Fleming's Steakhouse Chipotle Cheddar Macaroni and Cheese

Zeph's Wife's Note:

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.

• Total Time: 50 mins
• Prep Time: 25 mins
• Cook Time: 25 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

• 1 lb pasta (cavatappi or curly)
• 2 teaspoons salt
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• ¾ cup onion , 1/2-inch dice
• ½ 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)
• ¾ lb smoked cheddar cheese , grated
• ¼ lb cheddar cheese , grated
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1 teaspoon dried chipotle powder (chipotle chili powder)
• ¾ cup panko

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

[aliceh_00]

Sounds great but the restaurant recipe says it uses leeks. Has anyone tried this with leeks?

[Esquiveltribe]

This is the most AMAZING Macaroni and Cheese I have ever had. I have been to Fleming's and it truly mirrors their recipe. This is an "adult" version of a child hood favorite! Thank you, this has become a classic for our Holiday's! :)

[Chef #571796]

Fantastic! It definitely takes longer than the box, but it wasn't as hard as I thought it would be. Absolutely worth the effort.