Recipe: Yummy Stephie's Best Ever Mac n' Cheese

Stephie's Best Ever Mac n' Cheese. Learn How To Make Zesty Mac & Cheese W/ Velveeta! In the South, we know that mac and cheese is worthy of the Thanksgiving table just like every other creamy casserole and hearty carb-packed dish—especially this best-ever version—because down here, mac 'n cheese is like everyone's favorite aunt. We get excited to see it at the holiday dinner, it fits in seamlessly wherever it goes, and it never ceases to give some true Southern flair.

This homemade baked macaroni and cheese is my most favorite and has pleased crowds, small families, kids and picky eaters alike-give it a try and you'll see why. Our best cheddar macaroni and cheese recipes, ranging from lobster mac to chicken-macaroni casseroles, will help you elevate this family classic and ultimate comfort food! So many people ask me to bring this! You can cook Stephie's Best Ever Mac n' Cheese using 13 ingredients and 13 steps. Here is how you achieve that.

Ingredients of Stephie's Best Ever Mac n' Cheese

You need 1 (8 oz) of package elbow macaroni (penne and rotini work good too).
It's 2 tbsp of butter.
Prepare 1/2 tsp of pure olive oil (better than evoo for sauteeing).
Prepare 1/2 of small onion - finely chopped.
It's 2 tbsp of all-purpose flour.
Prepare 2 cup (1 pint) of half and half.
Prepare 2 cup of extra sharp cheddar cheese - shredded.
You need 1/2 tsp of salt.
You need 1/4 tsp of ground black pepper.
You need 1 dash of ground cayenne pepper (roughly 1/8 tsp).
Prepare of Optional topping.
It's 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs.
It's 1 tbsp of olive oil.

It's so simple, rich, and delicious." - Camille Evans. Home-Style Macaroni and Cheese "This is the best macaroni and cheese recipe I've tried. Tips for the Best Homemade Baked Mac and Cheese. Use block cheese and shred, do not buy the pre-shredded cheese.

Stephie's Best Ever Mac n' Cheese instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F. Grease a 8x8 in. casserole dish with softened butter our spray with nonstick cooking spray, set aside..
In a large sauce pan cook macaroni according to package directions, drain in colander and set aside..
In the same sauce pan, melt butter with olive oil over med heat. The olive oil helps prevent browning of the butter..
Stir in chopped onion and cook until translucent, stirring occasionally. About 2 minutes..
Add flour stirring with whisk constantly for about 2 minutes more (to cook flour)..
Gradually pour in half and half, whisking constantly. Stir in salt, pepper and cayenne. Bring to a low boil and continue boiling for 2 minutes. Still whisking constantly. (Half and half makes the best creamy sauce in my opinion. You could use milk if you want, but then stand a bigger chance of the sauce "breaking")..
Reduce heat and gently simmer (stirring constantly, you guessed it) for 10 minutes to thicken..
Add shredded cheese a handful at a time. Whisking to incorporate each addition. Simmer, stirring, an additional 5 minutes, or until all cheese is melted. Turn off heat..
Return macaroni to sauce pan and gently fold into cheese sauce. Adjust seasoning to taste. I usually need to add a little more salt once the pasta is added (up to another 1/2 tsp), and sometimes add extra cayenne if we want a little extra kick..
Transfer to casserole dish. Now is where you add the topping if you want a little crunch. In a small bowl toss panko breadcrumbs with olive oil to coat. Sprinkle over top of mac n cheese..
Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes or until top is golden brown and edges are bubbly..
Notes: It is important to use extra sharp cheddar (or a mixture of sharp, strong cheeses) in order to really taste the cheese. Milder cheeses are not strong enough to truly provide a rich, cheesy flavor. I like using Kraft Shredded Triple Cheddar with a touch of Philly. If I feel like shedding my own I will get a block of good quality Vermont extra sharp white cheddar. If you want it extra, super cheese add up to an extra cup of cheese to your sauce. It's ok. I won't tell. ;-).
Substitutions and mix-ins: you can sub 1/4 cup sliced leeks for the onion, or omit this ingredient completely (although I say keep it). Can also sub nutmeg for cayenne, these brighten all the flavors and bring it all together (i would not use both). For variations in flavor, mix in about 4 slices crispy, crumbled bacon or 1/2 cup frozen spinach, thawed and drained with all excess liquid squeezed out when you sure in pasta..

The pre-shredded cheese is great for so many things but not macaroni and cheese. It's coated and won't melt properly. You need to shred it yourself for the best result. Combine Macaroni and sauce in buttered casserole dish. Add in the cheese and stir to melt.