This Macaroni And Cheese Recipe Will Rival That Served At Your Favorite Italian Restaurant

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Macaroni and cheese may not be the most authentic Italian dish, but most Italian restaurants make a delicious version of this hearty staple. With this recipe, you can create creamy, gooey, flavorful macaroni and cheese that would make any Italian chef proud. The recipe takes about 2 hours to prepare, so make sure you plan ahead.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni noodles
• 4 quarts of water
• 2 tablespoons plus 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 egg yolk
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 3 tablespoons flour
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 cup white onion, minced
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 12 ounces Cheddar cheese, grated
• 4 ounces Gruyere cheese, grated
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

Directions:

1. Bring the water, along with 2 tablespoons salt, to a rolling boil. Add the macaroni noodles, and boil for 7 minutes. The pasta should be slightly undercooked. Drain the pasta (do not rinse it), and set it aside.
2. In a small pan, saute the onion in the olive oil until tender and translucent. Set aside.
3. Combine the flour and butter in a large saucepan over medium heat. Whisk for 2 minutes, or until slightly browned. This mixture is called a roux.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk and the egg yolk. While whisking continually, pour the milk mixture into the roux. Continue whisking until the mixture is well-combined.
5. Add the mustard, remaining salt, sauteed onion, and black pepper to the saucepan. Continue stirring until the mixture thickens considerably. Do not allow it to boil.
6. Add the Cheddar and Gruyere cheeses, 1 handful at a time to the sauce, stirring well and letting the cheese melt after each addition. Reserve about 4 ounces of the Cheddar cheese for the top of the macaroni and cheese.
7. When the sauce is smooth and uniform, remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the pasta noodles, and then immediately pour the mixture into a large glass baking pan.
8. Sprinkle the macaroni and cheese with the Parmesan cheese and the remaining Cheddar.
9. Cover, and bake at 400 degrees F for 30 minutes. Remove the cover, and bake for an additional 30 minutes or until bubbly in the center and browned on top.

This recipe makes enough macaroni and cheese for 8 - 12 people. If you have leftovers, do not fret. They are delicious when reheated in a 375 F oven for about 20 minutes.

If all else fails, get Italian delivery from a place like Amico's Pizza Delivery. 

9 June 2015