Post Bump - Macaroni and Cheese

Baked Macaroni and Cheese

I made this recipe last year for Thanksgiving and it was a hit. I thought I'd pull it out of the archives for good measure! Enjoy!

I LOVE Macaroni and Cheese. Although not exactly "classic", Mac and Cheese exemplifies everything I like about cooking: It's simple and it's delicious! This recipe requires making a roux, which seems hard, but in actuality is super simple. Based on the Martha Stewart recipe, this mac and cheese recipe is simply delicious and robust.

Baked Macaroni and Cheese Recipe after the jump...

Ingredients

• 8 Tablespoons (1 stick)unsalted butter
  
• 6 slices good white bread, crusts removed and pulsed into coarse crumbs in a food processor
• 5 1/2 cups milk
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg yolk
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 1/2 cups grated sharp white cheddar
• 2 cups grated gruyere cheese
• 1 pound elbow macaroni

Directions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter a 3-quart casserole dish; set aside. Place bread crumbs in medium bowl. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter. Pour melted butter into the bowl with the bread; toss. Set the bread crumbs aside.

Warm milk in a saucepan over medium heat. Melt remaining butter in a high-sided skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, add flour. Cook, stirring for 1 minute. While whisking, add hot milk a little at a time to keep mixture smooth. Continue cooking, whisking constantly, until mixture bubbles and thickens, 8 to 12 minutes. Remove pan from heat. Stir in salt, nutmeg, both peppers, 3 cups cheddar and all of the gruyere. Stir and allow to cool slightly. Place egg yolk in a bowl and add one spoonful of cheese mixture and whisk until well blended. Add egg mixture to remaining cheese mixture and stir until well combined.

Cover a large pot of salted water, and bring to a boil. Cook macaroni for 2 to 3 minutes (the macaroni will continue cooking in the oven). Drain and run under cold water. Add macaroni to cheese mixture and combine. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and spread until even. Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese and reserved bread crumbs over top. Bake until golden brown, about 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!