Chef John's Macaroni and Cheese

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   {'id': 'step_0', 'step': 1, 'text': 'Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).'}

2. 2

   {'id': 'step_1', 'step': 2, 'text': 'Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Cook elbow macaroni in the boiling water, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 8 minutes. Drain and set aside.'}

3. 3

   {'id': 'step_2', 'step': 3, 'text': 'Melt 1/4 cup butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. When butter starts to foam and bubble, stir in flour; cook on medium heat until flour begins to turn pale yellow, 3 to 4 minutes.'}

4. 4

   {'id': 'step_3', 'step': 4, 'text': 'Add thyme, cayenne, and white pepper; cook and stir another minute, then whisk in 1 cup milk until smooth. Pour in remaining milk and whisk again. Bring sauce just to a simmer.'}

5. 5

   {'id': 'step_4', 'step': 5, 'text': 'Stir in salt, Worcestershire sauce, and nutmeg. Simmer, whisking often, on medium-low heat until thickened, about 8 minutes.'}

6. 6

   {'id': 'step_5', 'step': 6, 'text': 'Turn heat off, then add 2 1/4 cups Cheddar cheese; stir until melted and combined. Mix in Dijon mustard.'}

7. 7

   {'id': 'step_6', 'step': 7, 'text': 'Transfer macaroni into a 8x8-inch casserole dish, then pour in cheese sauce; stir to thoroughly combine pasta with sauce.'}

8. 8

   {'id': 'step_7', 'step': 8, 'text': 'Mix together panko bread crumbs and 1 tablespoon melted butter in a small bowl.'}

9. 9

   {'id': 'step_8', 'step': 9, 'text': 'Sprinkle mixture over macaroni and cheese. Sprinkle remaining 3/4 cup Cheddar cheese on top.'}

10. 10

    {'id': 'step_9', 'step': 10, 'text': 'Bake in the preheated oven until top is golden brown, about 20 minutes.'}

📊 Nutrition Facts

Per serving (6 servings total)

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