Nanny's Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese

Everyone grew up with a version of this classic comfort food.  I have had a love affair with Macaroni & Cheese since I was a child.  Who hasn't?  Pasta wrapped in a creamy, comforting, cheesy sauce.  How could you go wrong?  If you have never made homemade Mac & Cheese, except for the blue box with the day glow orange "cheese", I think you need to change that.  This is my family's favorite version of this classic dish, my Nanny's famous Macaroni and Cheese. If you're on a really tight timeline you could serve it after you combine the pasta and the cheese sauce in the saucepan.  I prefer it after it bakes and the cheese on top gets a golden crust.  Not to mention the toasted bread crumbs, which are nice contrast to the creaminess of the sauce.   Keeping with my New Year's resolution of less processed foods, I made this last week.  I know, I know, it is not low fat, but it is made with wholesome ingredients that I can pronounce! Don't tell my kids, but I used whole wheat pasta and bread crumbs on the top.  We are taking baby steps.  Shhhh.....

Nanny's Creamy Baked Macaroni & Cheese
1  pound pasta, your favorite shape
1/2 cup butter, divided
1/2  cup flour
1  teaspoon minced garlic
4  cups milk
1  teaspoon Dijon Mustard
1  teaspoon Frank's Hot Sauce
1  teaspoon salt
1/2  teaspoon pepper
4  cups (16 ounces) Cheese, We like to use 1/2 Sharp Cheddar and 1/2 Colby/Jack.


For the topping:
1  cup fresh breadcrumbs
4  tablespoons grated Parmesan Cheese
2  tablespoons butter, melted


Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it is al dente.  


Meanwhile, melt 6 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan or dutch oven. When the butter is melted add the flour and whisk until bubbly, about 2 minutes.  Add the garlic and continue cooking for a minute until fragrant. Slowly add the milk and bring to a boil.  Reduce the heat and let simmer a few minutes until thickened.  Remove from heat and add the Dijon mustard, hot sauce, salt & pepper.  Stir to combine.  Add the cheese a handful at a time and continue stirring until cheese is melted and sauce is creamy.  Stir in the cooked pasta.  Transfer the macaroni to a 9 x 13 inch dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.


In a small bowl combine your breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni.  


Bake at 375 degrees for about 35 minutes or until bubbly and top is browned.


Cooks Note:  Don't let the Frank's Hot Sauce or the Dijon Mustard scare you.  They give the cheese sauce a nice flavor that is not spicy. 


Enjoy!


Kim

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