“Fancy” Baked Mac & Cheese

By Brian Lagerstrom
This “fancy” baked Mac and cheese has a lot in common with the classic southern style version. It’s a little creamier and uses some less common cheese options, but the result is just as delicious (maybe more if you’re really into cheese).
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
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Ingredients 

  • 150 g pecorino romano, grated + extra for topping
  • 250 g aged gruyere, grated + extra for topping
  • 250 g taleggio, cut into chunks (sub brie or camembert for less stinky cheese option)
  • 80 g unsaltedbutter
  • 60 g ap flour
  • 1200 g whole milk
  • 225 g mascarpone
  • 2 g black pepper, ground
  • 5 g kosher salt
  • 1 pinch nutmeg, less than a tsp
  • 450 g macaroni noodles

Instructions 

  • Melt butter into a sauce pan over high heat. Whisk in flour.
  • When mixture (roux) begins to turn golden, whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer, whisking often.
  • Once simmering, reduce heat to low and whisk in pecorino, followed by gruyere, then taleggio.
  • When all cheeses are melted stir in mascarpone until combined.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in pepper, salt, and nutmeg. Add a lid to the melted cheese mixture to prevent a skin from forming.
  • Add macaroni into well salted boiling water and cook per package instructions or for 5 minutes until al dente.
  • Drain off water, add macaroni into a large bowl and stir in cheese mixture.
  • Transfer macaroni cheese mix into a 9”x13” (23x33cm) baking dish, smooth down the top, and cover with additional grated pecorino and gruyere.
  • Bake at 375°F/190°C for 35-40 minutes until cheeses are melted and top is toasty and golden. Allow to rest for a few minutes before serving.
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About Brian

As a former professional chef, I’m obsessed with creating well-designed recipes that not only taste good, but that are practical and fun for home cooks to re-create. You can browse my recipes here or head to my YouTube channel to watch all of my recipe videos.

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