Mac & cheese is a classic Thanksgiving side that sits right next to mash potatoes and stuffing as the go-to food during the holiday. The dish, however, can be a little straightforward and boring at times, so if you are looking to class up your mac & cheese this Thanksgiving, here is a tasty recipe to try.
Ingredients
Kosher salt
12 ounces of gemelli or other twisty shaped pasta
3 tablespoons of unsalted butter
1 tablespoon of all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon of dry mustard
Cayenne pepper (pinch)
1 (12-ounce) can of evaporated milk
1/2 cup of milk
3/4 cup of shredded cheddar cheese
3/4 cup of shredded monterey jack cheese
1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons of chopped parsley
For this upscale twist on mac & cheese start by cooking the pasta for about eight minutes. Next melt the butter, add the flour, mustard and cayenne into the saucepan and stir to make a paste. Now whisk in the milks and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Let simmer and whisk occasionally for six to seven minutes. Once completed, throw in the cheeses and all but 2 tablespoons of the parmesan. Stir until the mixture is melted.
Next mix together the panko, herbs, 1 tablespoon of butter and the remaining parmesan and microwave for one minute. Drain the pasta, and throw in one tablespoon butter, then mix in the cheese sauce. Season the mac & cheese with some salt and sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture on top.