How to Make Macaroni and Cheese with Cheddar and Pepper-jack Cheeses

Macaroni and cheese is a timeless dish, and a favorite of many people. It is truly the ingredients that make the difference when it comes to this all-time favorite. Preparation and bake time take only an hour, from beginning to completion. Once it is finished, you will have a wonderful and delicious meal to share with your family and friends.

Things You'll Need

• 1/2 pound rotini pasta
• 2 cups shredded, very sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup shredded pepper-jack cheese
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 cup butter
• 1 1/2 tbsp flour
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 cups milk
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1/4 cup herb and garlic breadcrumbs
• Colander
• Cheese grater
• Measuring cup
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden Spoon
• Saucepan
• Medium-sized pot
• Glass baking dish

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Boil the pasta in salted water to an al dente firmness. Drain the excess water in the sink with the colander and put colander aside.

3. Mix 1/2 cup melted butter in the saucepan over medium heat. Stir with a wooden spoon for three minutes.

4. Add milk, flour, and back pepper to the saucepan. Stir the mixture constantly for approximately 4 minutes, and reduce the heat if necessary. Make sure the mixture becomes smooth, with no lumps.

5. Add the Dijon mustard and Parmesan cheese to the mixture. Bring the contents to a simmer. Continue to stir.

6. Let the contents boil for 10 minutes so that the roux can thicken. If the roux becomes too thick, add additional milk to it.

7. Add the cheddar and pepper-jack cheeses. Stir into the roux with the wooden spoon.

8. Stir the sauce until all of the cheeses have melted completely. Turn off the heat.

9. Butter the bottom of the casserole dish, and place the pasta in the baking dish.

10. Take the sauce and mix it into the pasta thoroughly. Make sure the pasta is completely coated with sauce.

11. Add additional shredded cheddar cheese and herb and garlic breadcrumbs to the top for garnish.

12. Bake for approximately 40 minutes, or until the top is bubbling and is golden brown. Let cool for 10 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Any leftover melted butter can be added to the top of the macaroni before it goes into the oven.