Macaroni and Cheese Gratin
Total Steps
8
Ingredients
13
Tools Needed
10
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Macaroni and CheeseIngredients
- 1 pounds macaroni(optional)
- 5 tablespoons butter
- 5 tablespoons flour
- 4 cups milk
- 4 cups grated cheddar and gruyer cheeses(optional)
- 1 teaspoons salt
- 1/4 teaspoons nutmeg
- a few drops hot pepper sauce
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 1 1/2 cups herbed bread crumbs
- 1/4 cups grated Parmesan
- 1/3 cups chopped parsley
- a few slices tomatoes(optional)
Instructions
Step 1
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add salt, then add 1 pound macaroni and cook until not quite al dente (the macaroni will continue to cook in the oven).
Step 2
In a separate saucepan, melt 5 tablespoons butter. Add 5 tablespoons flour and stir with a whisk or wooden spoon for a couple of minutes to cook the flour and form a roux.
Step 3
Gradually add 4 cups milk, 1/2 cup at a time, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens. Add the remaining milk and continue to cook over low heat, stirring constantly and scraping the bottom of the pan to prevent burning, until the sauce thickens.
Step 4
Once the béchamel sauce is thick, add 4 cups grated cheeses (cheddar and gruyer or a mixture of other cheeses) and stir until melted. Stir in 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg, a few drops hot pepper sauce, and 1 teaspoon salt. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 5
Drain the cooked macaroni into a colander and return it to the pot. Pour the prepared cheese sauce over the macaroni and stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
Step 6
Transfer the macaroni mixture into individual shallow gratin dishes or a large buttered baking dish. Optionally, add a few tomato slices into the macaroni, tucking them in with a knife. Do not smooth out the top, allowing a few peaks for extra crispiness.
Step 7
To prepare the topping: In a bowl, melt the 2 tablespoons butter and pour it over the 1 1/2 cups herbed bread crumbs, mixing to combine. Stir in the 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and 1/3 cup chopped parsley.
Step 8
Sprinkle the prepared topping evenly over the macaroni. Bake in a preheated 400℉ (200°C) oven for 10-15 minutes, or until the crumbs are nicely golden and crispy. Serve immediately.