This mac and cheese takes the classic comfort dish to the next level with a few clever tricks. The American cheese is our secret ingredient—it melts beautifully and adds that creamy texture everyone loves. We also pass the roux through a fine mesh sieve to remove any lumps, ensuring a smooth, velvety sauce. And here’s the best part: no baking required! Instead of risking overcooked pasta, we suggest broiling it for a few minutes to get that golden, crispy top without drying out the inside.
Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for gatherings, this mac and cheese delivers creamy perfection every time. The combination of sharp cheddar, American cheese, and a touch of hot sauce brings balance and depth to the dish, while the broiling step adds just the right crunch. Enjoy the best of both worlds—creamy, cheesy comfort with a crisp, golden topping!
Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
1 lb medium pasta of choice (such as cavatappi or elbow)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
1/2 cup half an half (or milk)
8-11 oz sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
8 slices American cheese
1/2 tsp dry mustard
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp of your favourite hot sauce
Directions
- Cook pasta in salted water until al dente, then drain.
- Melt butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Add flour, cook for 1 minute to cook off the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in milk and cream, bring to a boil and cook for about 4 minutes stirring constantly. Pass this roux through a fine mesh sieve to remove lumps.
- Stir in dry mustard, salt, hot sauce, and pepper. Lower heat, add cheeses in batches, stirring to melt. Mix with pasta and serve!
- Optional Broiling Step: Transfer mac and cheese to an oven-safe dish. Broil for 2-3 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly, for added crispness. Keep a close watch to prevent burning. Serve immediately.
Notes
- This option gives you that crispy, golden top while keeping the inside creamy!
- Broiling can be a better option than baking the whole casserole, if you're looking for that crispy, golden top without risking overcooking the noodles. By broiling, you achieve a crunchy top layer (whether it's cheese or breadcrumbs) in just a few minutes, while keeping the inside creamy and perfectly cooked. It's a quicker way to get that texture contrast without subjecting the entire dish to prolonged heat, which can dry it out or make the pasta too soft. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning!
