Cooking Classics
The Technique
The New Macaroni & Cheese
Although classic cold side dishes such as Old-Fashioned Potato Salad, Bacon-Ranch Potato Salad & Bourbon-Mustard Roasted Potato Salad are ideal to serve guests when entertaining, macaroni & cheese deserves a spot on your party menu. The New Classic Macaroni & Cheese takes a cue from your favorite barbecue joints as the traditional flavors pair wonderfully with smoked pork & chicken. However, this creamy-style version features several updates from the traditional egg-based custard varieties you may be accustomed to & it features four different sharp & tangy cheeses. A different pasta style will hold up better than the standard since two cooking applications are necessary in order to prepare it. Many do not not know that macaroni cheese can be prepared & portioned into the dish in advance & baked later for effortless serving options when hosting guests in your home. Beyond barbecue socials, look to this delicious version to serve throughout the year for special weeknight meals with family. Accompany with quicker grilling specialties such as Lemon-Oregano-Chicken Kabobs & Classic Grilled Flank Steak. Learn how to make one of the most beloved side dishes appropriate for both casual & elevated gatherings.
The New Classic Macaroni & Cheese
makes 10 servings
Shred the Cheddar, the Gouda & the Jarlsberg cheeses using a box grater while to pasta is cooking to make the most efficient use of your time. A microplane grater works well for the Parmesan cheese & results in a feathery consistency that melts quickly when heat is applied.
1 {16-oz} package cavatappi pasta
1 3/4 tsp kosher salt, divided
1 {8-oz} package extra sharp Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup {4-oz} shredded Gouda cheese
1 cup {4-oz} shredded Jarlsberg cheese
1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 cup butter
1/4 cup all purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
2 cups half & half
1/4 tsp ground red pepper
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare the pasta according to package directions in a 6-quart Dutch oven with 1 teaspoon of salt. Drain. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the cheeses together in a large bowl to blend. Remove 1 cup of the cheese & set aside. Melt the butter in the same Dutch oven over Medium heat. Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes. Whisk in the milk, the half & half, the remaining 3/4 teaspoons of salt, the ground red pepper & the black pepper. Cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture thickens & bubbles steadily over the surface. Add the cheeses. Turn off the heat. Whisk the mixture until melted & smooth. Stir the cooked pasta into cheese mixture until well blended. Coat a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour the pasta into the dish. Top with the reserved 1 cup of cheese. Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbling vigorously & the top is golden brown in spots over the surface. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
FROM THE KITCHEN OF BUTTERMILK LIPSTICK
{testing notes}
How To Make The New Classic Macaroni & Cheese
The New Classic Macaroni & Cheese features several cooking techniques & a streamlined method on how to make a favorite pasta dish. Detailed photos & instruction are designed to guide you every step of the way. It can be prepared in advance when entertaining is in order & held in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake the dish at your convenience. From the pasta preparation to the rich mornay sauce showcasing four distinctive cheeses, guests are sure to indulge in a second helping.
The Technique
A few pieces of equipment will be needed in order to complete the task. Read through the recipe before beginning. Here’s what you should know.
No. 1
The Pasta
Do not be tempted to add any oil to the water as it boils as the Mornay Sauce will cling to the pasta better. Cavatappi pasta noodles with ridges will further ensure that the cheese sauce will cling to them. For additional guidance, look to The Basics: Pasta for pointers on how to cook a wide variety of noodle styles. Once the noodles have been cooked, rinse them under cold tap water to stop the cooking process. Rinse the Dutch oven as it will be used to prepare the Mornay Sauce & toss together the cooked noodles.
Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Prepare the pasta according to package directions in a 6-quart Dutch oven with 1 teaspoon of salt. Drain. Rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss the cheeses together in a large bowl to blend. Remove 1 cup of the cheese & set aside.
No. 2
The Béchamel Sauce
A béchamel sauce is considered one of the five mother sauces in traditional French cooking. Also known as a white sauce, the most basic combinations are prepared with butter, flour & milk but half & half or cream can be used to offer added indulgent flavor. Often times a béchamel serves as the foundation for other rich blends.
Melt the butter in the same Dutch oven over Medium heat.
2a
Gradually whisk in the flour until smooth; cook, whisking constantly, 2 minutes.
2b
Add the milk & the half & half.
2c
Add the remaining 3/4 teaspoons of salt, the ground red pepper & the black pepper. Whisk the mixture vigorously to smooth any lumps.
2d
Cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes or until mixture thickens & bubbles steadily over the surface.
No. 3
The Mornay Sauce
A mornay sauce starts with a béchamel. Once the light roux has been prepared & the milk has been added & cooked a bit, it will thicken. It becomes a mornay sauce when the cheese is added to it.
Add the cheeses.
3a
Turn off the heat.
3b
Whisk the mixture until melted & smooth.
No. 4
The Assembly
Stir the cooked pasta into cheese mixture until well blended.
4a
Be certain to coat each piece of pasta well with the mornay sauce.
4b
Coat a 13 x 9-inch casserole dish with cooking spray. Pour the pasta into the dish.
4c
Top with the reserved 1 cup of cheese.
No. 5
The Baking
Bake 25 to 30 minutes or until bubbling vigorously & the top is golden brown in spots over the surface. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
No. 6
The New Classic Macaroni & Cheese
Sprinkle a little freshly ground pepper over the surface & accompany with an heirloom silver serving spoon.
The Entertaining Primer
One Day Ahead
The macaroni & cheese can be prepared & portioned into the baking dish up to a day in advance. Cover & chill. Remove the dish from the refrigerator & let stand 30 minutes before baking. Remove the plastic wrap & bake as directed increasing the time, if necessary, by 10 minutes to ensure the center becomes hot, bubbly & cooked throughout.
The Tune
“I’ve Been Loving You Too Long” Etta James
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Rebecca Gordon
Be sweet.
This sounds so good!!! It’s amazing how a different pasta can change a whole dish!!! Must try!!!
You will love it!