Macaroni and cheese has come a long way since 1802 when President Thomas Jefferson first served it at a state dinner. Since pasta was not readily available to the masses at that time, the dish did not catch on in popularity until 1937 when Kraft introduced its boxed version. Cheese and butter are at the heart of a good macaroni and cheese, and both ingredients tend to solidify and get grainy as they cool. The addition of a few simple ingredients, however, can transform an otherwise thick, clumpy sauce into a cheesy, creamy delight.
Add a small handful of salt to a large pot of cold water. Cover tightly and bring to a boil over high heat. Remove the lid, add the pasta and cook according to package directions until the pasta is al dente, or still firm to the bite. Remove the pan from the heat, drain the pasta and set aside.
Melt 6 tbsp. of the butter in a large saucepan over medium-low heat, making sure not to brown or burn the butter. Mix the flour with 2 tsp. of salt, the dry mustard, white pepper and nutmeg and add to the butter in the pan. Stir constantly with a wooden spoon until the mixture, called a roux, forms a dough and pulls away from the sides of the pan.
Add the whole and evaporated milk to the roux and cook, stirring constantly, until the mixture thickens to a thick gravy consistency. Add the cream cheese to the mix and stir until the cheese has melted. Remove the pan from the heat and add the shredded cheese. Stir constantly until the cheese has melted.
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Butter a baking dish with the remaining 2 tbsp. of butter. Arrange the pasta in the dish. Pour the cheese sauce over the pasta and stir to thoroughly combine. Combine the breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta and cheese mixture.
Cook the macaroni and cheese in a preheated oven for 30 minutes or until the cheese begins to bubble. Let sit for 10 minutes before serving.
Tips
Instead of using cream cheese as a binder, try some Italian mascarpone, ricotta or cottage cheese, creme fraiche or egg yolks in the mixture.
After assembling the macaroni and cheese, cover tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and keep in the refrigerator for up to two days. Remove the casserole from the refrigerator 20 minutes prior to baking.
Add new flavor by adding crumbled, cooked bacon, minced pancetta or caramelized onions to the cheese sauce, or top the casserole with freshly sliced tomatoes.
Warning
Although it is a good source of carbohydrates and calcium, macaroni and cheese is filled with fat and calories. Keep portion sizes small if counting calories.
