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Literally The Best Mac and Cheese I’ve Ever Had

Serves Serves 6 (makes 1 8x8 pan)     adjust servings

Literally the Best Mac and Cheese I've Ever Had from The Food Charlatan. This is the Best Mac and Cheese recipe ever! I'm not kidding guys. When I put this in my mouth the first time, I literally stopped to shout hallelujah. Okay not really, but I'm telling you it is SO CREAMY AND SO CHEESY and so worth it.

Ingredients

  • 2 and 1/4 cups dry elbow macaroni
  • 1/4 cup (half stick) butter
  • 1/4 cup flour
  • 1/3 cup heavy cream*
  • 2/3 cup milk*
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2/3 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 and 1/3 cup shredded SHARP cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 pound cheese cut into slices**

For the crumb topping

  • 1/4 cup (half stick) butter, melted
  • 2/3 cup Panko bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8x8 pan (or any 2 quart casserole dish) with butter or nonstick spray.
  2. In a 3 quart pot, boil the macaroni according to package instructions. Omit any salt or fat called for. (Trust me there's enough in this recipe) Should take 6-8 minutes or so. Drain and return to the pot. (If your cheese sauce is not close to being ready, add 1-2 teaspoons oil so your pasta doesn't stick.)
  3. Meanwhile in another smallish pot, melt 1/4 cup butter. Once it is hot, whisk in the flour. Cook 1 minute whisking, until it is bubbly.
  4. Slowly stir in the cream and milk. Stir the whole time until it is thick. Add salt and pepper and stir 1 more minute.
  5. Remove from heat and gradually stir in the shredded mozzarella and cheddar. If it is not melting, put it back on the burner over very low heat, stirring until the cheese is incorporated.
  6. Stir the cheese sauce into the cooked macaroni. It's pretty thick.
  7. Pour half of the mac and cheese into the prepared casserole dish.
  8. Add the 1/2 pound layer of cheese slices. YES DO ALL OF IT.
  9. Pour the other half of the mac and cheese on top and spread.
  10. In a small bowl, melt 1/4 cup butter. Stir in the bread crumbs. Spread the mixture on top of the mac and cheese.
  11. Bake for 20-25 minutes at 350. The top should be turning golden brown and the mac and cheese should be bubbly.

by

Recipe Notes

*Or you can omit the cream and do 1 cup milk total. If you're not in it for the win.

**Cheese of your choice. I did half sharp cheddar and half Monterey Jack.

Make ahead: You can assemble this (without the crumb topping) ahead of time (1-2 days), and store covered in the fridge. Add the crumb topping and then bake when you are ready to serve. You will have to bake it longer if you put it in the oven cold, I would guess at least 30-40 minutes.

Source: This recipe is from my girl Hannah. Thanks for sharing Hannah!!

All images and text © The Food Charlatan