This recipe came from Bon Appetite magazine but I came across it on the Shine Yahoo website. I see this website weekly but this is the first time something has jumped out at me. I make a lot of mac and cheese recipes because I have yet to find one I really like. I prefer the Kraft blue box. Sad, I know, but for some reason I LOVE that one and none of the others I have tried. There were WAY too many bread crumbs. I used 1 1/4 cups and even then had to scrape half off. It was terrible. Overall the flavor was decent once you got past the crumbs.
Ingredients:
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely grated Gruyère cheese (the store only had smoked so I used that)
- 1 1/2 cups coarsely grated sharp cheddar cheese (about 6 ounces)
- 1 1/2 cups diced rindless Brie (cut from 1-pound wedge)
- 5 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/4 cup all purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves (I used dried since I have those at home)
- 3/4 teaspoon (scant) nutmeg
- 4 cups whole milk
- 1 3/4 cups fresh breadcrumbs made from crustless French bread
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 8 teaspoons whipping cream (if making 1 day ahead)
*Test Kitchen Tip*
It’s easiest to remove the rind and dice the Brie if you put it in the freezer for 15 minutes to firm it up first.
Directions:
Mix all cheeses. Set aside 1 cup for topping; cover and chill. Melt 4 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium heat. Add flour and stir until mixture turns golden brown, about 4 minutes. Add thyme and nutmeg. Gradually whisk in milk. Simmer until thickened and smooth, stirring often, about 4 minutes. Add cheeses from large bowl. Stir until melted and smooth.
Melt 1 tablespoon butter in heavy large skillet over medium-high heat. Add breadcrumbs; toss. Stir until golden, about 2 minutes. Transfer to plate.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Cook pasta in boiling salted water until tender but firm to bite. Drain. Transfer to large bowl. Pour cheese sauce over; toss. Divide among eight 1 1/4-cup custard cups (I didn’t use 8 custard cups, I used one pan). Sprinkle with 1 cup cheese. Place cups on rimmed baking sheet.
DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover with foil; chill. Drizzle each with 1 teaspoon cream. Cover with foil; bake 15 minutes. Uncover. Sprinkle partially baked chilled or just assembled cups with breadcrumbs. Bake pasta until beginning to bubble and tops are golden, about 20 minutes.
