Freezer Macaroni and Cheese

Summary

Yield
10 Servings
Source

Cook's Country, April/May 2009

Prep time1 1⁄2 hours

Description

Ingredients

4 Bread Slices
1⁄4CupParmesan Cheese (grated)
1CloveGarlic (minced)
8TablespoonButter (melted)
1PoundElbow Macaroni
6TablespoonFlour
1TeaspoonDry Mustard
1⁄8TeaspoonCayenne Pepper
4 1⁄2CupChicken Broth
1 1⁄2CupHeavy Cream
4CupColby Cheese (shredded)
2CupExtra-Sharp Cheddar (shredded)
1TeaspoonSalt
1⁄2TeaspoonGround Black Pepper

Instructions

1.Pulse bread, parmesan, garlic, and 2 tablespoons butter in food processor until coarsely ground. Divide crumb mixture between 2 freezer bags and freeze.
2.Bring 4 quarts water to a boil in pot over high heat. Add macaroni and cook until barely softened, about 3 minutes. Drain pasta, then spread out on rimmed baking sheet and let cool.
3.Heat remaining butter, flour, mustard, and cayenne in empty pot over medium-high heat, stirring constantly, until golden and fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Slowly whisk in broth and cream and bring to boil. Reduce heat to medium and simmer until slightly thickened, about 15 minutes. Off heat, whisk in colby, cheddar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon pepper until smooth.
4.Stir cooled pasta into sauce, breaking up and clumps, until well combined. Divide pasta mixture between two 8-inch square baking dishes. Cool to room temperature, about 2 hours. Wrap dishes tightly with plastic, cover with foil and freeze for up to 2 months.
5.Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Microwave casserole until mixture is thawed and beginning to bubble around edges, 7 to 12 minutes, stirring and halfway through cooking. (If preparing both dishes, microwave one at a time.) Cover pan with reserved foil. Bake 20 minutes, then remove foil and sprinkle with 1 bag frozen bread crumbs. (If preparing both dishes, sprinkle second bag of crumbs over second dish.) Continue to bake until crumbs are golden brown and crisp, about 20 minutes longer. Let cool 10 minutes. Serve.