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Chef Johns Macaroni And Cheese Recipe
Sophia smith

Chef Johns Macaroni And Cheese Recipe

Whenever I crave the ultimate comfort food, I turn to Chef John’s Macaroni and Cheese Recipe. This creamy, cheesy masterpiece combines tender elbow macaroni with a luscious, spiced cheddar sauce, topped with a crispy golden panko crust. It’s rich, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a holiday spread, or just because you deserve it, this baked mac and cheese will be the star of your table.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine: American Comfort Food
Calories: 480
Ingredients Video Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta & Cheese Sauce Ingredients
  • 1 package elbow macaroni (16 ounces)
  • ¼ cup butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ⅛ teaspoon white pepper
  • 3 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 pinch ground nutmeg
  • 3 cups sharp cheddar cheese (shredded and divided)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
Topping Ingredients
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon butter (melted)

Video

Notes

Required Kitchen Tools

When I make Chef John’s macaroni and cheese, I find that having the right kitchen tools makes everything smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what I always keep handy:
  1. Large Pot: For boiling the macaroni until perfectly al dente.
  2. Large Saucepan: Essential for preparing the rich cheese sauce.
  3. Whisk: To ensure a silky, lump-free béchamel.
  4. Mixing Bowls: For combining the panko topping and prepping ingredients.
  5. Baking Dish (3-quart): The perfect vessel for baking and serving.
  6. Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Great for mixing pasta with sauce without scratching your cookware.
With these tools ready, the cooking process becomes stress-free,  and the results are absolutely worth it.