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Skillet Macaroni and Cheese

Source of Recipe


From "Cook it in Cast Iron" by America's Test Kitchen



List of Ingredients



• 3½ cups water, plus extra as needed
  
• 1 (12-ounce) can evaporated milk
  
• 12 ounces (3 cups) elbow macaroni
  
• Salt and pepper
  
• 1 tsp cornstarch
  
• ½ tsp dry mustard
  
• ¼ tsp hot sauce
  
• 6 ounces mild Cheddar cheese, shredded (1½ cups)
  
• 6 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded (1½ cups)
  
• 3 Tbsp unsalted butter
  






Instructions



1. Bring water, 1 cup evaporated milk, macaroni, and ½ teaspoon salt to vigorous simmer in 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook, stirring often, until macaroni is tender and liquid has almost completely evaporated, 8 to 10 minutes.
   
   
2. Whisk remaining ½ cup evaporated milk, cornstarch, mustard and hot sauce together in bowl, then stir into skillet. Cook until sauce is slightly thickened, about 1 minute.
   
   
3. Off heat, stir in Cheddar and Monterey Jack, one handful at a time, until melted. Stir in extra hot water as needed to adjust consistency. Stir in butter and season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve.
   
   
   Serves 4
   
   
   ◦  Skillet Macaroni and Cheese with Broccoli:
   Bring 3 cups chopped broccoli florets, ½ cup water, and ¼ teaspoon salt to simmer in 12-inch cast iron skillet over medium heat. Cover and steam broccoli until tender, about 5 minutes. Using slotted spoon, transfer broccoli to bowl; set aside. Wipe skillet clean with paper towels and proceed with recipe, stirring steamed broccoli into macaroni with butter.
   
   ◦  Skillet Macaroni and Cheese with Ham and Peas:
   Stir 4 ounces diced deli ham and ½ cup frozen peas into skillet with evaporated milk mixture in step 2.
   
   ◦  Baked Skillet Macaroni and Cheese:
   Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 475° F. Pulse 2 slices hearty white sandwich bread, torn into quarters, 2 tablespoons melted unsalted butter, ¼ teaspoon salt, and â…› teaspoon pepper in food processor to coarse crumbs, about 6 pulses. Before serving, sprinkle crumb mixture over macaroni and cheese and bake until topping is browned, about 10 minutes.