Creamy Mac & Cheese
The ultimate creamy Mac & Cheese recipe, perfect for an unforgettable Super Bowl weekend.
PREP TIME: 10 minutes
COOK TIME: 50 minutes
LEVEL: Easy
YIELD: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
1 pound pasta (cavatappi, elbows, penne)
6 tablespoons unsalted butter
⅓ cup Flour
3 cups whole milk
1 cup heavy cream
2 cups shredded cooper american yellow cheese
Salt and pepper to taste
½ cup panko breadcrumbs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
¼ cup parmesan
Method of Preparation
- Preheat the Convection M or E series to 375F Convection or the Convection Steam Oven to 375F Convection Humid.
- Set up all your ingredients and begin to prepare the dish.
- Bring a pot of salted water to a rolling boil and add the pasta until cooked al dente. Drain in a colander and rinse with cold water and lightly dress with extra virgin olive oil. Set aside.
- Meanwhile, add milk and heavy cream to a small saucepan and heat on low. You just want it warmed slightly.
- In a large heavy bottomed pot, add your 6 tablespoons unsalted butter and heat on medium heat until melted. Once melted, add your flour and mix for 2-3 minutes until a bubbly and golden roux forms.
- Once the roux has come together, slowly pour in your milk and heavy cream and continuously mix. The mixing process will take about 7-10 minutes, mixing frequently and scraping the bottom to avoid scalding. It will thicken and once it begins to lightly bubble, you may mix in your cheese. Stir until fully incorporated.
- Mix your pasta into the cheesy mixture and combine. Pour into a cast iron or a 9x13in dish. Set aside.
- In a small pan, melt the remaining butter on medium low and add your panko and parmesan cheese until incorporated and toasty. Let it cool slightly and sprinkle over your mac and cheese for a nice crunch.
- To be Done in the Convection Steam Oven – Bake in Convection Humid, rack 2 or 3 for 25-30 minutes until browned and bubbly.
- To be Done in M or E Series Oven – Bake on Convection; any rack, for 25-30 minutes until browned and bubbly.
- Let the dish stand for 5 minutes and serve hot. Enjoy!
Chef Tips:
You may use any cheese combination you prefer, but using Cooper American Yellow Cheese will give you the creamiest Mac & Cheese.