Grandpa Joe's
Mac 'n' Cheese - Adult Style

Inspired by watching endless hours of television food programs!

About this recipe

Everyone loves macaroni and cheese!  So, why not a Mac 'n' Cheese for adults?  Of course, the minimal alcohol added here evaporates long before the food reaches the table, so it's perfectly safe for hungry folks of all ages.  The younger set may not fully appreciate the stronger cheese flavors, but then again, maybe they will enjoy them more.  As the old adage goes – nothing ventured, nothing gained.  Give it a go.

Ingredients

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • ½ cup dry white wine
  • 1 cup onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon dry mustard
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1 teaspoon half-sharp paprika
  • 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, grated
  • ½ cup asiago cheese, grated
  • 12 ounces pasta (preferably cavatappi, small penne, or elbow)

Directions

  1. Melt the butter in a medium size sauce pan.  Add the onions and cook over medium heat until the onions are translucent, but not browned.
  2. Add the flour and cook over low heat for 5 minutes.
  3. Add the wine and simmer for 1 minute.
  4. Add the milk and stir over medium heat until it just begins to thicken.
  5. Add the cheeses, mustard, salt, and paprika, stirring constantly.  When the sauce just begins to boil, lower the heat and cook for another 30 seconds.
  6. Taste, and adjust the seasonings, if necessary.
  7. Cook the elbow macaroni al dente in salted boiling water.  Drain, and transfer the pasta to a shallow baking dish.  Add all the cheese sauce and mix well.
  8. Sprinkle the top with more of the three cheeses.
  9. Place on an upper oven rack and broil until bubbly and brown on top, or about 5 minutes.
  10. Let stand 5 minutes before serving.
Adult Style Mac 'n' Cheese.
Mac 'n' Cheese with grilled skirt steak.

Notes

  • Obviously, this recipe will work with any cheese or cheeses.  I do recommend you only use freshly grated unprocessed cheeses, however.  They just taste better!
Posted: February 2014; pictures added: February 2015.