Indulge in a culinary masterpiece with Thomas Keller's Macaroni Gratin, a delectable dish that embodies the essence of French comfort food. This classic recipe, also known as Gratin de Macaroni, is an exquisite combination of tender macaroni, a creamy béchamel sauce, and a golden brown crust of grated cheese. It offers a perfect balance of textures and flavors, making it a beloved dish among food enthusiasts. This article presents not only the original Macaroni Gratin recipe but also two variations: a vegetarian version and a seafood version. Each recipe is meticulously crafted to deliver a unique culinary experience, catering to diverse preferences and dietary needs. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a home cook seeking a challenge, this guide will provide you with the knowledge and techniques to create a remarkable dish that will impress your family and friends.
Here are our top 4 tried and tested recipes!
OVERNIGHT MACARONI AND CHEESE GRATIN
A French recipe that uses Gruyere instead of Cheddar cheese. Great sophisticated side dish for steaks and roasts.
Provided by Nathalie Coleman
Categories Main Dish Recipes Pasta Macaroni and Cheese Recipes Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipes
Time P1DT1h4m
Yield 6
Number Of Ingredients 5
Steps:
- Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until halfway cooked, about 4 minutes. Drain.
- Combine heavy cream, milk, and Gruyere cheese in a large bowl. Add elbow macaroni and mix well; season with salt and pepper. Cover bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 24 hours.
- Bring the macaroni mixture to room temperature, 30 minutes to 1 hour. Pour into a 2-quart baking dish. Sprinkle remaining Gruyere cheese on top.
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).
- Bake in the preheated oven until golden and crispy, 15 to 20 minutes.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 507.2 calories, Carbohydrate 31.8 g, Cholesterol 132.6 mg, Fat 37 g, Fiber 1.3 g, Protein 13.6 g, SaturatedFat 22.5 g, Sodium 139.2 mg, Sugar 3.8 g
THOMAS KELLER'S MACARONI GRATIN (GRATI DE MACARONI) RECIPE RECIPE
Provided by tulawdog
Number Of Ingredients 55
Steps:
- Mornay sauce: 1. Melt the butter in a large heavy saucepan set on a diffuser over medium heat. 2. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. 3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly so that the roux doesn't burn or color. 4. Whisking constantly, add the milk and cream and whisk until fully incorporated. 5. Bring to a simmer, whisking, then add the bay leaf, peppercorns, and cloves. 6. Move the pan to one side of the diffuser, away from direct heat to avoid scorching, and bring back to a gentle simmer. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, reaching into the corners of the pan, for about 30 minutes. (If the sauce does begin to scorch, pour it into a clean pan - don't scrape the bottom of the pan - and continue). 7. Remove the sauce from the heat and season to taste with salt, a grating of nutmeg, and a pinch of white pepper. 8. Strain the sauce, add the cheese, and whisk to melt. 9. Use immediately, or place in a storage container, press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface to keep a skin from forming, and refrigerate for up to a week. 10. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, it can be thinned with a little heavy cream. Mac and Cheese 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender; drain, rinse under cold water, and drain on paper towels. 2. Meanwhile, put a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400F. 3. Warm the Mornay sauce in a large saucepan over low heat. If the sauce has been refrigerated and seems too thick, thin it with a little additional heavy cream. Remove from the heat and add the macaroni and mushrooms or ham, if using (* I use sauteed smoked bacon). Mix well and season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. (The mixture may look loose, but the macaroni will continue to absorb sauce and it will thicken as it bakes.) 4. Pour into an 8-cup gratin dish, such as a 9-by-15-inch oval, or into individual gratin or baking dishes. Sprinkle the top with the thyme, cheese, and bread crumbs. 5. Place the gratin dish(es) on a baking sheet in order to catch any sauce that may bubble over, then place in the oven. Turn the heat down to 375F and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges. If the gratin has not browned, turn on the broiler to brown the top.
MACARONI AU GRATIN
This 30-minute mac and cheese from chef Ashley Christensen is a bestseller at her Raleigh, NC restaurant, Poole's Diner. What makes it special: the three-cheese combo is brûléed under the broiler for a crust you must crack through to reach the creamy macaroni below.
Provided by Ashley Christensen
Categories main-dish
Time 30m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 7
Steps:
- Preheat broiler. In a medium saucepan over high heat, bring 2 quarts water and kosher salt to a boil. Add macaroni and return water to a boil; cook until barely al dente, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir the grated Grana Padano, Jarlsberg, and Cheddar cheeses to combine. Set aside. Taste a macaroni for doneness: it should be chewy yet firm. Strain macaroni in a colander and set aside.
- Add heavy cream and a pinch of sea salt to an oven-safe skillet; turn heat to medium-high and bring to a simmer. When cream is simmering, fold in the macaroni. Continue to simmer to reduce and thicken, about 1½-2 minutes. Stir in ¼ of the cheese mixture to combine with noodles. Turn off the heat and stir in another ¼ of the cheese. Place remaining cheese over the top in an even layer (do not stir).
- Set rack in the oven about 4 inches from the broiler. Place skillet under the broiler until cheese melts and caramelizes into a golden brown crust, 3-5 minutes (keeping an eye on it so it doesn't burn). Remove gratin from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.
THOMAS KELLER'S MACARONI GRATIN (GRATI DE MACARONI) RECIPE RECIPE
Provided by tulawdog
Number Of Ingredients 55
Steps:
- Mornay sauce: 1. Melt the butter in a large heavy saucepan set on a diffuser over medium heat. 2. Add the onion and a pinch of salt and cook slowly, stirring occasionally, for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent. 3. Sprinkle in the flour and cook for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly so that the roux doesn't burn or color. 4. Whisking constantly, add the milk and cream and whisk until fully incorporated. 5. Bring to a simmer, whisking, then add the bay leaf, peppercorns, and cloves. 6. Move the pan to one side of the diffuser, away from direct heat to avoid scorching, and bring back to a gentle simmer. Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook, whisking occasionally, reaching into the corners of the pan, for about 30 minutes. (If the sauce does begin to scorch, pour it into a clean pan - don't scrape the bottom of the pan - and continue). 7. Remove the sauce from the heat and season to taste with salt, a grating of nutmeg, and a pinch of white pepper. 8. Strain the sauce, add the cheese, and whisk to melt. 9. Use immediately, or place in a storage container, press a piece of plastic wrap against the surface to keep a skin from forming, and refrigerate for up to a week. 10. If the sauce is too thick after refrigeration, it can be thinned with a little heavy cream. Mac and Cheese 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook until tender; drain, rinse under cold water, and drain on paper towels. 2. Meanwhile, put a rack in the top third of the oven and preheat the oven to 400F. 3. Warm the Mornay sauce in a large saucepan over low heat. If the sauce has been refrigerated and seems too thick, thin it with a little additional heavy cream. Remove from the heat and add the macaroni and mushrooms or ham, if using (* I use sauteed smoked bacon). Mix well and season to taste with salt, pepper, and nutmeg. (The mixture may look loose, but the macaroni will continue to absorb sauce and it will thicken as it bakes.) 4. Pour into an 8-cup gratin dish, such as a 9-by-15-inch oval, or into individual gratin or baking dishes. Sprinkle the top with the thyme, cheese, and bread crumbs. 5. Place the gratin dish(es) on a baking sheet in order to catch any sauce that may bubble over, then place in the oven. Turn the heat down to 375F and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the mixture is hot and bubbling around the edges. If the gratin has not browned, turn on the broiler to brown the top.
Tips:
- To make the perfect béchamel sauce, start with a roux made from equal parts butter and flour. Whisk the roux over medium heat until it is smooth and golden brown.
- Gradually whisk in milk to the roux, a little at a time, until the sauce is smooth and thick. Season the sauce with salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
- Cook the macaroni until it is al dente, or slightly firm to the bite. Drain the macaroni and rinse it with cold water.
- Combine the macaroni, béchamel sauce, Gruyère cheese, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- Transfer the macaroni mixture to a greased baking dish and top with additional Gruyère cheese. Bake the macaroni gratin in a preheated oven until it is golden brown and bubbly.
- Let the macaroni gratin cool for a few minutes before serving. Serve the macaroni gratin with a green salad or roasted vegetables.
Conclusion:
Thomas Keller's macaroni gratin is a classic French dish that is perfect for any occasion. This dish is made with a few simple ingredients, but it is packed with flavor. The béchamel sauce is smooth and creamy, the macaroni is cooked to perfection, and the Gruyère and Parmesan cheeses are melted and bubbly. This dish is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.
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