J Alexanders Mac and Cheese Recipe
The J Alexanders Mac and Cheese Recipe is rich, creamy and deeply comforting. Many people fall in love with this famous restaurant dish because of its smooth cheese sauce and tender pasta.
Ingredients
- 2 cups elbow macaroni
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups sharp cheddar cheese shredded
- 1 cup Monterey Jack cheese shredded
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 tablespoon melted butter for topping
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add a pinch of salt. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions until tender. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Make the Butter Base
- Place a saucepan over medium heat. Add the butter and allow it to melt slowly. Once melted, stir in the flour. Cook this mixture for about one minute while stirring continuously.
Create the Cream Sauce
- Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly. Add the heavy cream and continue whisking. Cook the sauce until it becomes smooth and slightly thick.
Add the Cheese
- Reduce the heat slightly and add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese. Stir slowly until the cheese melts completely. The sauce should become creamy and smooth.
Season the Sauce
- Add salt, black pepper and garlic powder to the cheese sauce. Stir well so the seasoning spreads evenly. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni into the cheese sauce. Stir gently until every piece of pasta becomes coated in the creamy mixture.
Prepare the Topping
- In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs with melted butter. This topping will create a golden crust while baking.
Assemble the Dish
- Pour the macaroni and cheese mixture into a baking dish. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly across the top.
Bake Until Golden
- Place the dish in a preheated oven at 180°C (350°F). Bake for about 15 minutes until the top becomes golden and slightly crispy.
Serve Warm
- Remove the mac and cheese from the oven and allow it to rest for five minutes. Serve warm while the cheese remains creamy and delicious.
Notes
- Always shred cheese fresh for smoother sauce.
- Use whole milk for richer flavor.
- Add cooked bacon for a smoky twist.
- Mix in roasted broccoli for extra nutrition.
- Try smoked cheddar for deeper flavor.
- Avoid overbaking so the pasta stays creamy.
- Stir the sauce slowly to prevent lumps.