Mac & Cheese all grown up!

I have been searching for a recipe to replace my old (processed Velveeta) Mac & Cheese recipe.  After 3 or 4 misses...This is it!

No powdered cheese, no processed cheese!  This definitely isn't your "out of a box" Mac & Cheese!

I wasn't sure about a Macaroni & Cheese recipe made without Cheddar or American Cheese because it seems like that's "just how it's made".  After trying this, those orange cheeses are a thing of the past!

If this comfort food is a favorite of yours, you HAVE to try this recipe!


Since this Mac & Cheese isn't baked, the sauce doesn't dry up, so it stays really creamy!  And, the topping is really crunchy!!

Creamy, crunchy, yummy!  It seriously is the best Mac & Cheese I have ever made!!


Macaroni & Cheese
(good enough to serve to company!!!  NO JOKE!)

Ingredients:

Mac & Cheese:
1 lb. of your favorite pasta (Shells, Elbows, Bow Ties, Orecchiette)
2 tbsp. butter  (or mild flavored Olive Oil)
2 tbsp. unbleached all purpose flour
1 3/4 cups half & half (or milk, your choice.  I used half & half)
1/4 lb. (4 oz.) Fontina Cheese, shredded
1/4 lb. (4 oz.) Gouda Cheese, shredded
1/4 lb. (4 oz.) Asiago Cheese, shredded
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or more to your taste!)
Salt, to taste

Crunchy topping:
1/4 cup butter
2 large cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp. fresh parsley or chives, chopped fine
2 cups freshly made bread crumbs, toasted (recipe below)
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan Cheese

Instructions:
Cook pasta to al dente, according to the directions on the package.

Make the bread crumb topping:
Chop bread into pieces then put into blender or food processor to make into course crumbs.  Toast in pre-heated 375 degree oven until lightly browned--about 8 minutes, stirring half way.

Melt butter in a large pan over medium low heat.  Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes.  Be very careful not to burn the garlic!  Add the parsley (or chives), bread crumbs, and parmesan cheese.  Mix until everything is combined and crumbs are completely coated with the butter mixture.

Set aside.

Make the cheese sauce:
In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter (or use Olive Oil) and add flour.  Whisk constantly for 2 minutes.

Add milk and whisk to remove lumps.  Continue whisking until mixture thickens and begins to simmer.

Add cheeses and season to taste with salt & pepper.  (don't be stingy with the seasonings!!!)

Pour the cheese sauce over freshly cooked pasta and stir to combine.

Spoon Macaroni & Cheese into serving bowls and sprinkle with bread crumb topping.

Enjoy!!

p.s.  This is really filling.  A little goes a long way!  Small servings!!!