Comfort Diner Macaroni and Cheese

(from saymyname’s recipe box)

Source: Ira Freehof of Comfort Diners in New York City.

Serves 6 people

Categories: 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

  1. Preheat the oven to 375 degrees; butter a 9-inch square baking pan.

  2. 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.

  3. Place drained macaroni in a large mixing bowl; drizzle with the oil.

  4. In a small saucepan over med-high heat, warm the milk.

  5. 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).

  6. Gradually add in the warm milk, whisking constantly.

  7. Increase the heat to medium and bring to a simmer, stirring with a wooden spoon until smooth and slightly thickened.

  8. Add in the American cheese and fontina; remove pan from the heat.

  9. Whisk the mixture until the cheese is almost completely melted, stir in the salt, pepper, and mustard.

  10. Pour the sauce over the macaroni; stir to combine.

  11. Transfer mixture to the prepared pan.

  12. In a small bowl, combine the shredded cheddar and the breadcrumbs; sprinkle evenly over the macaroni.

  13. Cut the remaining teaspoon of butter into small bits and dot the casserole.

  14. Bake on the middle rack for 20-25 minutes or until bubbling and a crust begins to form.

Email to a friend | Print this recipe | Back