Jenny's Mother's Creamy Macaroni Dish
Who Needs a Fancy Cheese Sauce When You've Got Vermont Cheddar and Breadcrumbs?
There's no need to stick to the traditional bechamel-type cheese sauce for your macaroni and cheese. This recipe, passed down from a family member, is my all-time favorite, and it's a breeze to whip up. Of course, if you still crave the traditional creaminess, a tangy green salad will complement this dish wonderfully.
Yield: 4-6 servingsTotal Time: Around 90 minutes (30 minutes active time)
Ingredients (10)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided (2 tablespoons for melted)
- 1 medium onion, chopped fine
- 12 ounces medium pasta shells
- 6 ounces sharp cheddar cheese (preferably Vermont), grated finely
- 1/2 teaspoon mustard powder
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne red pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cups low-fat milk
- 1 teaspoon of salt (add more if needed)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 cup coarse breadcrumbs (such as Italian-style or panko)
Instructions
- Warm Up the Oven: Heat up your oven to 350°F (176°C).
- Sweat the Onions: In a pan, melt 1 tablespoon of butter on medium heat. Add the chopped onions, stir occasionally, and cook them until they're soft and a pale golden color. Set aside.
- Get the Pasta Ready: Cook the pasta shells in a big pot of boiling water until they're al dente. Give them a good stir every now and then to prevent sticking. Don’t overcook, cause they'll cook some more in the oven. Drain and set aside.
- Mix Up the Cheese and Spices: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta shells, cheddar cheese, mustard powder, cayenne pepper, 2 tablespoons of the melted butter, salt, and black pepper. Ensure that all the ingredients are well distributed.
- Grease the Dish: Coat a baking dish large enough to hold everything with the remaining tablespoon of melted butter.
- Bake: Add the pasta/cheese mixture to the greased dish, spreading it out evenly. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs on top. Drizzle the remaining 2 tablespoons of melted butter on the breadcrumbs. Bake in the oven for 45 minutes to 1 hour, or until the dish is bubbly and the top is golden brown. Adjust the baking time based on the size of your dish.
Happy munching, you cheese monger! Refuse to settle for ordinary mac and cheese recipes – try this one out and revolutionize your taste buds. Loosen up a notch. Life's too short for boring mac and cheese, am I right?
This modified macaroni and cheese recipe, utilizing Vermont cheddar and breadcrumbs, offers a unique twist on traditional cheese sauces, focusing more on nutrition and taste. When preparing the dish, take care while sautéing the onions and stirring the pasta to ensure an even blend of ingredients. Lastly, don't forget to factor in the 90-minute total cooking time, including a 45-minute to 1-hour bake, when deciding on meal planning for 4-6 servings.
