Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon salt, plus more for pasta water
- 1 pound large elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 pound white Cheddar, shredded
- 4 ounces Romano, shredded
- 4 ounces Asiago, shredded
- 2 cups bread crumbs (suggested: panko (Japanese) available at most markets)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Directions
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
In large pot filled with water add 3 pinches of salt and the macaroni and place over high heat. Bring to a boil and let cook until al dente, about 8 minutes. Drain. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, melt butter. Sprinkle flour over butter and cook 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat, whisking until a roux or paste forms. Add cold milk and whisk vigorously until dissolved. Cook sauce on medium-low heat until thick and bubbly. Add heavy cream, all cheeses, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon pepper. Cook until cheeses are fully melted, stirring occasionally.
Add cooked macaroni to cheese mixture and mix thoroughly. Place macaroni mixture in a 13 by 9 baking dish and top with bread crumbs. Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown. Top with fresh parsley and serve.
For variations, add cooked lobster meat, truffle oil, bacon and/or garden fresh vegetables.
* Professional Recipe
This recipe was provided by a chef, restaurant or culinary professional and makes a large quantity. The Food Network Kitchens chefs have not tested this recipe in the proportions indicated and therefore cannot make any representation as to the results.
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By stina_marie
Salida, ca
on May 05, 2013
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I made this for a family BBQ. It was a HIT! Tastes amazing and very easy to make!
By lynnhightower_1...
jackson, 62
on February 23, 2013
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My cheese sauce was "grainey" not smooth. What did I do wrong?
By l-mclaughlin_24...
Dallas, TX
on November 24, 2012
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One of the best Mac n cheese recipes I have made....will make this again. For a crispier topping, toss about a cup of breadcrumbs with some melted butter and parsley to top the casserole....then bake until bubbly.
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