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Macaroni and Cheese With Garlic Breadcrumbs, Plain and Chipotle

I remember the first time I made macaroni and cheese entirely from scratch. It was for a family potluck, and I was determined to impress. My grandmother, bless her heart, always made hers with the powdered cheese packets, and while nostalgic, I yearned for something more. The rich, creamy sauce, the perfectly al dente pasta, and the satisfying crunch of homemade breadcrumbs – it was a revelation. That first bite transported me back to childhood, but with a decidedly grown-up twist. Now, mac and cheese is my go-to comfort food and my secret weapon for feeding a crowd, especially when I can add a little kick for the adults!

Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 8-10
Dietary Type: Comfort Food

Ingredients

For Bread Crumbs

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups fresh breadcrumbs, coarsely chopped

For Macaroni

3 tablespoons chipotle chiles in adobo, chopped
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
1 tablespoon dry mustard
1 lb macaroni (any tubular pasta will work)
2 lbs cheddar cheese, grated (a mix of sharp and mild cheddar works well)
Salt, to taste

Equipment Needed

10-inch heavy skillet
Paper towels
3- to 4-quart saucepan
6- to 7-quart pot
Colander
Large bowl
Two 1 1/2-quart shallow casseroles

Instructions

Make the Bread Crumbs: In a 10-inch heavy skillet, heat the butter and olive oil over moderate heat until the butter is melted and the mixture begins to foam slightly. This ensures even cooking of the garlic and breadcrumbs.
Add the finely chopped garlic to the skillet and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant (about 30 seconds). Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.
Add the fresh breadcrumbs to the skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they are golden brown and crispy. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer the breadcrumbs to paper towels to drain excess oil. Season generously with salt while still warm. Set aside.
Prepare the Macaroni: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the middle position for even baking.
Chop the chipotle chiles in adobo into small pieces. If you prefer a milder flavor, remove the seeds and membranes before chopping.
Make the Cheese Sauce: In a 3- to 4-quart saucepan, melt the 1/4 cup butter over moderate heat.
Add the all-purpose flour to the melted butter and cook, whisking constantly, for 1 minute. This creates a roux, which will thicken the sauce. It’s crucial to cook the flour to eliminate any raw flour taste.
Gradually whisk in the whole milk, heavy cream, and dry mustard. Whisk continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
Simmer the sauce, whisking occasionally, for 3 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly. The sauce should be smooth and velvety.
Cook the Macaroni: While the sauce is simmering, cook the macaroni in a 6- to 7-quart pot of boiling salted water until it is just tender (al dente). This typically takes about 8-10 minutes. Follow the package instructions for the exact cooking time.
Drain the macaroni in a colander and immediately transfer it to a large bowl.
Combine and Assemble: Pour the white sauce over the drained macaroni and stir to coat.
Add the grated cheddar cheese and salt to taste. Stir until the cheese is melted and the mixture is smooth and creamy.
Create the Plain and Chipotle Variations: Divide the macaroni mixture in half.
Fill a 1 1/2-quart shallow casserole with half of the plain macaroni mixture.
Stir the chopped chipotles in adobo into the remaining macaroni mixture. Adjust the amount of chipotles to your desired level of spiciness.
Spoon the chipotle macaroni mixture into another 1 1/2-quart shallow casserole.
Sprinkle both casseroles generously with the prepared garlic breadcrumbs.
Bake: Bake the casseroles in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until they are bubbly and the breadcrumbs are golden brown.
Let the macaroni and cheese cool slightly before serving.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Cheese Choice: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of cheese! Gruyere, fontina, or even a touch of smoked gouda can add depth and complexity to the flavor.
Breadcrumb Variations: For extra flavor, try adding grated Parmesan cheese, dried herbs (like thyme or rosemary), or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumbs.
Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the macaroni and cheese up to 2 days in advance. Assemble the casseroles, cool completely, cover, and refrigerate. Add the breadcrumbs just before baking. You may need to add 10-15 minutes to the baking time if baking from cold.
Preventing a Dry Mac and Cheese: The key is to have a generous amount of sauce. The pasta will absorb some of the liquid during baking. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or cream before baking.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

Serve the macaroni and cheese hot, straight from the oven. It pairs perfectly with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through, or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally. You may need to add a little milk or cream to restore the creamy consistency. The breadcrumbs may lose some of their crispness upon reheating.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	1177.8 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	696 g	59%
Total Fat	77.3 g	119%
Saturated Fat	45.8 g	228%
Cholesterol	232.6 mg	77%
Sodium	965.5 mg	40%
Total Carbohydrate	76 g	25%
Dietary Fiber	3.5 g	13%
Sugars	8.3 g	33%
Protein	44.7 g	89%

Note: These values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free macaroni and a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend to make the sauce. Ensure the breadcrumbs are also gluten-free.
Spicier Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the chipotle macaroni and cheese for even more heat.
Vegetarian/Vegan: While the original recipe contains dairy, this can be easily adapted with plant-based butter, flour, and cheeses and a vegan milk alternative. The dry mustard flavor balances the sweetness that can be found in some vegan cheese substitutes.
Deluxe It: Sautee mushrooms and onions before adding the flour for a fancier twist.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Can I use pre-shredded cheese?
A: While convenient, pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting as smoothly. Grating your own cheese is highly recommended for a creamier sauce.

Q: Can I make this in one large casserole dish instead of two smaller ones?
A: Yes, you can use a single 9×13 inch casserole dish. Be sure to adjust the baking time accordingly, as it may take slightly longer.

Q: How do I prevent the breadcrumbs from burning?
A: Keep a close eye on the breadcrumbs while baking. If they start to brown too quickly, tent the casserole dishes with foil.

Q: Can I freeze this macaroni and cheese?
A: Yes, you can freeze the assembled macaroni and cheese before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. Thaw completely in the refrigerator before baking. The texture of the sauce may change slightly after freezing. Don’t add breadcrumbs until baking.

Q: What if I don’t have chipotle chiles in adobo?
A: You can substitute with a pinch of chipotle powder or a small amount of your favorite hot sauce. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still add a nice kick.

Final Thoughts

Macaroni and cheese is a dish that transcends generations and brings people together. This recipe, with its creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, and crispy garlic breadcrumbs, elevates this classic comfort food to a new level. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a potluck, or a special occasion, this macaroni and cheese is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the ultimate comfort food delight. And don’t be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and flavor combinations to create your own signature mac and cheese masterpiece. Pair it with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc for an especially delicious meal!

Macaroni and Cheese With Garlic Breadcrumbs, Plain and Chipotle Recipe