Max And Cheese Recipe
Had the max and cheese with corn bread. OMG, it was tasty.
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Ingredients
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Mac and Cheese
Cornbread (to serve)
Method
Mac and Cheese
Cook pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 cup elbow macaroni and cook until just al dente (about 7–8 minutes). Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
Make roux
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons unsalted butter. Add 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour and whisk continuously for 1–2 minutes until combined and slightly golden (this cooks the flour).
Make cheese sauce
Slowly whisk in 2 cups whole milk, a little at a time, until smooth. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the mixture thickens and coats the back of a spoon (about 5–7 minutes). Remove from heat and whisk in 2 cups shredded sharp cheddar and 1 cup shredded Gruyère or mozzarella until melted and smooth. Stir in 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon paprika. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in up to 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to reach desired consistency.
Combine pasta and sauce
Fold the drained macaroni into the cheese sauce until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed.
In a small skillet over medium heat, warm 1 teaspoon olive oil. Add 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs and toast, stirring, until golden and crisp (2–3 minutes). Remove from heat.
Bake (optional)
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer mac and cheese to a small baking dish, sprinkle the toasted panko evenly over the top, and bake 12–15 minutes until bubbly and topping is golden. Alternatively, skip baking and serve immediately for a creamier texture.
Cornbread
Mix dry ingredients
In a bowl, whisk together 1 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until evenly combined.
Mix wet ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk 1 large egg with 3/4 cup milk (or buttermilk) and 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter until combined.
Combine and bake
Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined—do not overmix. Pour batter into the prepared pan and bake for 18–22 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Let cool 5 minutes before slicing.