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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
   #60855
 Judy (New York) says:
This looked like it was an interesting recipe, and my children and I made it... and Mmmmm! It was delicious. This is an excellent recipe, and though, obviously, it's more difficult than boxed mac n cheese, it wasn't too hard at all. It's definitely a recipe that I'll be making again in the near future..
   #62713
 Giraki M. (South Carolina) says:
This is really good, but next time I would add another 1/2-1 cup of cheese. I made this with 2% milk, water, table blend spices (Mrs. Dash), and no onions. Although, I am looking forward to making it as posted, but I had to make due with what I had :)
   #65641
 April (Ontario) says:
Very good, I added finely minced celery,parsley and pieces of tomato to this recipe. I have to say I absolutely love the toasted bread crumbs and will probably add these to other casseroles. I didn't use wine and I used half and half cream. Next time I make this I will sprinkle extra cheese on top and maybe add some ham...Yummy
   #67326
 Paula (Colorado) says:
OMG soooo good!!
   #72660
 Dara (Maryland) says:
sooooooo goood!!!! Only thing i would do just for my preference is to cut out some of the onion flavor just bc i dont like a strong onion flavor...but other than that YUUUMMMMM!!! I couldn't keep my fork out of it before i even put it in the oven!
   #78686
 Sam (California) says:
Man, this macaroni is the bomb! it was a hit in my house and it was served with pork chops. good job!!!!!!
   #80405
 Jasmine (Singapore) says:
Thanks to the recipe I passed my home economics exams.
   #83184
 Jess l. (California) says:
Omg! This recipe is AMAZING! I have been trying to find something similar to hard rock cafe's twisted mac and cheese. I appreciate you putting this up...made my family happy with full bellies!
   #84225
 Loren (California) says:
Mmmmmm this recipe is great. I added some extra cheese on top and mixed in ham. So so good! Love mac n cheese!
   #92767
 Kayte (Massachusetts) says:
I love mac and cheese and this was the best I ever had!!!! Delicious!!!!
   #97887
 Meighan (Manitoba) says:
Great recipe! I doubled it and added extra cheese to the top and it was a hit with my family.
 #104188
 Crystal (Georgia) says:
Hey this Macaroni and Cheese dish was amazing. I almost left it in the oven too long. The breadcrumb topping was almost amazing it remind me of the Mac and Cheese I mad with Kraft Fresh Take Three Cheese Breadcrumbs it was just as good!
   #105036
 Yovi (New York) says:
That was by far the best mac and cheese I've ever tasted... I added a little bit of my own seasonings and wow is all I can say.
   #110153
 Love to Cook (West Virginia) says:
Really wonderful recipe! Rich, cheesy and gooey. This one is a keeper! I'm pretty critical when it comes to new recipes, but I would HIGHLY recommend trying this one out. You wont be disappointed!
 #110329
 Krissie (New Zealand) says:
SO GOOD!! I added 1/8th teaspoon cayenne and did 1 cup milk and 1 cup cream. SO DELICIOUS! I also put about 2 tbsp. Parmesan in it :) This is my new fave!

 

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