source: Food Network Magazine November 2021
The origin of mac and cheese
Macaroni and cheese (also known as mac and cheese in Canada and the United States and macaroni cheese in the United Kingdom) is a dish of macaroni and cheese sauce, most commonly cheddar sauce.
Its origins trace back to cheese and pasta casseroles dating to the 14th century in Italy and medieval England. The traditional macaroni and cheese is a casserole baked in the oven; however, it may be prepared in a saucepan on top of the stove or using a packaged mix. The cheese is often first incorporated into a Béchamel sauce to create a Mornay sauce, which is then added to the pasta. In the United States, it is considered a comfort food. (Wikipedia)
Ingredients
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for the baking dish
1 pound elbow macaroni
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream, plus more if needed
4 ounces cream cheese
1 pound sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
2 large eggs
1/2 cup sour cream
8 ounces extra-sharp cheddar cheese, cut into 1/2-inch cubes (about 1 and 1/2 cups)
kosher salt
freshly ground pepper
Directions
To make Kardea Brown’s southern mac and cheese, start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9-by-13-inch or other 3-quart baking dish.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the macaroni and cook, stirring occasionally, until al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain, then rinse with cold water.
Using the same pot the macaroni was cooked in, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk until smooth. While whisking constantly, slowly add the milk and the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer, then add the cream cheese and all but 1/2 cup shredded cheddar and stir until melted. Stir in the granulated garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Remove the cheese sauce from the heat and stir in the macaroni. Season with salt and pepper.
Finishing up the mac and cheese
Whisk together the eggs and sour cream in a small bowl and then fold into the mac and cheese. Spread in the baking dish, then fold in the cubed cheddar and top with the remaining 1/2 cup shredded cheddar. Bake until the mac and cheese just begins to brown on top, 20 to 30 minutes.
Loosely cover with foil and bake for 10 to 15 minutes.
Enjoy!
Also, try: Spicy Mac and Cheese