Lunch / Dinner
Mac 'n Cheese with Crumb Topping
If you’re on a quest for the perfect mac ‘n cheese, the search ends here. This really should be called Mac Creamy & Cheesy! A good portion of the mac ‘n cheese connoisseurs out there would agree that Velveeta versions are just about as good as they get. This grown-up rendition features the characteristics those folks know and love, plus some.
In addition to lots of sharp white Cheddar, this recipe calls for cream and cream cheese. This makes the pasta unbelievably smooth, creamy, and cheesy ... and the flavor better than ever. Oh, you want more? Well, how about a crispy cracker topping to bring texture to each fork-full? You can assemble it all in individual baking dishes or as a family-sized casserole.
As you may have figured, this dish is over the top. Serve it with a side of sausage and apples to cut the richness a bit. And be sure to pace yourself.
Ingredients
FOR THE CRUMB TOPPING, MELT:
FOR THE MAC ‘N CHEESE, COOK:
Test Kitchen Tips
Although Cheddar is naturally a creamy white color, orange Cheddar (dyed with a spice called annatto) is more common. You can use either in this recipe.
For easy clean-up, crush crackers in a resealable plastic bag using a rolling pin or even a wine bottle. Just break up the crackers before sealing them in the bag, and don’t overfill it.
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400°.
For the crumb topping, melt 4 Tbsp. butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add cracker crumbs and cook until lightly browned, 5 minutes. Season crumbs with salt; remove from heat.
For the mac ‘n cheese, cook macaroni in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package directions. Drain macaroni, reserving 1 cup pasta water.
Melt 2 Tbsp. butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1 minute, then gradually whisk in milk, cream, and nutmeg. Bring liquid to a boil, whisking constantly, then stir in Cheddar and cream cheese until melted. If sauce seems too thick, add reserved pasta water as needed. Toss sauce with macaroni.
Rub the inside of four 8-oz. baking dishes (or one 2-qt. baking dish) with softened butter. Coat dishes with a dusting of the crumb topping, then divide macaroni mixture among them. Top macaroni mixture with remaining crumbs and bake 20 minutes.
Sauté crushed crackers in melted butter until lightly toasted. Stir them often to prevent burning.
Reserve some of the starchy pasta cooking water — you may need to thin out the cheese sauce a bit.
Coat buttered casserole dishes with some of the crumbs before adding the macaroni mixture.
Nutritional Facts
Nutritional Facts
Per serving
Calories: 996
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 68g 104%
Saturated Fat 40g 200%
Cholesterol 203mg 67%
Sodium 867mg 36%
Carbs 73g 24%
Fiber 2g 8%
Protein 31g
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.