Ingredients
- 1/2 pound butter, plus extra for the baking dish
- 1 1/4 pounds elbow macaroni
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 small (1/4 to 1/3 pound) onion, diced small (about 1/2 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup flour
- 5 cups (1 1/4 pounds) shredded sharp cheddar
- 8 slices American cheese, broken into small pieces
- 2 cups (1/2 pound) grated Parmesan
- 3 tablespoons green hot chile sauce
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground pepper
- 1/2 cup seasoned bread crumbs
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly butter a 9 by 13 by 4-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat and cook the macaroni until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes. Drain.
In a small bowl, combine the cream and milk.
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the 1/2 pound of butter and cook the onion and garlic until the onion is translucent, about 6 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the flour, stirring constantly for 3 minutes. Add the cream mixture in a steady stream and whisk until smooth. Bring to a boil, stirring occasionally, 8 to 10 minutes.
Stir in 4 cups of the cheddar, the American cheese, 1 cup of the grated Parmesan, the hot pepper sauce, and cumin. Stir until all the cheese has melted; the sauce will be very thick and creamy. Season with salt and pepper.
Remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the pasta. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle with the remaining Cheddar, then the Parmesan, and finally the bread crumbs.
Bake uncovered on the middle shelf for about 20 minutes, until bubbling and brown on top.


















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Read all 7 reviews
By eorourke
Belchertown, MA
on April 21, 2011
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This is by far one of my favorite recipes and my families. I make this for potluck suppers and I bring it to people in need at church.
By smigmer_8923668
San Francisco, CA
on November 19, 2009
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Cut the cumin, double the pepper sauce, add about 2 tbsp. of mustard, and... wait for it... crumbled crispy bacon (8 thick strips should do it. Throw it under the broiler to crisp up the cheese on top (why dry out the juicy goodness? and voila. The best f'n mac 'n cheese I've ever had.
By bbaer
fairfax, VA
on May 09, 2009
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The first time I made this we expected something more creamy that could be eaten from a bowl. We were a bit disappointed until we tasted it. OMG! My sons send me text messages with the day they will be home from college with their top 3 home cooked meal requests. This is always on their list. Nobody can resist "just a little" second helping.
Read all 7 reviews