Jeff Ruby's Classic Mac and Cheese Recipe: A Creamy, Comforting Delight
Guide or Summary:IngredientsInstructionsEnjoying Jeff Ruby's Mac and CheeseIngredientsJeff Ruby's famous mac and cheese recipe is a hearty, indulgent dish t……
Guide or Summary:
Ingredients
Jeff Ruby's famous mac and cheese recipe is a hearty, indulgent dish that's perfect for any occasion. The key to its success lies in the rich, creamy sauce that's made with a blend of cheeses and a touch of flour to thicken it up. Here's what you'll need to recreate this decadent dish at home:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 2 cups grated Gruyère cheese
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or any pasta of your choice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
1. **Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).** This will ensure that your mac and cheese is perfectly baked and ready to serve.
2. **Cook the pasta according to the package instructions.** Drain the pasta and set it aside. Make sure to reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
3. **In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.** Once the butter is melted, add the flour and whisk continuously until the mixture turns a light golden color. This will take about 2-3 minutes.
4. **Whisk in the whole milk and heavy cream.** Gradually add the milk and cream to the flour mixture, whisking constantly to prevent lumps from forming. Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat until it thickens, which should take about 5-7 minutes.
5. **Season the sauce with salt and pepper.** Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. Jeff Ruby's recipe calls for a balance of salt and pepper, so don't be afraid to adjust these ingredients to your taste.
6. **Add the cheeses to the sauce.** Reduce the heat to low and add the grated Gruyère, sharp cheddar, and Parmesan cheese. Stir continuously until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
7. **Stir in the cooked pasta and reserved pasta water.** Add the cooked pasta to the sauce along with the reserved pasta water. This will help to create a creamy and silky texture.
8. **Transfer the mac and cheese to a 9x13 inch baking dish.** Spread the pasta and sauce evenly in the dish.
9. **Bake the mac and cheese in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes.** The top should be golden brown and bubbly when it's done.
10. **Let the mac and cheese cool for a few minutes before serving.** Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and enjoy!
Enjoying Jeff Ruby's Mac and Cheese
Jeff Ruby's mac and cheese is a dish that's sure to impress. Its rich, creamy sauce is the perfect complement to the tender pasta and melty cheese. Whether you're serving it as a side dish or as the main course, this mac and cheese is sure to be a hit.
The combination of Gruyère, cheddar, and Parmesan cheeses gives the dish a complex flavor profile that's both savory and slightly sweet. The addition of fresh parsley adds a touch of brightness and freshness to the dish.
This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you're hosting a dinner party or just looking for a cozy meal at home. It's also a great way to use up leftover pasta and cheese, making it a budget-friendly option.
In conclusion, Jeff Ruby's classic mac and cheese recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves creamy, comforting dishes. With its rich, cheesy sauce and tender pasta, it's sure to become a family favorite. So why not give this recipe a try and see for yourself what makes Jeff Ruby's mac and cheese so special?