Favorite Mac ‘n’ Cheese

Homemade macaroni and cheese is one of my favorites, but I’m picky. I’ve tried a few fancier recipes, but this basic one is the best. And the best thing about basic recipes is that they’re very easy to tweak if one is so inclined. You could definitely experiment with different cheeses or add fun things like broccoli or bacon if you wanted to get fancy.

For this recipe, you will need:

  Kosher salt
  2 cups elbow macaroni
  2 eggs, beaten
  2 cups evaporated milk
  1/2 cup butter, melted
  1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  2-1/2 cups grated sharp cheddar
  1 cup bread crumbs
  1 teaspoon paprika
  1/4 cup grated Parmesan

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally until it is almost tender, 10 to 12 minutes. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

In a large bowl, beat the eggs with the milk, 1/4 cup melted butter, the cayenne pepper, and a teaspoon of salt.

Put half the macaroni into a buttered 2-quart casserole and top with half the cheddar cheese. Repeat. Pour the milk mixture over the macaroni and cheese.

In a small bowl, mix the bread crumbs with the paprika, the remaining butter, and the Parmesan. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the macaroni and bake until brown and bubbly, 40 to 45 minutes. Serve warm.

Original recipe here.