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Skillet Mac and Cheese with Crispy Breadcrumbs

Source of Recipe

Southern Living


Recipe Introduction

"Our test kitchen has created dozens of recipes for macaroni and cheese over the years and this is one of our favorite versions yet. The secret is three kinds of cheese (cheddar, Velveeta, and whole-milk ricotta) and a generous amount of mayonnaise, which gives it a creamy texture and a slight tanginess. Then, the pasta is topped off with buttery breadcrumbs and baked in a skillet for an ooey, gooey texture and slightly crisp edges. Even though you'll be tempted to grab a spoon as soon as it leaves the oven, be sure to let the mac and cheese stand for five to 10 minutes so it can cool to the perfect temperature."

Recipe Link: https://tinyurl.com/skilletmacncheese

List of Ingredients

â—¦ 12 ounces uncooked large elbow macaroni
â—¦ ¼ cup salted butter
â—¦ ¾ cup chopped yellow onion (from 1 onion)
â—¦ 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
â—¦ 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic (2 to 3 cloves)
â—¦ 2 cups whole milk
â—¦ 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups)
â—¦ 6 ounces processed cheese (such as Velveeta), cubed (about 1 ½ cups)
â—¦ 1 cup mayonnaise
â—¦ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
â—¦ 6 tablespoons coarsely chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley, divided
â—¦ ¾ cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
â—¦ 1 large egg
â—¦ 1 ½ cups panko (Japanese-style breadcrumbs)
â—¦ 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted


Recipe

Prepare pasta according to package directions; set aside. Preheat oven to 350° F.

Melt butter in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet over medium-high. Add onion, and cook, stirring, until just beginning to brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Add flour and garlic to skillet; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add milk; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Gradually add cheddar and processed cheese, whisking until melted. Remove from heat. Stir in cooked pasta, mayonnaise, salt, and ½ cup of the parsley.

Stir together ricotta and egg in a small bowl. Gently stir ricotta mixture into pasta mixture, leaving large swirls. Bake in preheated oven 10 minutes.

Meanwhile, stir together panko, melted butter, and remaining 2 tablespoons parsley until blended. Top pasta with panko mixture, and bake until top is lightly browned, about 10 minutes.

Serves 6