Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food that never goes out of style. Whether you???re a college student on a budget or a busy parent trying to feed a hungry family, mac and cheese is always a reliable go-to dish. But not all mac and cheese recipes are created equal. If you???re looking for the ultimate mac and cheese recipe that will blow your taste buds away, look no further than Smitten Kitchen???s Mac and Cheese.
What is Smitten Kitchen?
Smitten Kitchen is a popular food blog created by Deb Perelman. She started the blog in 2006 as a way to document her cooking adventures in her tiny New York City kitchen. Since then, the blog has become a go-to source for home cooks looking for delicious, easy-to-follow recipes.
Why is Smitten Kitchen Mac and Cheese So Good?
There are a few key reasons why Smitten Kitchen Mac and Cheese is so good. First and foremost, the recipe uses high-quality ingredients. Instead of relying on boxed mac and cheese or processed cheese, this recipe calls for real cheese, butter, and milk.
But what really sets this recipe apart is the technique. Instead of simply mixing everything together and baking it, this recipe involves making a roux and then slowly adding in the cheese and milk. This creates a creamy, velvety sauce that coats every noodle perfectly.
Ingredients
To make Smitten Kitchen Mac and Cheese, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 5 cups whole milk
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 4 1/2 cups grated cheddar cheese
Instructions
Here???s how to make Smitten Kitchen Mac and Cheese:
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.
- Cook the macaroni according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat.
- Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk until smooth.
- Cook the butter and flour mixture for about 1 minute, whisking constantly.
- Slowly add the milk to the pot, whisking constantly to prevent lumps.
- Add the salt and pepper and continue to whisk until the mixture comes to a boil and thickens.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the grated cheese, a handful at a time, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until well coated.
- Pour the mac and cheese into a 9x13 inch baking dish.
- Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
- Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.
Variations
One of the great things about mac and cheese is that it???s so versatile. Once you???ve mastered the basic recipe, you can experiment with different add-ins and toppings to create new and exciting variations. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
- Add cooked bacon or pancetta for a smoky, savory twist.
- Stir in some chopped jalapenos for a spicy kick.
- Top with breadcrumbs and bake for a crunchy, golden crust.
- Add some cooked lobster or crab meat for an indulgent seafood mac and cheese.
Conclusion
Smitten Kitchen Mac and Cheese is the ultimate comfort food that???s perfect for any occasion. Whether you???re serving it up as a side dish at a holiday gathering or enjoying it as a main course on a cozy night in, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite. So grab your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to dig in!
