Deluxe Mac ‘N Cheese
Ingredients
- 1 lb short cut pasta such as cavatappi or penne
- 2 c whole milk
- Fat pinch salt
- 1 tbsp chicken bouillon such as Knorr
- 1 c extra sharp yellow cheddar plus extra for topping
- 1 c extra sharp white cheddar plus extra for topping
- 1 c processed cheese
- 1 c parmesan plus extra for topping
- 4 oz Boursin
- 2 c French fried onions
- 1 c cheese crackers crushed
Instructions
- Heat oven to 400°F.
- Add pasta, milk, salt and bouillon to a large saucepan. Bring just to a boil, then immediately reduce the heat to medium and gently simmer until the pasta is about halfway cooked through. Bite into the pasta to make sure it is still slightly under al dente. Do NOT drain.
- At this point the milk should have reduced by at least a third. This is the base of the sauce. Add the yellow cheddar and stir until completely combined. Repeat with each cheese, one at a time until all have been fully incorporated. You may need to turn up the heat slightly after adding the first cheese.Taste for seasoning. Add a pinch of salt if needed.
- Butter a large metal baking dish on all sides and the bottom, making sure to get the corners.
- Pour the cheesy pasta into the baking dish and spread evenly. Sprinkle the remaining “extra” cheese over the top of the whole casserole..
- Bake in a hot oven, uncovered, until the cheese on top is fully melted and the inside is bubbly, about 20 minutes. Top with as many or as few fried onions and crushed cheese crackers as desired. Continue baking for 5-7 minutes or until the onions and crackers are crisp and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let sit for 10 minutes to firm up, then serve warm.
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Posted in: Entrees, Freezer Worthy, Make Ahead, Pasta, Sides