Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 cup diced jalapeños
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for boiling pasta
- Medium saucepan for making cheese sauce
- Baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a medium saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.
4. Add flour and whisk until smooth. Cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns light brown.
5. Slowly add milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
6. Add garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until combined.
7. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes until sauce thickens.
8. Add shredded cheddar cheese and pepper jack cheese to the sauce. Whisk until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
9. Add diced jalapeños to the cheese sauce and stir until combined.
10. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until macaroni is coated in sauce.
11. Pour mac and cheese into a baking dish.
12. In a small bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs with melted butter.
13. Sprinkle breadcrumb mixture over the top of the mac and cheese.
14. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and crispy.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 650
Fat: 38g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 25g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Use any type of pasta instead of elbow macaroni.
- Use any type of cheese instead of cheddar and pepper jack.
- Use canned or pickled jalapeños instead of fresh jalapeños.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ground beef to the mac and cheese.
- Use different types of cheese, such as gouda or blue cheese.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the mac and cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- To make the mac and cheese spicier, add more diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- To make the mac and cheese creamier, add more heavy cream or half and half.
- To make the mac and cheese healthier, use low-fat milk and cheese.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover mac and cheese in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- Reheat mac and cheese in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve mac and cheese in individual ramekins for a cute presentation.
- Top mac and cheese with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro.
Garnishes:
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro
- Diced tomatoes
- Crumbled bacon
Pairings:
- Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
- Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli
- Garlic bread
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk or heavy cream.
- If the mac and cheese is too dry, add more cheese or a splash of milk.
Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook the macaroni until al dente to prevent the mac and cheese from becoming mushy.
- Store leftover mac and cheese in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
Food history:
- Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food that originated in the 1930s.
Flavor profiles:
- Creamy, cheesy, spicy
Serving suggestions:
- Serve hot and bubbly.
Related Categories
Cooking Method: N/A
Course Type: N/A
Dietary: N/A
Ingredient: N/A
Meal type: N/A
Occassion: N/A
Region: N/A