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Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese

Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese
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Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese is a comforting and rich dish that blends sharp Vermont cheddar cheese with tender elbow macaroni in a velvety cheese sauce. Perfect for family meals or gatherings, this recipe offers an authentic creamy texture, simple ingredients, and customizable options that make it a delicious crowd-pleaser inspired by Vermont’s renowned dairy heritage.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni

Cheese Sauce

  • 2 cups grated Vermont cheddar cheese
  • 2 cups milk or cream
  • 4 tablespoons butter
  • 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Topping

  • 1 cup breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons melted butter (for topping)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, then add the elbow macaroni. Cook until just al dente according to package instructions. Drain well and set aside.
  2. Make the Roux Base: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, whisking constantly to avoid lumps and develop a light golden color.
  3. Add Milk and Thicken: Slowly pour in the milk or cream while whisking continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Melt in the Cheeses: Reduce heat to low and gradually add grated Vermont cheddar cheese, stirring until fully melted and smooth. Season with mustard powder, salt, and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Fold the cooked macaroni gently into the cheese sauce, ensuring every noodle is luxuriously coated.
  6. Optional Baking: For a crispy topping, transfer mac and cheese to a buttered baking dish, sprinkle with breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20 minutes or until golden brown.

Notes

  • Use sharp Vermont cheddar for the ideal balance of flavor and meltability.
  • Keep the heat low to medium while melting cheese to prevent graininess or separation.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly undercooked noodles absorb sauce better and avoid mushiness.
  • Prepare sauce and pasta separately if making ahead, then combine before baking to maintain fresh textures.
  • Customize cheese blends by mixing cheddar with Monterey Jack or Gruyère for added complexity without losing creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, creamy mac and cheese, Vermont cheddar recipe, comfort food, cheesy pasta

Find it online: https://eazyum.com/creamy-vermont-mac-cheese/