Best Michael Symons Macaroni And Cheese Recipes

MAC AND "CHEESE"

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 475 degrees F.
• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Season generously with salt. Add the pasta and cook for 3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
• Meanwhile, heat a large pan over medium heat and add the oil. When hot, add the cauliflower and onions and saute until starting to soften, 3 to 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute. Add the water or stock, bring to a simmer and simmer until everything is soft, about 3 minutes. Add the nutmeg. Check the seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the heat and let cool slightly. Transfer to a blender and puree until smooth.
• Toss the pasta with the puree in a medium bowl. Transfer to a baking dish and top with the breadcrumbs, herbs and dairy-free Parmesan. Bake until warmed through and the breadcrumbs are toasted, 3 to 5 minutes.

MACARONI AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Season chicken breasts with paprika salt and pepper and set aside. Heat olive oil in large saute pan and place chicken in it browning on both sides. Place in 400-degree oven for 8 to10 minutes. Remove from oven and let cool then dice into large pieces. Heat cream in large saucepan, add herbs, salt, and pepper and reduce by half. Add the cooked rigatoni, cheese and cooked chicken and simmer for 2 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

SMOKY MAC AND CHEESE

Steps:

• Heat a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package directions for al dente, then drain and set aside.
• Set up your grill for indirect heat. If using a charcoal grill, build the hot coals on one side only. If using a gas grill, heat one side only to medium-high heat. Heat a deep 12-inch cast-iron skillet over direct heat.
• Combine the cream, paprika, cayenne and hot sauce if using in the skillet. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and simmer until the cream mixture is reduced by half and thickened, about 5 minutes. Whisk in the cream cheese and Gouda until fully melted. Stir in the ham and cooked pasta and continue to mix until fully combined.
• Stir together the panko, pecorino and scallions if using in a medium bowl. Sprinkle the panko mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. Move the skillet to indirect heat, cover the grill and cook until golden brown and bubbly, about 5 minutes.
• (Alternatively, you can make the mac and cheese in a 12-inch cast-iron skillet on a stovetop over medium-high heat, then top with the panko mixture and bake in a 400 degrees F oven for 10 minutes.)