Ina Garten Easy Make Ahead Mac and Cheese Recipe
Do you love creamy pasta? Most people do. Ina Garten makes the best mac and cheese.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi.
- 1 quart whole milk.
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour.
- 4 cups Gruyere cheese grated.
- 2 cups extra-sharp Cheddar grated.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg.
- 1 1/2 cups fresh breadcrumbs.
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for topping.
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- First, boil a large pot of water. Add a pinch of salt. Cook the pasta for six minutes. It should be slightly firm. Drain the water well.
Make the Roux
- Melt butter in a saucepan. Add the flour slowly. Whisk it for one minute. Keep the heat on medium.
Add the Milk
- Pour the milk in slowly. Whisk while you pour. Cook until the sauce gets thick. This takes about five minutes.
Melt the Cheese
- Turn off the heat. Add the grated cheeses. Save some for the top. Stir until the cheese melts.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt and pepper. Stir in the nutmeg. Nutmeg adds a special taste. It makes the sauce better.
Mix it Up
- Put the pasta in a bowl. Pour the cheese sauce over it. Mix everything very well. Ensure every noodle is coated.
Prep for Baking
- Butter your baking dish. Pour the pasta into the dish. Sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Add the Topping
- Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. Sprinkle them over the cheese. This adds a nice crunch.
Make it Ahead
- Cover the dish with plastic wrap. Put it in the fridge. You can do this a day early.
Bake and Serve
- Bake at 375 degrees. Cook for about 35 minutes. The top should be golden brown. Let it cool slightly before eating.
Notes
- Use high-quality cheese for better flavor.
- Grate the cheese yourself at home.
- Pre-shredded cheese does not melt well.
- Do not overcook the pasta early.
- It softens more in the oven.
- Use whole milk for a creamy texture.
- Low-fat milk makes the sauce thin.
- Let the dish sit for five minutes.
- This helps the sauce set perfectly.
- Always use fresh breadcrumbs if possible.
- They taste better than the canned kind.