Country Macaroni And Cheese With Spicy Topping

Total Time: 1 hr 10 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 50 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 12
• 2 lbs dried rigatoni pasta or 2 lbs ziti pasta
• 1/4 cup butter
• 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped (1 cup)
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 6 cups whole milk
• 2 teaspoons dijon-style mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• salt (optional)
• fresh ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese (3/4 pound)
• 3 cups shredded colby cheese (3/4 pound)
• 3 tablespoons butter
• 1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (1/2 cup)
• 1 large garlic clove, minced
• 3/4 cup dry unseasoned breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh flat leaf parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (to taste)

Recipe

• 1 in a large pot, cook macaroni according to package directions. drain well and return to pot.
• 2 meanwhile, preheat oven to 375°f butter a deep 5-quart casserole and set aside. in a large deep skillet, melt butter over medium heat. add onion and garlic and sauté until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. using a slotted spoon, add onion and garlic to drained macaroni.
• 3 whisk flour into skillet until smooth. slowly whisk in milk and cook over low heat, whisking constantly, until thickened and smooth, about 5 minutes. stir in mustard, cayenne, salt, if desired, and pepper. gradually add cheeses, whisking until melted and mixture is smooth.
• 4 pour cheese sauce over macaroni and stir gently to combine. transfer mixture to prepared casserole.
• 5 to make topping: in a small skillet, melt butter over medium heat. add onion and garlic and sauté until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. stir in bread crumbs, parsley, and red pepper flakes. cook, stirring constantly, until crumbs are lightly coated, about 1 minute. sprinkle mixture evenly over casserole.
• 6 bake casserole, uncovered, for 25 to 30 minutes, until top is golden brown and center of the dish is hot and bubbly. serve warm. makes 12 servings.
• 7 advance preparation: casserole may be made ahead through step 4, covered tightly, and refrigerated overnight or up to 24 hours. bring to room temperature before topping and baking.
• 8 heartland cooking casseroles.