Some good basic cheeses to start with are sharp or extra-sharp cheddar, Gruyre, Swiss, Manchego, and fontina, or any combination of these.

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This homemade macaroni and cheese is a great alternative to the boxed versionand you can pronounce all of the ingredients.

Laced with a blend of cheeses and enriched with milk and cream, even grown-up guests tend to sigh with pleasure while looking at it.

The browned panko crust sits atop a bubbling casserole of cavatelli pasta nestled in a sauce fragrant with a mixture of Gruyre and cheddar cheeses.

Although you can call it macaroni and cheese, the actual pasta shape is up for grabs.

The Dijon mustard and red pepper flakes give the macaroni and cheese a little kick, a little edge, and save the dish from being too intensely rich and creamy (not that theres anything wrong with that).

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 3 tablespoons butter.

Or, place it in a medium-size microwave-safe dish and heat it until melted, about 15 seconds.

Add the panko and the Parmesan to the melted butter and stir until well combined.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil, salt it generously, and let the water return to a boil.

Meanwhile, in a large heavy saucepan over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons butter.

Cook, stirring, until the flour is blond in color, about 4 minutes.

Increase the heat to medium-high and let the sauce come to a simmer, whisking frequently.

Reduce the heat to medium-low and let the sauce simmer for about 5 minutes or until it starts to thicken.

Add the cream, grated cheese, Parmesan, mustard, salt, and black pepper, stirring until everything is smooth.

Taste for seasoning, adding more salt andor black pepper as necessary.

Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook it until barely al dente (follow the package directions but stop a minute or two before the pasta is completely tender).

Set aside 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.

Whisk the reserved pasta cooking water into the cheese sauce, combining it thoroughly.

Some of it will be absorbed into the pasta as it cooks, and saucy is better than dry.

Place the baking dish on a sheet pan to catch any drips and sprinkle the panko topping evenly over the pasta.

Best Seasonings For Mac N Cheese