baked macaroni and cheese with panko topping

Kimchi in grilled cheese?: It’s the spicy, crunchy flavor boost we all need The best pasta for homemade mac and cheeseĮlbow macaroni is classic, but any pasta shape works for mac and cheese. Pick up blocks of cheddar and jack, grab your box grater (or food processor) and let the shredding begin. This coating also prevents the cheese from melting properly. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with cellulose, an anti-caking agent that prevents clumping. Use blocks of cheese, not pre-shredded cheese sold in bags. You'll need a total of six cups of shredded cheese, so mix and match as desired. You can substitute a variety of cheeses, just choose a combination that delivers both the taste and gooeyness you want. Cheeses that work well in macaroni and cheese include fontina, mozzarella, Monterey jack, pepper jack, Colby, gouda, Gruyere, and American. The eggs in this mac and cheese make it fully set like a quiche.In this recipe, I marry sharp cheddar and gooey Swiss in the cream sauce. Scatter over the pasta and bake until the crumbs are browned and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes. Add the panko, parmesan and a pinch of salt stir to combine. Melt the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in the microwave. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Add the pasta and stir until coated, adding the reserved cooking water as needed to loosen (the sauce will thicken as it bakes). Remove the bay leaf from the sauce and whisk in the monterey jack, gruyere and cheddar one cheese at a time, allowing each cheese to melt before adding more. Cook, whisking occasionally, until the sauce comes to a simmer and thickens slightly, 7 to 8 minutes. Add the bay leaf, cayenne and 1 teaspoon salt. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Whisk in the flour and cook, whisking, until smooth and lightly browned, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, melt 4 tablespoons butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the pasta and cook as the label directs for al dente.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Butter a shallow 2-quart baking dish set aside.

Baked macaroni and cheese with panko topping