Stove Top Macaroni and Cheese

Brookelynne26's Note:

Source: Cook's Illustrated

• Total Time: 30 mins
• Prep Time: 0 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients:

Servings: 8

Toasted Bread Crumbs

• 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs, from french or 1 cup Italian bread
• 1 pinch table salt
• 1 ½ tablespoons unsalted butter , melted

Creamy Macaroni and Cheese

• 2 large eggs
• 1 (12 ounce) can evaporated milk
• ¼ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
• 2 teaspoons table salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dry mustard , dissolved in 1 teaspoon water
• ½ lb elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 12 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, American cheese (about 3 cups) or 12 ounces monterey jack cheese , grated (about 3 cups)

Directions:

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Mix bread crumb ingredients together in small baking pan. Bake until golden brown and crisp, 15 to 20 minutes; set aside.
2. Meanwhile, mix eggs, 1 cup of the evaporated milk, pepper sauce, 1/2 teaspoon of the salt, pepper, and mustard mixture in small bowl; set aside.
3. Meanwhile, heat 2 quarts water to boil in large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven. Add 1 1/2 teaspoons of the salt and macaroni; cook until almost tender, but still a little firm to the bite. Drain and return to pan over low heat. Add butter; toss to melt.
4. Pour egg mixture over buttered noodles along with three-quarters of the cheese; stir until thoroughly combined and cheese starts to melt. Gradually add remaining milk and cheese, stirring constantly, until mixture is hot and creamy, about 5 minutes. Serve immediately topped with toasted bread crumbs.

Reviews

[Mikekey]

A very quick and easy way to prepare mac n' cheese. I liked thickening this with egg instead of white sauce. I used extra sharp cheddar. I would leave off the bread crumbs next time, though. They "fancied" it up, but I don't really care for them on my mac n' cheese. I am going to make this again soon with jack cheese or maybe gouda!

[weekend cooker]

I minor change, I opted not to use the salt. It made for a great dinner. The kids enjoyed very much. I did like the addition of the dry mustard though. and opted for monterey jack cheese. Made for you Football Pool win.