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“BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE” IS IN:

BEST MACARONI AND CHEESE 
1/2 (16 oz.) pkg. elbow macaroni (2 cups)
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter, divided
1/4 cup minced onions
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups milk or light cream
1/2 cup dry white wine (or water)
2 cups grated sharp cheddar (1/2 lb.)
1/2 cup bread crumbs (for topping)
salt and freshly ground pepper
cayenne pepper, to taste
1/2 tsp. paprika

Bring 4-quart salted water to a rapid boil and cook the macaroni until not quite tender. Drain macaroni and set aside.

In sauté pan, melt 1/2 the stick of butter (or 4 tablespoons). When melted, stir in the breadcrumbs and toast just until lightly browned. Remove breadcrumbs from pan and set aside. Wipe pan clean with paper towel and re-use for next step.

Breadcrumb topping: Melt remaining butter, add onions, and stir over low heat until onions are just translucent, but not browned. Stir in the flour and seasonings. Continue to cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Add the wine, then gradually stir in the milk or cream.

Simmer over low heat, stirring constantly until the sauce is thickened and smooth. Add cheese and continue stirring until the cheese melts.

Combine the macaroni with the cheese sauce. Turn out into a generously buttered casserole dish (approximately 1 1/2 quarts). If you have any extra grated cheese, you can sprinkle this on top along with the 1/2 cup of buttered, toasted bread crumbs.

Bake in a preheated 350°F oven for approximately 20 minutes or until heated all the way through and golden brown on top.

Submitted by: CM

recipe reviews
Best Macaroni and Cheese
   #193569
 Barbara Graffius (Nevada) says:
Just tried this recipe tonight. It was a hit. I used water instead of wine and for the breadcrumbs I used seasoned Italian. So yummy, this recipe is a keeper!
   #193160
 Larry Lopez (United States) says:
I would give this 10 stars if I could. The title is very accurate. It is the best mac and cheese ever. I've been to the very top restaurants in NY and CA and this is better than any mac and cheese I've had at those. As a note I used champagne instead of white wine and threw in some diced jalapeno to give it a tiny kick since I love jalapeno.
   #189691
 Terri (Virginia) says:
I have made this for the last 20 years and it is the most awesome mac and cheese I have every made. Every party I take it to, there are no left overs!!!
   #180411
 Patricia Frances (Maryland) says:
This is the best Macaroni and Cheese recipe ever, hands down!!
I purchased a used cookbook in Princeton, NJ in the early 80's that had this exact recipe in it. It was called "Superior Macaroni and Cheese." I made it as a newlywed and my husband loved it. We enjoyed many times. Fast forward to 2018; a move to Washington, DC and the loss of my treasured cookbook in the move. A few unsuccessful attempts to recreate it failed and other recipes just didn't measure up. After scouring the internet I finally found it today. Thanks so much to whoever posted it. I am making it for my hubby tonight! :)
   #180329
 Ruth Ann (New Mexico) says:
My family absolutely loves this recipe! It has become a family comfort food a Christmas night tradition.
   #179513
 Snowghost (Virginia) says:
I have made this for 12 years, love it and it's a hit at every party!
   #177875
 Erin (Ohio) says:
It's really DELISH! This is the first time Iade Mac and cheese with wine. Followed the recipe exactly to RAVE reviews (disclaimer: we we're all high as a kite).
   #176062
 Robert (California) says:
Absolutely a 5 Star! Excellent recipe. The best mac 'n cheese I ever made!
My only deviation from the recipe, I used a Penne macaroni from World Market.
   #156540
 Amy Rohde (Maryland) says:
My blue-cheese-lovin-butthead-husband gave this lower ratings because he said the cheese wasn't stringy enough (he wants it dangling from his face hair apparently) and the cheese wasn't 'funky' enough, resulting it in being blander than he would prefer. This critique was given some time between his first and third helpings. I think adding bacon or some more flavorful cheese would only make it better BUT NOT BLUE CHEESE! I would def make it again with some tweaks but it was yummy! Oh and his favorite part is the bread crumbs on top so maybe doubling them would be good.
   #154018
 Cheryl (South Carolina) says:
This is a great recipe and easy to make. I made it with the wine but not sure if I would add it again. My husband loved it so I might. It really is a good dish,so I suggest you give it a try.
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   #153663
 Felicia says:
I love this recipe I am modifying it today I will let you know how it works out!
   #146552
 Gage says:
I just made this for my boyfriend and I, he absolutely loves it. I'm just not a big fan of the onion taste, so I will be leaving those out next time I make this. Other than that, it is absolutely delicious!
   #143625
 Jack's wife (Wyoming) says:
Mac and cheese is one of my husband's favorites, but I can never get mine to come out consistently the same. Tried this recipe and he told me it was the best I ever made! Took it to a family dinner and received rave reviews. Truly yummy!
   #143509
 Tom Phillips (United States) says:
Mom put a little ketchup in mac and cheese. I have discovered chili sauce (right next to the ketchup) and I have used little ketchup since.
   #139394
 Betty (Florida) says:
Best we ever had!! I cooked my macaroni in chicken flavoring and saved 1/2 cup of the water to use instead of wine. Gave it just a shake of garlic powder it makes a very large amount. It freezes well.

 

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