Fleming's Steakhouse Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Submitted by Zephs Wife

"Is there anything at Fleming's Steakhouse that isn't just wonderful? If it wasn't so expensive I'd eat there more often but when you can make it at home for a fraction of the cost, why not? This was posted in our local newspaper and its directly from the executive chef Russell Skall."

 

• Ready In: 50mins
• Ingredients: 15
• Serves: 8-10

ingredients

• 1 lb pasta (cavatappi or curly)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 3⁄4 cup onion, 1/2-inch dice
• 1⁄2 cup unsalted butter (1 stick)
• 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 2 cups heavy cream
• 3 cups half-and-half
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon white pepper (ground)
• 3⁄4 lb smoked cheddar cheese, grated
• 1⁄4 lb cheddar cheese, grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder (chipotle chili powder)
• 3⁄4 cup panko breadcrumbs

directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large pot, bring 1 gallon of water to boil. Add 2 teaspoons salt and pasta and cook for 8 - 9 minutes
2. Drain pasta and cool under cold running water. Pasta should be slightly firm. Toss drained pasta in oil and reserve.
3. Melt butter in a large sauce pot over medium heat. Add onions and saute for 4 - 5 minute.
4. Add flour and cook 1 - 2 minute but do not brown.
5. Add cream, half and half, kosher salt and white pepper.
6. Bring pot to a simmer. Cook until sauce is thick, about 5 - 6 minute Blend cheese into sauce and add cooked pasta.
7. Pour pasta and sauce into a 9 x 12" baking dish. Reserve.
8. In a saute pan over medium-high heat, add oil and chipotle chili powder. Heat for 30 seconds, until pan starts to smoke. Remove from stove and stir in bread crumbs.
9. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the pasta and bake for 15 - 20 minute until golden. Cool slightly before serving.

Reviews

[Maria F.]

I’ve been making this recipe for the last ten years for Thanksgiving for our extended family and it is a MUST! One year I told them I was going to make something else because I always make the same thing and I thought there was going to be a riot. Oh and I always have to make two pans, one is never enough. Yep, best Mac & Cheese recipe.

 

[Jaqueline R.]

I’ve been making this recipe for the last 4 years! I made this Mac & Cheese for thanksgiving one year & I’ve been assigned to make it every year since. My fam loves it. Using cheddar and smoked GOUDA makes it creamier and sends it over the top. It’s delicious!!

 

[Melissa W.]

Excellent recipe!

 

[cdodd323]

This was AMAZING! I couldn’t find find smoked cheddar so I used extra sharp cheddar and smoked Gouda. Absolutely delicious.

 

[Jerri B.]

This is the best mac and cheese I have ever tasted. It is my grandson*s very favorite. Instead of smoked cheddar I use smoked gouda. Also I made it with white cheddar and it was excellent. My grandson said that it was the best ever. Love, love, love it.