Are you in the mood for a big, cheesy hug? Try this Chef John’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. It’s like a cozy hug on your plate.

You don’t need lots of stuff to make it – just a few things you probably have in your kitchen. When you cook this dish, it turns into a super gooey and yummy masterpiece. Get ready for a story all about delicious cheese!

It’s like creamy love mixed with elbow macaroni. The cheese bubbles up, and it has a crispy breadcrumb topping. The ingredients are simple and go together really well, like best friends. It’s like a magical mac and cheese-moment!

What Does Chef John’s Macaroni And Cheese Taste Like

Picture this: your fork goes into a sea of smooth cheddar cheese. Every bite feels creamy and a little crispy. It’s as comfy as a warm blanket and makes you remember the good times when you were a kid.

Once upon a cold night, I found a video that showed how to make this recipe. I wasn’t sure about it at first, but I wanted to try it out. And guess what? It was a big moment! The kitchen smelled amazing, like a big food hug. I couldn’t resist, and I was totally into it.

Ingredients To Make Chef John’s Macaroni And Cheese

Elbow macaroni = 1 (16 ounce) package

Butter = ¼ cup
all-purpose flour = ¼ cup
dried thyme = ¼ teaspoon

cayenne pepper = ¼ teaspoon
White pepper = ⅛ teaspoon
Milk = 3 cups

Salt = 1 teaspoon
Worcestershire sauce = ¼ teaspoon
Ground nutmeg = 1 pinch

Sharp Cheddar cheese (shredded and divided) = 3 cups
Dijon mustard = 1 teaspoon
Panko bread crumbs = ½ cup

Butter (melted) = 1 tablespoon

Steps Involved In Making Chef John’s Macaroni And Cheese

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
Boil salted water. Cook macaroni for 8 minutes. Drain.

Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan on medium heat.
Stir in flour; cook 3-4 minutes until pale yellow.
Add thyme, cayenne, white pepper; cook for 1 minute.

Whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth. Add remaining milk.
Bring sauce to a simmer. Add salt, Worcestershire sauce, and nutmeg.
Simmer, whisking often, for 8 minutes until thickened.

Turn off the heat. Stir in 2 1/4 cups Cheddar, mustard.
Transfer macaroni to the dish. Pour cheese sauce; mix.
Mix panko, and 1 tbsp melted butter in a small bowl.

Sprinkle mixture over macaroni. Add 3/4 cup Cheddar.
Bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes. Enjoy!

Recipe Tips

Grate your cheese fresh – it melts really nicely.

Cook your pasta so it’s firm but not too hard.

FAQs

Can I use any cheese I like?

Yes, you can mix and match!

What about breadcrumbs?

They’re like crunchy gold on top.

How long does it bake?

Around 25 minutes – and it’s worth the wait!

What to serve with Chef John’s Macaroni And Cheese?

Buttery Garlic Broccoli: Crunchy veggies to go with the cheese.

Crispy Chicken Strips: They’re different in texture and super yummy.
Simple Green Salad: A fresh and healthy balance.

How to Keep Your Cheesy Goodness Fresh?

Warm up leftovers gently to enjoy that cheesy goodness again. Keep your smiles in airtight containers for later.

Concluding Remarks!

I went from not being so sure to becoming a big fan of Chef John’s Macaroni and Cheese. It’s like a wonderful combination of comfort and deliciousness.

Now it’s your turn – gather your ingredients, make this awesome dish, and enjoy the warm and cozy feelings it brings. To all the cheese lovers out there – have a cheesy, yummy time!

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