Ingredients with Measurements:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups whole milk
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2 cups grated Kačkavalj cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Colander
- Saucepan
- Whisk
- 9x13 inch baking dish
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook macaroni according to package instructions and drain.
3. In a saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.
4. Whisk in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until mixture turns golden brown.
5. Gradually whisk in milk and continue to whisk until mixture thickens.
6. Add salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
7. Add Kačkavalj cheese and Parmesan cheese and stir until cheese is melted and sauce is smooth.
8. Add cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until macaroni is coated.
9. Pour macaroni and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
10. Sprinkle breadcrumbs over the top of the macaroni and cheese.
11. Bake for 25-30 minutes until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Time:
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 30 minutes
Temperature:
375°F
Serving size:
6-8 servings
Nutritional information:
Calories: 545
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 14g
Cholesterol: 74mg
Sodium: 693mg
Carbohydrates: 56g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 8g
Protein: 24g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Kačkavalj cheese can be substituted with cheddar cheese or Gouda cheese.
- Parmesan cheese can be substituted with Pecorino Romano cheese.
Variations:
- Add cooked bacon or ham to the macaroni and cheese before baking.
- Add diced tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the macaroni and cheese before baking.
- Add chopped herbs such as parsley or basil to the breadcrumbs before sprinkling on top of the macaroni and cheese.
Tips and tricks:
- Be sure to whisk the cheese sauce constantly to prevent lumps.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best flavor.
- For a creamier mac and cheese, add an extra 1/2 cup of milk to the cheese sauce.
Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or oven until heated through.
Presentation ideas:
Serve in individual ramekins for a more elegant presentation.
Garnishes:
Garnish with chopped parsley or chives.
Pairings:
Serve with a side salad or roasted vegetables.
Suggested side dishes:
Roasted Brussels sprouts or a Caesar salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
If the cheese sauce is too thick, add more milk. If it is too thin, add more cheese.
Food safety advice:
Be sure to cook the macaroni until it is al dente and refrigerate leftovers promptly.
Food history:
Mac and cheese originated in Italy and was brought to the United States by Thomas Jefferson.
Flavor profiles:
Creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy.
Serving suggestions:
Serve hot and bubbly straight from the oven.
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Taste: Creamy, Cheesy, Savory, Comforting