Comfort Diner Macaroni and Cheese
(from saymyname’s recipe box)
Source: Ira Freehof of Comfort Diners in New York City.
Serves 6 peopleCategories: Macaroni and Cheese, Main Dish, Side Dish
Ingredients
- 4 tablespoons butter, plus
- 1 teaspoon butter (and extra for the baking dish)
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 1/2 cups whole milk
- 1/4 cup flour
- 1 cup lightly packed grated American cheese
- 1 cup lightly packed grated italian Fontina cheese
- kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- 2 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup fresh breadcrumb
Directions
-
Preheat the oven to 375 degrees; butter a 9-inch square baking pan.
-
Bring a large pot of water to a boil (over high heat); add macaroni and cook 8-10 minutes or until al dente; drain and rinse with cool water.
-
Place drained macaroni in a large mixing bowl; drizzle with the oil.
-
In a small saucepan over med-high heat, warm the milk.
-
In a large saucepan over med-low heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter; sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly until the flour is absorbed and the mixture is bubbling gently and is lightly golden (2-3 minutes).
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Gradually add in the warm milk, whisking constantly.
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Increase the heat to medium and bring to a simmer, stirring with a wooden spoon until smooth and slightly thickened.
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Add in the American cheese and fontina; remove pan from the heat.
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Whisk the mixture until the cheese is almost completely melted, stir in the salt, pepper, and mustard.
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Pour the sauce over the macaroni; stir to combine.
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Transfer mixture to the prepared pan.
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In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and the breadcrumbs; sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.
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Cut the remaining teaspoon of butter into small bits and dot the casserole.
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Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling and a crust begins to form.