FAMOUS DAVE'S MAC 'N' CHEESE

Famous Dave's mac 'n' cheese image

Provided by @MakeItYours

Number Of Ingredients 19

2 tablespoons butter plus 1/4 cup (1/2 stick), divided
3 tablespoons flour
2 cups milk
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
4 ounces aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups sweet corn niblets
2 jalapenos, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 pound jumbo elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, cubed
8 ounces Colby cheese, cubed
1/2 cup cracker crumbs
1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style) bread crumbs
1/4 cup unseasoned bread crumbs

Steps:

Step 1Heat the oven to 350 degrees.
Step 2Melt 2 tablespoons of butter in a large, heavy-bottom pot over medium heat. Whisk the flour into the butter until thoroughly combined to form a roux. Slowly whisk in the milk, then the half-and-half. Whisk in the mustard, barbecue sauce, salt and pepper.
Step 3Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes to develop the flavors. Whisk in the white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in the corn, jalapenos and parsley, then remove from heat.
Step 4Stir in the macaroni, then the cubed sharp cheddar and Colby cheeses. Spoon the macaroni and cheese into a buttered 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
Step 5Melt the remaining one-quarter cup of butter in a small sauce pan. In a medium bowl, combine the cracker, panko and unseasoned bread crumbs with the melted butter. Sprinkle the crumb mixture over the macaroni and cheese.
Step 6Bake the mac 'n' cheese until bubbly and browned on top, about 40 minutes.