Beecher's "World's Best" Mac and Cheese

Beecher's Inspired Mac and Cheese: A Home Cook's Take

My love affair with mac and cheese started young. It’s the ultimate comfort food, a creamy, cheesy hug on a plate. I’ve experimented with countless recipes, from simple stovetop versions to elaborate baked creations. But nothing, and I mean nothing, compares to the mac and cheese I tasted at Beecher's Handmade Cheese in Seattle's Pike Place Market. It was a revelation – a symphony of cheesy goodness, perfectly cooked pasta, and a subtle hint of spice. The experience was so memorable that I had to recreate it at home. And guess what? It's surprisingly achievable.

Finding Beecher's recipe online was like striking gold. Of course, some of their cheeses aren't readily available everywhere. So I took some liberties, substituting locally sourced cheeses that I knew would deliver similar rich, creamy flavor. This adaptation maintains the heart and soul of the original while adding my personal touch. The result? A mac and cheese recipe that's become a staple in my own kitchen, impressing friends and family alike. It's a dish that's easy enough for a weeknight meal but fancy enough for a weekend gathering.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The sauce is incredibly smooth and decadent, a testament to the quality of the ingredients. It's all about letting the cheese shine—the different varieties melt together beautifully, creating a complex, yet harmonious flavor profile. The pasta is cooked just perfectly – al dente with a delightful bite. And the touch of chipotle powder adds a subtle smoky warmth that perfectly complements the richness of the cheese.

Beyond the Recipe: This mac and cheese isn't just a dish; it's a journey. It's a reminder of the delicious adventures you can have, whether it's exploring a bustling farmers market or discovering a new favorite recipe. It’s about creating something special in your own kitchen, something that transports you back to a cherished moment.

Tips and Variations:

• Cheese Choices: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses! A blend of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Fontina would be divine.
• Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chipotle powder to your preference. If you like things spicier, add a pinch more; if you prefer a milder flavor, reduce it.
• Pasta Type: While penne works perfectly, other short pasta shapes like cavatappi or rotini will also work beautifully.
• Add-ins: For an extra boost of flavor and texture, consider adding cooked bacon, roasted vegetables, or caramelized onions.

This Beecher’s inspired mac and cheese isn’t just a recipe; it’s a culinary experience. It's a testament to the power of simple ingredients, carefully combined, to create something truly extraordinary. So grab your favorite cheeses, gather your loved ones, and get ready to embark on a cheesy adventure.

Enjoy!

Step-by-step

• To prepare sauce, melt butter in a heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat and whisk in the flour.
• Continue whisking and cook for 2 minutes.
• Slowly add milk, whisking constantly.
• Cook until sauce thickens, about 10 minutes, stirring frequently.
• Remove from heat.
• Add cheeses, salt, chili powder and garlic powder.
• Stir until cheese is melted and all ingredients are incorporated, about 3 minutes.
• Set aside.
• Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
• Butter or oil an 8-inch baking dish.
• Cook penne 2 minutes less than package directions. (It will finish cooking in the oven.)
• Rinse pasta in cold water and drain well.
• Combine pasta and sauce in a medium bowl; mix carefully but thoroughly.
• Scrape the pasta into the prepared baking dish.
• Sprinkle top with cheeses and then the chili powder.
• Bake, uncovered, 20 minutes.
• Let stand 5 minutes before serving.