Saturday, March 28, 2009

Skillet Mac & Cheese

Because you can never have enough mac & cheese recipes

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 cups fresh bread crumbs (see note)

Salt and pepper
3 3/4 cups water , plus more as needed
1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
3 cups elbow macaroni
1 teaspoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons hot sauce
3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1. Melt butter in large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add bread crumbs, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper and cook, stirring frequently, until deep golden brown, about 5 minutes. Transfer to bowl and wipe out skillet.

2. Bring water, 1 1/4 cups evaporated milk, and 1/2 teaspoon salt to simmer in skillet over medium-high heat. Add macaroni and cook, stirring often, until macaroni is al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Whisk remaining evaporated milk, cornstarch, and hot sauce in small bowl, then stir into skillet. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 1 minute. Off heat, stir in cheeses, one handful at a time, adding water as needed to adjust consistency. Sprinkle with toasted bread crumbs. Serve.


Note: To make homemade breadcrumbs, pulse 2 slices of hearty white sandwich bread in a food processor until coarsely ground.

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