected]

I'm not a fan of béchamel sauce, but I thought I'd give this recipe a try. I was surprised at how much I liked it! The sauce is creamy and flavorful, and the macaroni is cooked perfectly.


jose alas
[email protected]

This is a great recipe for a special occasion. It's elegant and delicious.


Rajosheek Rajosheek
[email protected]

I've made this recipe several times and it's always a success. It's a great way to use up leftover macaroni.


Tayviona Calloway
[email protected]

I made this dish for a potluck and it was a hit! Everyone loved it.


Yahia
[email protected]

This recipe is a little time-consuming, but it's worth the effort. The bechamel sauce is so creamy and flavorful.


Namubiru Ritah
[email protected]

I'm not a fan of macaroni and cheese, but I thought I'd give this recipe a try. I was pleasantly surprised! The bechamel sauce is delicious and the macaroni is cooked perfectly.


Thark Sat
[email protected]

This is a great recipe for a weeknight meal. It's quick and easy to make, and it's always a crowd-pleaser.


Melody Lispier
[email protected]

I love that this recipe uses bechamel sauce instead of cheese sauce. It makes the dish lighter and more flavorful.


ifra shafiq
[email protected]

This recipe is a keeper! I've made it several times and it's always a hit.


Masumul Karim
[email protected]

I made this for my family last night and they loved it! The bechamel sauce is amazing.


Samuel Ndambuki
[email protected]

This is the best macaroni and cheese recipe I've ever tried! The sauce is so creamy and flavorful, and the macaroni is cooked perfectly. I will definitely be making this again.