Mac 'n' Cheese
Mac 'n' Cheese is a classic dish found all over the United States, served in pubs and restaurants alike.
Serves: 4
Preparation: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients:
- 500 g macaroni
- Dash of olive oil
- 50 g butter
- 60 g flour
- 750 ml milk
- 250 ml cooking cream
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 sprigs of thyme
- 3 sage leaves
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 400 g grated cheddar cheese
- 200 g grated Gruyère cheese
- 150 g breadcrumbs or panko
- 50 g Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper
Method:
- Cook the macaroni al dente according to the packet instructions, drain and stir in a dash of olive oil.
- Make a roux: melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the flour. Stir with a wooden spoon until it forms a smooth ball that comes away from the pan.
- Gradually add the milk while whisking. Then stir in the cream.
- Create a bouquet garni with the bay leaf, thyme and sage, and add to the sauce.
- Bring to a gentle boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer with the herbs for 15 minutes.
- Preheat the oven to its highest setting.
- Remove the bouquet garni, then stir in the cheddar and Gruyère cheeses little by little until melted.
- Season with nutmeg, salt and pepper to taste.
- Place the macaroni in an oven dish and pour the cheese sauce over it.
- Mix the breadcrumbs with the paprika and Parmesan, sprinkle over the top and bake until golden brown.
