Sunday Red Mac & Cheese

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Bold, rich, and clean—Sunday Red Mac & Cheese is built to win the plate and the moment. Twisted cavatappi pasta, creamy cheese sauce, and a golden, buttery crunch take center stage.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:

• 1 lb Cavatappi pasta
• Kosher salt, for boiling water

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 3 cups whole milk (warm)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1½ cups sharp white cheddar, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyère, shredded
• ½ tsp Dijon mustard
• ⅛ tsp freshly grated nutmeg
• Salt and fresh cracked pepper, to taste

For the Topping:

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

1. Boil the pasta: Cook cavatappi in salted water until just shy of al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Make the roux: In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook 1–2 minutes until smooth and bubbling.
3. Build the béchamel: Slowly whisk in warm milk and cream. Stir constantly until thickened—about 5–7 minutes.
4. Add the cheese: Reduce heat to low. Stir in cheddar, Gruyère, Dijon, nutmeg, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
5. Combine: Add cooked pasta to the sauce and stir to coat. Transfer to a greased baking dish.
6. Make the topping: Mix panko, melted butter, parsley, and Parmesan (if using). Sprinkle over mac and cheese.
7. Bake: Bake at 375°F for 20–25 minutes until golden and bubbling. Let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Chef Paddy’s Tips

• Use Cavatappi for a Reason: Twists hold the sauce and bake better—every bite hits different.
• Grate Your Cheese Fresh: Skip the pre-shredded bags. Blocks melt smoother and taste better.
• Don’t Skip the Nutmeg: One tiny pinch adds balance you didn’t know you needed.
• Rest Before Serving: Give it 5–10 minutes to settle and set that sauce just right.
• Bake It Golden, Not Burnt: Once the top’s golden and bubbling, it’s game time. Don’t dry it out.
• Make It a Meal: Fold in chopped brisket, bacon, or lobster before baking for a major upgrade.

Let’s cook with heart and hustle.