MACARONI AND CHEESE WITH GARLIC BREAD CRUMBS

Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumbs image

Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)

Time 1h

Number Of Ingredients 14

FOR BREAD CRUMBS:
2 Tbsp unsalted butter
2 Tbsp olive oil
2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 c fresh bread crumbs, coarsely chopped
MACARONI:
3 Tbsp chopotle chile canned in adobo, chopped
1/2 stick unsalted butter
1/2 c all purpose flour
3 c whole milk
2 c heavy cream
1 Tbsp dry mustard
1 lb macaroni
2 lb cheddar cheese, grated

Steps:

1. Make bread crumbs: Heat butter and oil in a 10-inch heavy skillet over moderate heat until foam subsides, then cook garlic and bread crumbs, stirring, until crumbs are golden. Transfer to paper towels to drain and season with salt.
2. Make macaroni: Preheat oven to 350°F. Chop chipotles.
3. Melt butter in a 3- to 4-quart saucepan over moderate heat, then add flour and cook, whisking, 1 minute. Gradually whisk in milk, cream, and mustard and simmer, whisking occasionally, 3 minutes.
4. Cook macaroni in a 6- to 7-quart pot of boiling salted water until just tender. Drain in a colander and transfer to a large bowl. Stir in white sauce, cheese, and salt to taste.
5. Fill a 1 1/2-quart shallow casserole with half of macaroni mixture. Stir chipotles into remaining macaroni. Spoon into another 1 1/2-quart shallow casserole and sprinkle both with bread crumbs. Bake casseroles in middle of oven 30 minutes, or until bubbly.
6. Cooks' note: Macaroni and cheese may be made 2 days ahead, put into casseroles, cooled completely, and chilled, covered. Do not add bread crumbs until ready to bake. (Baking may take longer than 30 minutes.)
7. Serves 8 adults plus 10 children as part of a buffet.