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Forever Macaroni and Cheese


Usha’s Forever Macaroni and Cheese is a luxurious, velvety dish that combines the classic comfort of mac and cheese with rich, French-inspired techniques. Starting with a buttery roux that turns into a smooth, creamy béchamel sauce, you’ll add an array of cheeses—pepper jack, sharp cheddar, Colby Jack, Havarti, and more—giving this dish a depth of flavor that’s irresistible. Mix in perfectly cooked al dente macaroni, top with extra cheese, and broil until toping is crispy and beautiful. With minimal prep and a short cook time, you’ll have a show-stopping side that’s always a crowd favorite.

When considering the side items to be cooked at any major family gathering, especially Thanksgiving Day Dinner, Usha's Forever Macaroni and Cheese always makes the cut. It is the first leftover to be eaten and it re-heats in the microwave beautifully. Make a double batch for Thanksgiving. You won't be sorry!

Usha's Forever Macaroni and Cheese will forever be on the Thanksgiving Day Menu? Why you ask? Well, because every year at this time in early November, my family and friends start talking about the Thanksgiving Dinner Menu. Mac and Cheese is always on the list and will be Forever! The question is whose Mac and Cheese recipe will we use or which restaurant in town has the best Mac and Cheese that we can order from.

While a great restaurant can provide an awesome side dish, the big pan of Mac and Cheese doesn't cook out like the side servings you get it in the restaurant. To top it off, it is always very very expensive.

Making homemade Mac and Cheese is actually very easy and cost effective. You can make as much as you want so there will be plenty of left overs and when the side dish conversation comes up at every other major family gathering this Macaroni and Cheese will be FOREVER talked about. Hence the name Usha's Forever Macaroni and Cheese!

The recipe includes step-by-step instructions to guide you through making a classic béchamel sauce and achieving that perfect crispy top. It's easier than you might think.

Forever Macaroni and Cheese is a must-have side item at every Thanksgiving Day Meal. It is creamy and decadent with a hint of spice. It is perfect as leftovers as it can be frozen for up to 3 months and reheats well in the microwave. Forever Mac and Cheese will have your family and friends talk about this dish ...FOREVER!

Cooking Method ,
Cuisine
Courses
Difficulty Intermediate
Time
Prep Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 25 mins Total Time: 35 mins
Servings 12
Best Season Fall, Winter
Description

Expect a decadent blend of creamy, cheesy goodness with a hint of spice from cayenne and pepper jack, balanced by the mellow flavors of Havarti and cheddar, topped with a golden, bubbly crust for the perfect bite.

Ingredients
    Pasta
  • 1 lb Elbow Macaroni
    • Cheese Sauce
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 Tbsp all purpose flour
  • 16 oz whole milk
  • 8 oz heavy cream (liquid form (by the milk))
  • 8 oz half and half (or heavy cream)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper fresh crushed
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 2 oz Pepper Jack cheese
  • 2 oz Sharp Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 oz Mild Cheddar Cheese
  • 2 oz Colby Jack Cheese
  • 2 oz Havarti Cheese
    • Topper
  • 4 oz Mild Cheddar
  • 2 tsp paprika powder
Instructions

  1. Heat 4 tablespoons butter on medium low flame in a heavy skillet. Do not burn the butter.

  2. Add 4 tablespoons flour and whisk until dissolved and you smell a nutty aroma. In France this is called "roux". Do not stop whisking or risk burning the flour. If this happens throw it out and start over!! NO BIGGIE!
  3. Once you smell the nutty aroma

  4. Add the milks and cream in one cup portions. First the whipping cream, then the half and half, next the whole milk. The milk should be pre-warmed slightly. I warm mine in the microwave 1 cup at a time for 1 minute each. Stir constantly with whisk. After each cup is added you will see some small clumps and as you continue to whisk, your mixture will be well blended and look shiny.

  5. After the 4th cup is added, Your sauce will seem too runny but continue to whisk and it will become slightly thicker. As soon as it begins to just thicken, cut off the heat source. In France this is called "Bechamel" sauce. Look it up ... you can now make a French sauce.

  6. At this point add in the spices and continue to whisk.

  7. 3/4 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper fresh crushed, 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder and 1/4 tsp onion powder.

  8. Stop and taste....If you don't like the taste now, you need to add more spice. I usually start with adding more garlic and paprika, then cayenne if it is not spicy enough. If you don't like the taste now, you won't like it once you add the cheese.

  9. Turn OFF the heat and remove the sauce from the heat and stir in the cheese.

  10. Cook 1 pounds of macaroni in salted water, al dente and according to the macaroni box directions.

  11. Drian macaroni and add to the sauce.

  12. Fold in the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce

  13. Now is the time to salt and pepper the Mac and Cheese to your desired taste.

  14. Top with mild cheddar cheese and paprika.

  15. Broil it on high in the oven for 10-12 minutes until the top begins to bubble and forms a crust. Voila!

Nutrition Facts

Servings 12

Amount Per Serving
Calories 426.69kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 25.2g39%
Saturated Fat 15.11g76%
Trans Fat 0.32g
Cholesterol 74.15mg25%
Sodium 359.71mg15%
Potassium 223.85mg7%
Total Carbohydrate 34.8g12%
Dietary Fiber 1.52g7%
Sugars 4.45g
Protein 15.41g31%
Vitamin A 254.51 IU
Vitamin C 0.34 mg
Calcium 322.36 mg
Iron 0.88 mg
Vitamin D 0.96 IU
Vitamin E 0.7 IU
Vitamin K 2.81 mcg
Thiamin 0.09 mg
Riboflavin 0.31 mg
Niacin 0.94 mg
Vitamin B6 0.12 mg
Folate 19.04 mcg
Vitamin B12 0.62 mcg
Phosphorus 290.68 mg
Magnesium 37.31 mg
Zinc 1.98 mg

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

This recipe is great for all occasions.

Family Favorite: This macaroni and cheese is a beloved family recipe that always makes our Thanksgiving table. It's creamy, cheesy, and has a perfectly crispy top that everyone loves!

Perfect for Holidays: "With Thanksgiving just around the corner, this dish is a must-have on your holiday menu. It's the first side to disappear, and leftovers reheat beautifully."

Cheese Lovers Delight: "If you’re a fan of cheese, this recipe is for you! It features a delightful blend of pepper jack, sharp cheddar, mild cheddar, Colby Jack, and Havarti, creating a rich and flavorful cheese sauce."

Customizable: Feel free to experiment with different cheese combinations to suit your taste. You can also adjust the spices to make it as mild or as spicy as you like.

Great for Leftovers: This macaroni and cheese makes excellent leftovers. It’s perfect for quick meals after the holiday festivities or anytime you’re craving a comforting dish. This dish reheats well in the microwave and leftovers can be frozen for up to three months.

Easy to Follow: The recipe includes step-by-step instructions to guide you through making a classic béchamel sauce and achieving that perfect crispy top. It's easier than you might think!

Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is a crowd-pleaser at gatherings and family dinners. Make a double batch if you’re feeding a crowd—trust us, everyone will want seconds! It is the first leftover to disappear. That is if there is any!

Keywords: Roux Based Mac and Cheese,Macaroni and Cheese, Creamy Mac and Cheese,Thanksgiving Side Dish, Comfort Food, Crispy Cheese Topped Mac and Cheese, Family Favorite, Holiday Recipe
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