Crispy Mac and Cheese

Here's a rich and creamy homemade macaroni and cheese recipe, perfect for a comforting meal or a special occasion. This recipe uses a blend of three cheeses, a classic roux for the sauce, and a crunchy breading topping. As with all recipes, feel free to change it up to your liking.

Triple Cheese Macaroni and Cheese

Ingredients:

For the Macaroni:

• 1 lb (450g) elbow macaroni
• Salt for pasta water

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tbsp (1/2 stick) unsalted butter
• 4 tbsp all-purpose flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp onion powder
• 1/4 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère cheese, shredded
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Rocoto Hot Pepper Sauce

For the Bread Topping:

• 1 cup panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried parsley (optional)

Instructions:

1. Cook the Macaroni:

   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the macaroni and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

2. Make the Roux:

   • In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
   • Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously to form a smooth paste. Cook for 2-3 minutes to remove the raw flour taste, but do not let it brown.

3. Prepare the Cheese Sauce:

   • Gradually add the milk and cream to the roux, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
   • Continue to cook over medium heat until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
   • Stir in the Dijon mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
   • Remove the saucepan from the heat and gradually stir in the shredded cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella cheeses until fully melted and smooth.

4. Combine Macaroni and Cheese Sauce:

   • Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked macaroni with the cheese sauce. Mix until the macaroni is evenly coated.
   • Pour the mixture into a buttered 9x13-inch baking dish.

5. Add the Bread Topping:

   • In a small bowl, mix the panko bread crumbs with the melted butter, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
   • Evenly sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the macaroni and cheese.

6. Bake:

   • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese sauce is bubbly.

7. Serve:

   • Let the macaroni and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving. Top with a dollop of Rocoto Hot Pepper Sauce for a smoky, spicy, almost bbq-like twist. Enjoy!

This recipe offers a perfect balance of creamy, cheesy goodness with a crunchy topping, making it a sure hit for any meal.