Bobby Flay Mac and Cheese Recipe
There is nothing more satisfying than a huge bowl of creamy and cheesy pasta. This Bobby Flay Mac and Cheese Recipe takes a classic favorite and makes it world-class.
Ingredients
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or cavatappi pasta
- 4 cups whole milk warmed
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter 1 stick
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 3 cups sharp white cheddar cheese grated
- 1 cup Fontina cheese grated
- 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese grated
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 1/2 cups Panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tablespoons melted butter for the topping
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
Boil the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your macaroni and cook it for two minutes less than the package says. It should be "al dente" or slightly firm to the bite.
Make the Roux
- In a large saucepan, melt the stick of butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for about two minutes. This creates a thick paste that will make your sauce velvety and smooth.
Add the Warm Milk
- Slowly pour the warm milk into the flour mixture while whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens and starts to bubble softly. This is the base of your creamy cheese sauce.
Melt the Cheese
- Turn the heat to low and add the cheddar and Fontina cheeses. Stir until the cheese is completely melted and the sauce is glossy. Add the mustard, salt, pepper, and cayenne for flavor.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Pour the cooked pasta into the cheese sauce. Stir gently to make sure every single noodle is covered in the thick cheese. The mixture should look very saucy because it will thicken in the oven.
Prepare the Crunchy Topping
- In a small bowl, mix the Panko breadcrumbs with Parmesan cheese and melted butter. This is Bobby Flay's secret to a perfect crust. The breadcrumbs add a wonderful texture to every bite.
Layer and Bake
- Pour the mac and cheese into your greased baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top. Bake at 375°F for 25 to 30 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
Notes
- Grate Your Own Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has a waxy coating that prevents it from melting smoothly.
- Warm the Milk: Using warm milk prevents lumps from forming in your sauce.
- Add Bacon: Stir in crispy bacon bits for a smoky, salty flavor boost.
- Spice it Up: Add diced jalapeños if you want more heat like Bobby Flay often does.
- Veggie Option: Stir in some steamed broccoli or peas before baking to add some color.
- Truffle Oil: Drizzle a tiny bit of truffle oil at the end for a fancy, earthy aroma.