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Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese

Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese
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Creamy Vermont Mac & Cheese is a rich and velvety comfort dish combining tender elbow macaroni with a signature cheese sauce made from sharp Vermont cheddar, whole milk, and Dijon mustard. Perfect for cozy meals and family-friendly gatherings, this mac and cheese can be enjoyed straight from the stovetop or baked with a crispy breadcrumb topping for added texture. With simple, high-quality ingredients and easy customizations, it’s a timeless classic that delivers nurturing warmth and bold cheesy flavor in every bite.

Ingredients

Macaroni Pasta

  • Macaroni pasta (small elbow shapes), quantity as desired (commonly 8 oz)

Cheese Sauce

  • Vermont sharp cheddar cheese, shredded (about 2 cups or 8 oz)
  • Whole milk (2 cups)
  • Unsalted butter (3 tablespoons)
  • All-purpose flour (3 tablespoons)
  • Dijon mustard (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (to taste)
  • Freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Optional Topping

  • Breadcrumbs (1/2 cup, optional for baking)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pasta: Boil the macaroni in salted water until just al dente, typically 1-2 minutes less than package instructions, to keep it firm and avoid mushiness when baked.
  2. Make the roux: Melt the unsalted butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the all-purpose flour until smooth and bubbling lightly, cooking out the raw flour taste without browning.
  3. Create the cheese sauce: Gradually whisk in whole milk, stirring constantly until the mixture thickens. Reduce heat, then melt in shredded sharp Vermont cheddar cheese and stir in Dijon mustard gently until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  4. Combine pasta and sauce: Drain the cooked macaroni and fold it carefully into the cheese sauce, ensuring every piece is fully coated with the rich, velvety sauce.
  5. Bake (optional): Transfer the mac and cheese mixture to a baking dish. Sprinkle the top with breadcrumbs if desired, and bake in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden brown and bubbly for a delicious crunchy crust.

Notes

  • Use sharp Vermont cheddar for full depth of flavor.
  • Do not overcook the pasta to keep texture firm.
  • Add milk gradually to avoid lumps in the sauce.
  • Stir the cheese sauce gently to prevent graininess.
  • Optional baking step adds a delightful crunchy topping but mac and cheese is delicious without baking.

Nutrition

Keywords: mac and cheese, Vermont cheddar, creamy cheese sauce, comfort food, baked mac and cheese, family recipe

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