Skillet Mac and Cheese

Jun 16th 2023

The No. 8 skillet is the perfect size for a side dish for four, or an entrée for two. This macaroni and cheese is all about texture. The silky sauce, extra-creamy thanks to a quick pass through the blender, is encased in a crunchy, golden brown crust of seasoned breadcrumbs. Take it directly from the oven to the table and watch it disappear.

Mac and Cheese is a comfort food classic for a reason. It makes people of all ages happy. There are simple versions and fancy versions. We’ve tried a lot of them. For our money this skillet Mac and Cheese recipe hits the sweet spot between achievable and aspirational. It’s sophisticated enough to appeal to a demanding palate, yet approachable enough that kids will love it. Silky on one hand, rugged on the other. A little like us.

NO. 8 SKILLET MAC AND CHEESE

WHAT YOU NEED

8 OZ DRY PASTA NOODLES, SUCH AS MACARONI OR SHELLS

1 THICK SLICE SOURDOUGH BREAD, CRUST REMOVED

1 LARGE CLOVE GARLIC, PEELED AND CUT IN HALF

1 TEASPOON CHOPPED THYME LEAVES

2 TABLESPOONS EXTRA-VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

4 TABLESPOONS ROOM-TEMPERATURE BUTTER, DIVIDED

2 TABLESPOONS ALL-PURPOSE FLOUR

3 CUPS WHOLE MILK

COARSE KOSHER SALT

PINCH CAYENNE

FRESHLY CRACKED BLACK PEPPER, TO TASTE

1.5 CUPS (6OZ) GRATED SHARP WHITE CHEDDAR, DIVIDED

1.5 CUPS (6OZ) GRATED GRUYERE, DIVIDED

3/4 CUPS (3/4OZ) GRATED PARMESAN, DIVIDED

PINCH CAYENNE

SERVINGS: 4

Preheat oven to 450˚F. Line a sheet pan with foil and set aside.

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and stir a few times to make sure it doesn’t stick to the pot. Cook just until al dente, about 5-7 minutes depending on the type of pasta. Drain and set aside.

Make the breadcrumbs: Cut bread into large pieces and add to the bowl of a food processor. Add garlic and pulse until finely chopped and garlic is scattered throughout, about 30 seconds. Stir in thyme, ¼ cup of the parmesan, and moisten with olive oil. Set aside.

Make the sauce: Gently warm milk in a small pot on the stove or in microwave. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir until smooth, 1-2 minutes. Slowly whisk in warmed milk, stirring well to avoid clumps. Season with salt and cayenne and bring to a gentle simmer. Simmer, stirring occasionally, about 10 minutes. Remove pot from heat and immediately stir in 1 cup of the cheddar, 1 cup of the gruyere, and remaining ½ cup parmesan. Stir until melted, then taste and season again with salt and black pepper.

Optional: To achieve an incredibly silky, creamy texture, purée sauce using an immersion blender or transfer to a blender for about one minute. Toss in the remaining 2 tablespoons butter while you purée the sauce.

Combine and bake: In a large bowl or in the same pot, combine noodles and cheese sauce. Fold in remaining ½ cup cheddar and ½ cup gruyere. Using a ladle or cup measure, transfer noodles and sauce to your 8-inch iron skillet (it will hold about 4 heaping cups and look very saucy). Top with seasoned breadcrumbs. Place skillet on the prepared sheet pan and bake until sauce is bubbling and breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 8-10 minutes.