Marianne's Mac-n-Cheez is a recipe from the Nickelodeon cookbook Stir, Squirt, Sizzle included in the "Gobble and Gulp" section of the book. The ingredients provided serve four to six.
Ingredients[]
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4 cups milk
- 1 1/4 teaspoon cayenne, or to taste
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 pound elbow macaroni
- 3 cups coarsely grated extra-sharp Cheddar cheese
- 1 1/3 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
Directions[]
- Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and butter a long, shallow baking dish
- Melt the butter in a big saucepan over low heat. Add the flour slowly while whisking until it is completely combined.
- Turn up the heat just a bit and add the milk, slowly pouring it in as you whisk. Once it starts to boil, reduce the heat and add the mustard, cayenne, salt and pepper.
- Let the mixture simmer, whisking it occasionally, until it begins to thicken. This should take about 2 minutes.
- Meanwhile, cook the macaroni by following the instructions on the box, undercooking it the teensiest bit.
- Combine the macaroni, the sauce, the Cheddar cheese, and one cup of Parmesan in a big bowl. Mix it all up and pour it into the baking dish.
- In a smaller bowl, mix the remaining 1/3 cup Parmesan with the bread crumbs and sprinkle it on top of the macaroni and cheese.
- Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until it is so golden and bubbly you can't bear to wait another minute.
Healthy Options[]
- Use margarine instead of butter.
- Use low-fat milk and cheese.