World's Best Mac and Cheese


It is Secret Recipe Club time!  You remember, it's where participating bloggers are assigned a blog with the challenge of identifying a recipe, preparing it and then posting on a designated day.  I was really excited to be assigned Alli 'n Sons!  She uses the descriptor:  Motherhood, Baking and Boys with a Side of Chocolate...so cute!  How she does everything being "up to her armpits" with two busy young men, I don't know.  Three cheers for Alli!!!

While chocolate is a popular ingredient on Alli 'n Sons, I couldn't take my eyes from the World's Best Mac and Cheese!  Who cares that, like Alli, I could not find Beecher's artisan cheeses? Alli said she was able to substitute with brands in her area and felt great about the results so I decided that I would do the same.  I think it is the touch of chipotle chili powder that sends this over the top...along with white cheddar...and Gruyere...both favorites of mine.

World's Best Mac and Cheese
adapted from Beecher's Mac and Cheese and Alli 'n Sons

Serves 4

Preheat oven: 350° F.
Butter an 8" casserole dish for four

Beecher's Flagship Cheese Sauce 
(Makes about four cups)
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 cups milk
14 ounces semi-hard cheese, such as Beecher's Flagship, grated (about 3 1/2 cups)
2 ounces semi-soft cheese, such as Beecher's Just Jack
1/2 tsp kosher salt
1/8 tsp garlic powder

Melt the butter in a heavy-bottom saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour.  Continue whisking and cooking for two minutes.  Slowly add the milk, whisking constantly.  Cook until the sauce thickens about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.  Remove from the heat.  Add the cheese, salt, chili powder and garlic powder.  Stir until the cheese is melted and all ingredients are incorporated, about three minutes.  Use immediately, or refrigerate for up to three days.
NOTE:  A single batch of sauce makes enough for a double recipe of macaroni and cheese.

Pasta
6 ounces penne pasta

2 cups Beecher's Flagship Sauce
1 ounce cheddar, grated (1/4 cup)
1 ounce Gruyere cheese, grated (1/4 cup)
1/4 to 1/2 tsp chipotle chili powder

Cook the penne two minutes less than package directions.  (It finishes in the oven.)  Rinse the pasta in cold water and set aside.

Combine cooked pasta and 2 cups Flagship Sauce in a medium bowl and mix carefully but thoroughly.  Scrape the pasta into the prepared baking dish.  Sprinkle the top with the cheeses and then the chili powder.  Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes.  Let sit for five minutes before serving.

Note:  If the recipe is doubled, use a 9 X 13 inch pan and bake for 30 minutes.

PRINTABLE RECIPE


Mr. T and I loved this Mac and Cheese.  Since my daughter lives in Seattle, I am going to pay them a visit the next time I am there.... When I make this again, I think I will order the cheese on-line, just for fun!

Comments

  1. There are certainly a lot of good looking dishes posted on here today....BUT, you just can't beat mac and cheese.... I'm not sure that I've ever served a meal to my grandchildren that didn't include mac and cheese....glad to have this recipe

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  2. Love the mix of cheeses in this dish. Comfort food at its (world) best!

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  3. I love when something says, Worlds Best, you know it has to be good! I'm a believer that you can sub any cheese that you like for mac and cheese. It is nice to try different kinds though. This looks wonderful!

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  4. This looks wonderful. I just love mac and cheese. Especially with fall coming - pure comfort food. This recipe sounds delicious!

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  5. Oh wow! You certainly can't go wrong with mac & cheese...this recipe looks fantastic!

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  6. SRC, a perfect excuse to make mac-n-cheese!!!! One of my favorite comfort foods. I have to try some with that chipotle!

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  7. I love Mac and Cheese it is my favorite!

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  8. A definite favorite in this house! I can't wait to try this recipe! Sounds so good!

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  9. Mac and cheese is the ultimate comfort food. There is no dish like it. I really enjoy trying new mac and cheese recipes. Thanks for sharing this recipe with us.

    Velva

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  10. Gotta love mac and cheese! Sounds like a good one and I'm sure it will be fun to try that brand of cheese:@)

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  11. Mac and cheese is the perfect comfort food. A definite favorite for my family. I can't wait to give this a try. Great SRC pick!

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  12. What a great comfort food and I am glad to find the BEST mac 'n cheese.

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  13. Beechers makes the BEST cheddar! I bet this was the worlds best. Glad to be part of SRC group C with you!

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  14. I've been thinking about mac and cheese lately, now I'm thinking really hard about it.

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  15. I'm so glad you listed alternatives because I'm sure I can't find Beechers cheese. Never heard of it. I love the sprinkle of chipotle chile powder. This is a must try.

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  16. Mac'N'Cheese is always a favorite. And with a title like 'World's Best...' how can you lose!? Thanks for sharing with the SRC.

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  17. Ok, that does it. I'm going home and pulling out their cookbook. Bought it, read it and put it on the shelf. Now, I've really got to start cooking from it! Great choice for SRC!!

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  18. Oh my gosh! Sinful and delicious. A must try. Thanks!

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  19. Very yummy! With gruyere and cheddar how could you go wrong? Looks DEELISH!

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  20. Nothing beats homemade mac & cheese!

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