OUR FAVORITE MACARONI AND CHEESE

Our Favorite Macaroni and Cheese image

Creamy, cheesy macaroni with a light, crunchy topping: This is the macaroni and cheese that dreams are made of. A hit of ground mustard brings an unexpected kick to this guaranteed crowd pleaser.

Provided by Rhoda Boone

Categories Cheese Pasta Side Kid-Friendly Frankenrecipe Macaroni and Cheese Cheese Week Cheddar Parmesan Small Plates

Yield Serves 12

Number Of Ingredients 20

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Ingredients

For the topping:
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for baking dish
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 cups panko (Japanese breadcrumbs)
2 large garlic cloves, minced
2 ounces finely grated Parmesan (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
For the macaroni and sauce:
2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more
1 pound dried elbow macaroni
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 teaspoon ground white pepper
1 1/2 tablespoons mustard powder
16 ounces coarsely grated extra-sharp cheddar (about 6 cups)
2 ounces grated Parmesan (about 1/2 cup)
Special equipment:
9- by 13-inch baking dish

Steps:

Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in the middle of oven. Butter the baking dish.
Make the topping:
In a large skillet over medium heat, heat butter and oil until butter foam subsides. Add panko and garlic; cook, stirring, until crumbs are golden brown, 4-6 minutes. Transfer crumbs to a medium bowl, stir in Parmesan and salt, and set aside.
Prepare the macaroni and sauce:
Set a large, covered pot of salted water over high heat to boil. Add macaroni and cook until just al dente (avoid overcooking). Drain macaroni and set aside.
In a large wide pot over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Sprinkle flour over butter, whisking to incorporate and make a roux. Cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until roux is light golden, about 4 minutes. Gradually pour in milk and cream, whisking constantly to incorporate and make a béchamel sauce. Raise heat to medium-high and bring sauce to a low boil, whisking constantly. Reduce to a simmer, whisking occasionally, and cook until béchamel sauce is thick and coats the back of a spoon, about 3 minutes more.
Add 2 tsp. salt, pepper, and mustard powder. Add the cheeses in three batches, whisking until each addition is completely melted before adding more. Remove from heat.
Add the drained macaroni to the pot with the cheese sauce and stir well to coat. Transfer macaroni mixture to the buttered baking dish and place on a rimmed baking sheet. Sprinkle topping evenly over macaroni and bake until golden and bubbling, 18-22 minutes. Let cool 15 minutes before serving.