Country-Style Mac and Cheese

Ingredients

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, plus more for greasing the dish
• 3 large eggs
• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 4 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Colby jack cheese, shredded
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Method

1. 1

   Preheat the oven to 350°F and butter a 9x13-inch baking dish.

2. 2

   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until just shy of al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain well.

   7:00 · Boil pasta
3. 3

   Toss the hot drained macaroni with the butter until melted and evenly coated.

4. 4

   In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, heavy cream, salt, pepper, ground mustard, and cayenne until smooth.

5. 5

   In a separate bowl, toss together the cheddar, Colby jack, and Parmesan cheeses.

6. 6

   Spread half the buttered macaroni in the prepared baking dish, sprinkle with half the cheese mixture, then repeat with the remaining macaroni and cheese, reserving about 1/2 cup cheese for the top.

7. 7

   Pour the egg and milk mixture evenly over the macaroni, gently pressing down with a spatula so the noodles are submerged.

8. 8

   Sprinkle the reserved cheese over the top.

9. 9

   Bake uncovered until the custard is set and the top is golden brown, 40 to 45 minutes.

   40:00 · Bake mac and cheese
10. 10

    Let the casserole rest 10 minutes before serving to allow the custard to firm up.

    10:00 · Rest before serving