The Ultimate Mac and Cheese
December 24th, 2024
This Recipe creates 8 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
This Mac and Cheese Recipe is not the "yellow death" from the ubiquitous blue box, with cardboard noodles and cheese flavored powder. This recipe uses lots of real cheese. Additional flavor is added with the inclusion of pasteurized cheese (also real cheese). The melted Gouda and Mozzarella cheese with the cubes of pasteurized cheese, provides a flavorful sauce with pockets of gooey, creamy goodness. The bread crumbs on top give it a bit of a crunch. Overall, this is the perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
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1 lb Penne Pasta
1/2 Tablespoon Unsalted Butter
1 Tablespoon All Purpose Flour
1/4 Cup Buttermilk
1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
8 Ounces Velveeta, cut into small cubes
8 Ounces Gouda Cheese, shredded
8 Ounces Mozzarella Cheese, shredded
1 Slice (about 1 Ounce or 29 Grams) French Bread
Directions:
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Prepare the Pasta, following the instructions on the bag.
Reduce the cooking time by 60 to 90 seconds so that the Pasta is a little al dente.
Drain the Pasta and rinse with cold water to stop it from cooking.
Pour the Pasta into a large, 9x13 casserole dish.
Cut the Velveeta into small, 1/4 inch squares.
Gently fold the Velveeta into the Pasta, ensuring not to break the noodles.
Preheat the oven to 350° F.
In a small microwave safe bowl, microwave the Butter for about 15 seconds.
Add the Flour and mix together.
Add the Buttermilk and Heavy Cream. Whisk until fully integrated.
Spread the Gouda Cheese and the Mozzarella Cheese across the Pasta.
Use a spatula to fold together until fully integrated.
Drizzle the Heavy Cream mixture across the Pasta.
Again, fold together until integrated.
Bake at 350° F. for 20 minutes.
Place the Bread into a blender and pulverize it into Bread Crumbs
After 20 minutes, sprinkle the top of the Casserole with the Bread Crumbs.
Bake at 350° F. for another 10 minutes, until the crumbs are lightly browned.
Serve warm.
