Elevate your comfort food: master the art of j alexander’s mac and cheese

If you’re a fan of the creamy, indulgent mac and cheese served at J Alexander’s, you’re in luck! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps on how to make j alexander’s mac and cheese in the comfort of your own home.

Ingredients

For the Macaroni:

• 1 pound elbow macaroni
• 1 tablespoon salt

For the Cheese Sauce:

• 1/4 cup unsalted butter
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 4 cups milk
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 8 ounces Monterey Jack cheese, shredded
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Topping:

• 1/2 cup bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup melted butter
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cooking the Macaroni

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the macaroni and cook according to package directions.
3. Drain the macaroni and set aside.

Making the Cheese Sauce

1. In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
2. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 minute.
3. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
4. Season with salt, pepper, and dry mustard.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until thickened.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, and Parmesan cheese.

Combining the Macaroni and Cheese Sauce

1. Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir to combine.

Baking the Mac and Cheese

1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Transfer the macaroni and cheese mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.

Making the Topping

1. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, melted butter, and Parmesan cheese.
2. Sprinkle the topping over the macaroni and cheese.

Baking the Mac and Cheese

1. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
2. Let stand for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Perfect Mac and Cheese

• Use a high-quality cheese for the best flavor.
• Don’t overcook the macaroni or it will become mushy.
• Make sure the cheese sauce is thick enough to coat the macaroni without being too thin.
• Don’t skip the topping, it adds a delicious crunch to the mac and cheese.

Variations

• Add cooked bacon, chicken, or vegetables to the mac and cheese.
• Use different types of cheeses, such as Gruyère, Gouda, or Fontina.
• Make a spicy mac and cheese by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce.

How to Make J Alexander’s Mac and Cheese in a Slow Cooker

1. Combine the macaroni, cheese sauce, and any desired toppings in a slow cooker.
2. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours.
3. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

How to Make J Alexander’s Mac and Cheese Ahead of Time

1. Make the mac and cheese according to the instructions.
2. Let cool completely.
3. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
4. Reheat in the oven or microwave before serving.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: What is the secret to J Alexander’s mac and cheese?
A: The secret is in using a combination of cheeses, including sharp cheddar, Monterey Jack, and Parmesan.

Q: How do I make my mac and cheese creamy?
A: Use a roux (a mixture of flour and butter) to thicken the cheese sauce.

Q: How do I prevent my mac and cheese from drying out?
A: Add a splash of milk or cream to the cheese sauce before baking.

Q: Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use any type of pasta that you like. However, elbow macaroni is the traditional choice for mac and cheese.

Q: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and flour to make this recipe gluten-free.