Many people believe that Macaroni and Cheese is a food that you just cook up really fast, from a box, or your eleven and 9 year olds when you don’t feel like making anything for lunch. However, Macaroni and Cheese can be very formal and in Italian is translate to maccheroni mpl gratinati al formaggio. Does this kind of remind you of something you ordered at that fancy Italian restaurant last week? Well here’s how to make the ULTIMATE, and FORMAL Macaroni and Cheese. 

            The preparation time for this recipe is approximately 10-15 minutes and the cook time is about 20 minutes. 

The ingredients are:

4 Tablespoons of Butter (Divide them) 2 Tablespoons of Flour 2 Cups of Milk 6 Ounces of Gouda cheese, shredded (This will make about 1 ½ cups, and Emmental cheese can also be used) 2 Ounces of Gruyère cheese, shredded 1 package of elbow macaroni 1/3 cup of breadcrumbs ( Prefer Panko breadcrumbs but any brand works) 3 Tablespoons of Chopped (fresh) Chives  

Take a medium saucepan and melt two of the tablespoons of butter over a medium heat. Next, stir in the flour, this should form a roux. Then stir in milk; cook and stir for about 5 minutes until it thickens. Then depending on your personal preferences season with salt and pepper.

Next to do is stir in the the Gouda (Emmental) cheese and the Gruyère cheese. Stir this continuously and somewhat rigorously until the cheese melts. As you do this have the macaroni cooking; drain; and return to pot. Now preheat the boiler. Use about a 2 quart baking dish with some cooking spray (your preference). Pour the cheese mixture (made in step one and two) over the macaroni in the pot. Stir it together to make sure it coats and spoon the macaroni mixture into the baking dish. In a small bowl melt the remaining butter (2 tablespoons) in the microwave, and add the breadcrumbs and sprinkle this over the macaroni.

Lastly place this wonderful dish under the broiler 2-3 minutes until the top is a nice golden brown. Top with chives and serve it.  

            This recipe is very formal and fancy if you will, Macaroni and cheese is often taken as Mac n’ cheese. I hope this recipe changed your mind somewhat.

*Serves 8 people.

*Contains 410 calories