Although macaroni and cheese is often served as a main course in American homes, especially to children, in diners and restaurants it is typically a rich side dish. President Thomas Jefferson was the first person to serve this dish in the United States, where it is commonly called mac 'n' cheese.
Recipe Servings: 6
Prep Time
25 minutes
Cook Time
30 minutes
Total Time
55 minutes
Vegetarian
Vegan
Gluten Free
Dairy Free
Kosher
Halal
Ingredients
- Nonstick cooking spray, as needed to grease dish
- 1½ lb elbow macaroni
- 7 cups sharp cheddar cheese, grated and divided
- 1 cup butter, melted
- 2 cups half and half
- Salt, to taste
- Ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 cup dry breadcrumbs (optional)
Directions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Grease an ovenproof baking dish using nonstick cooking spray.
- Cook macaroni in boiling, salted water until just tender.
- Drain, rinse under cold water, and drain again.
- Add 5½ cups of cheese, and gently mix.
- Add butter, half and half, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
- Top with remaining cheese followed by the breadcrumbs, if using.
- Bake about 20 minutes, until cheese is melted and bubbling and top is golden.
- Serve hot.
Notes
- Milk or evaporated milk can be substituted for cream.
- 1 onion, minced, can be sautéed in the melted butter.
- Up to 1 tablespoon of paprika may be added to the milk or sprinkled over the top.
- Gruyere, Gouda, Parmesan, or another sharp cheese may be substituted for all or part of the cheddar.
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