Perfect Homemade Mac and Cheese Recipe for National Pasta Day
Translated & summarized from Srugim by baba
International Pasta Day on October 25th is celebrated with a recipe for homemade mac and cheese, a popular dish that has also been embraced by Israeli celebrities like Gal Gadot. The recipe details ingredients for the pasta, a rich cheese sauce using cheddar, gouda, and Parmesan, and an optional crispy panko topping. Preparation involves cooking pasta al dente, making a béchamel sauce, combining ingredients, and baking until golden and bubbly.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- International Pasta Day is observed annually on October 25th.
- The recipe serves 4-6 people and uses 500 grams of short pasta.
- A key cheese blend includes cheddar, gouda or mozzarella, and Parmesan.
- The dish is baked with a crispy panko topping for 15-20 minutes.
- Gal Gadot has launched a healthier version of mac and cheese.
International Pasta Day, observed annually on October 25th, presents an ideal occasion to prepare a beloved Western dish: homemade mac and cheese. This classic American comfort food, combining short pasta with a rich cheese sauce and a crispy topping, has gained global popularity across all age groups. Notably, Israeli Hollywood stars have also embraced mac and cheese, with Gal Gadot launching a healthier version of the dish incorporating vegetables.
The recipe, serving 4-6 people, emphasizes quality ingredients. It calls for 500 grams of short pasta such as ditalini, shells, or elbow macaroni, chosen for their ability to hold the cheese sauce. For the sauce, 50 grams of butter, 3 tablespoons of flour, 3 cups of milk, and half a cup of heavy cream are used. The cheese blend is key: 200 grams of sharp cheddar, 150 grams of gouda or mozzarella for stretch, and 50 grams of finely grated Parmesan. Seasonings include Dijon mustard, nutmeg, paprika, salt, and pepper.
For an optional crispy topping, one cup of panko breadcrumbs, 20 grams of melted butter, and two tablespoons of Parmesan are mixed and sprinkled over the dish. The preparation involves cooking the pasta two minutes less than package directions to ensure it finishes cooking in the sauce. A béchamel sauce is made by melting butter, whisking in flour to form a roux, then gradually adding milk and cream while whisking until thickened. The heat is turned off before adding most of the cheese blend and seasonings to prevent the cheese from becoming oily.
Finally, the cooked pasta is combined with the cheese sauce. The mixture is transferred to a baking dish, topped with the panko mixture, and baked at 190 degrees Celsius (375 degrees Fahrenheit) for 15-20 minutes until golden and bubbly. A pro tip suggests adding a drop of hot sauce to cut through the richness without making the dish spicy. This homemade mac and cheese highlights how simple ingredients can create significant culinary experiences.