Macaroni and Cheese

A custard-style baked mac and cheese with a crisp toasted bread-crumb topping — a Hunt family favorite.

Macaroni and Cheese

Creamy custard-style macaroni and cheese topped with buttery toasted bread crumbs.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American

Ingredients
  

Bread Crumb Topping
  • 1 cup fresh bread crumbs
  • 1 1/2 tbsp melted butter
Mac and Cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 12-oz can evaporated milk
  • 1/4 tsp hot sauce
  • 2 tsp salt divided: 1/2 tsp for egg mix, 1 1/2 tsp for pasta water
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp dry mustard dissolved in 1 tsp water
  • 1/2 lb elbow macaroni
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 12 oz sharp cheddar cheese or American or Monterey Jack, grated (about 3 cups)

Method
 

  1. Bread crumb topping: heat the oven to 350°F. Mix the bread crumbs and melted butter in a small baking pan and bake until golden brown and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes; set aside.
  2. Mix the eggs, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, and the mustard mixture in a small bowl; set aside.
  3. Bring 2 quarts water to a boil in a large heavy saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons salt and the macaroni; cook until almost tender but still firm to the bite. Drain and return to the pan over low heat. Add the butter and toss to melt.
  4. Pour the egg mixture over the buttered noodles along with three-quarters of the cheese; stir until combined and the cheese starts to melt. Gradually add the remaining milk and cheese, stirring constantly, until the mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately, topped with the toasted bread crumbs.

Notes

Do not cook too long after the egg mixture is added or it will get grainy.

Leave a Comment

You must be logged in to post a comment.