I've always been a lover of mac-n-cheese, all my life! Shoot me, but I have always loved and still love the Kraft boxed extra-cheesy. But then I also love me some decedent gruyere and fontina man-n-cheese with garlic breadcrumbs on top...just like this one. The whole fam loved it, even my two year old nephew, so I think it was a success!
Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Breadcrumbs
Ingredients:
11 oz. Cavatappi Pasta
1/4 c. Butter
1/4 c. Flour
3 c. Cream
1 c. freshly grated Cheddar Cheese
2 c. freshly grated Gruyere Cheese
2 c. freshly grated Fontina Cheese
1 tsp. Salt
3/4 tsp. Pepper
1/4 c. grated Parmesan Cheese
1 c. Breadcrumbs
2 cloves Garlic
2 T. Parsley
Olive Oil
Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
In a large stock pot heat water for the pasta over high heat till it comes to a boil. Salt the pasta water then add the pasta and cook for the time given on the box for it to be al dente.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan melt the butter over a medium heat. Add the flour and whisk together over the medium heat for a couple minutes to cook out the raw flour taste. Then add 1 cup of the heavy cream and whisk together. Let thicken for about 30 seconds and then add 1 more cup of the heavy cream. Once again whisk it together and then let cook and thicken for 30 seconds or so. Then add the last cup of heavy cream and do the same with that. Now add all the cheese and mix with a wooden spoon till the cheese is mixed in well and he sauce is nice and thick. Add the salt and pepper and mix together.
When the pasta is done, drain it and then add the pasta back to the now drained stock pot. Pour in the cheese sauce and mix together over a low heat.
Then pour the macaroni and cheese into a 9x13 glass pan. Sprinkle the parmesan cheese over the top of the pasta.
In a food processor with a blade attachment, pulse together the breadcrumbs, garlic, and parsley. In a small non-stick skillet pan, drizzle in olive oil and heat over a medium heat. When hot, add the breadcrumb mixture and drizzle some more olive oil over the top. Mix with a wooden spoon a cook a minute or so till the breadcrumbs are coated with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumbs over the pasta and parmesan cheese, evenly.
Bake in the oven for 30 minutes. Serve immediately.
Serves 6
