Chef Thomas Keller's Mac n' Cheese Recipe on Honest Cooking (2024)

If you really want to impress with your next Mac n’ Cheese, try this amazing recipe from Chef Thomas Keller.
By Kalle Bergman

Chef Keller describes the dish “ – This pasta is cooked in the manner of a risotto, first toasting the pasta and then adding the liquid in batches. It takes about 25 minutes to cook and produces a rich and creamy consistency similar to risotto. I think it is best just after cooking, but if you want to make it ahead of time, it can be poured into a gratin dish and refrigerated. On re-heating, it may lose some of the original creaminess, but it will be made up for with a crusty border of orzo around the gratin dish.

It is best to have all your ingredients prepped before beginning the recipe. The amount of cheese you add is also a matter of taste. Panko crumbs are Japanese breadcrumbs and can be found in the Asian section of the supermarket.

This can be served as a first course, side dish or as a main course with a salad.”

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Chef Thomas Keller’s Mac n’ Cheese

  • Author: Thomas Keller for All Clad
  • Total Time: 55 mins
  • Yield: 4-8 1x
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Description

If you really want to impress with your next Mac n’ Cheese, try this amazing recipe from Chef Thomas Keller.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons (1/4 ounce) unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup panko crumbs
  • 1 tablespoon canola oil
  • 8 ounces orzo (about 1 1/4 cups)
  • 1/4 cup minced yellow onion, minced almost to a paste (optional)
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups chicken stock, homemade or shop-bought low-sodium
  • Coarse salt
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 2 tablespoons (1 ounce) unsalted butter (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons crème fraiche
  • 1 1/2 to 2 cups white cheddar cheese, finely grated
  • 2 teaspoons minced chives
  • 1 teaspoon minced Italian parsley

Instructions

  1. Melt the 1 1/2 teaspoons of butter in a small non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the crumbs and sauté, moving the crumbs constantly until they are a rich golden brown. Remove to a bowl and set aside.
  2. Heat the oil in an All-Clad Copper-Core Windsor Pan over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and stir constantly to toast the orzo for about 2 to 3 minutes or until about half the orzo pieces are lightly browned. Remove the pot from the heat and immediately stir in the onions to incorporate. Steam will rise from the moisture of the onions. Stir until the steam subsides and any liquid from the onions has been absorbed by the orzo.
  3. Add 3/4 cup of the chicken stock and return the pan to the heat. Stir until the stock is almost evaporated and add another 3/4 cup of stock and a pinch of salt. The liquid will become thickened and creamy from the starch in the orzo. When the mixture has thickened and you can see the bottom of the pan as a spoon is drawn through the orzo, add the milk. Cook until the milk reduces but the mixture is still creamy. Taste the orzo, it should be cooked but still have a bit of firmness, as when cooking pasta al dente. Do not let it become mushy. If the orzo needs more cooking, add 1/4 cup of the remaining stock and continue to cook. When the orzo is done to your liking, remove the pot from the heat.
  4. Stir in the butter, if desired, the crème fraiche and 1 1/2 cups of cheese. Stir to incorporate. Taste and add more cheese or salt as desired. Check the consistency. If needed add a bit more of the remaining chicken stock to loosen the mixture. Stir in the herbs.
  5. Spoon the orzo on individual serving plates and sprinkle with the panko crumbs.
  6. If you are making the orzo ahead of time, pour it into a gratin dish and smooth the top. Cover and refrigerate. When you are ready to cook the gratin, remove it from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature before reheating.
  7. Preheat the oven to 325°F. Sprinkle the panko crumbs over the top of the gratin and place in the oven to heat for about 15 minutes, then increase the heat to 400°F. for an additional 10 minutes or until the top is crispy and the orzo is hot.
  • Prep Time: 30 mins
  • Cook Time: 25 mins
  • Category: Side
  • Cuisine: American

Chef Thomas Keller's Mac n' Cheese Recipe on Honest Cooking (2)

Kalle Bergman

Kalle Bergman is a food writer and media entrepreneur who is the founder of Honest Cooking and PAIR Magazine. As a food writer, his writing has been regularly featured in publications like Gourmet, Los Angeles Times, Huffington Post and Serious Eats. He is obsessed with simple food, more often than not from his native Scandinavia.

Chef Thomas Keller's Mac n' Cheese Recipe on Honest Cooking (2024)

FAQs

Chef Thomas Keller's Mac n' Cheese Recipe on Honest Cooking? ›

Finally, using a plain yogurt is one of the best options for replacing milk in kraft mac and cheese! A plain whole milk yogurt or a greek yogurt would work well. Mix it in the same way you'd mix in sour cream, until it is well incorporated. This may have a slightly tangier flavor, but that is a personal preference.

Can I use yogurt instead of milk for mac and cheese? ›

Finally, using a plain yogurt is one of the best options for replacing milk in kraft mac and cheese! A plain whole milk yogurt or a greek yogurt would work well. Mix it in the same way you'd mix in sour cream, until it is well incorporated. This may have a slightly tangier flavor, but that is a personal preference.

Can you use Greek yogurt in boxed mac and cheese? ›

How to Make Boxed Mac and Cheese Taste Better. To improve the tang and overall cheesiness of your boxed mac, add 2 to 3 tablespoons of plain Greek yogurt to the cooked and drained pasta while it's still warm. Toss to combine, then stir in the cheese powder until it's uniformly blended.

What can you add to Kraft macaroni and cheese? ›

Here are a few of my favorite ways to upgrade boxed mac and cheese in three ingredients or fewer:
  1. Broccoli + Shredded Chicken. ...
  2. Bacon + Peas + Egg. ...
  3. Garlic + Pickled Jalapeños. ...
  4. Mushrooms + Thyme + Grated Gruyère. ...
  5. Pesto + Sun-Dried Tomatoes. ...
  6. Kimchi + Bacon + Chopped Scallions. ...
  7. Cherry Tomatoes + Basil + Mozzarella.

Is milk or evaporated milk better for mac and cheese? ›

Key #2: Use Evaporated Milk

Evaporated milk is a highly concentrated source of milk protein micelles—bundles of proteins that can act as powerful emulsifying agents—which help to keep the sauce creamy and smooth.

Is regular milk or evaporated milk better for mac and cheese? ›

Any milk is fine. I usually use whole milk, then add some cream, sometimes, just to make it richer. Then you add the cheese of your choice, and melt that, then put the cooked macaroni in. If you are used to using evaporated milk, it's because it makes the sauce a little creamier/richer.

What can I use if I don't have milk for boxed mac and cheese? ›

Can water be used as a substitute? Yes, Kraft Macaroni & Cheese can be made without milk or butter. Instead, you can use water as a substitute. Simply follow the package instructions for cooking the macaroni, then drain it and mix in the cheese powder and a small amount of water to create the sauce.

What happens when you mix protein powder and Greek yogurt? ›

Not only does it add more protein to your diet, but it also enhances the texture and flavor of the yogurt, especially if you're using flavored protein powders like vanilla or chocolate.

How do you spice up a box of Kraft mac and cheese? ›

Add choice of dairy (I use butter and sour cream), seasonings (I use red pepper flakes, garlic, maybe onion salt), and extra cheese (my favorite with white cheddar is TJs Unexpected Cheddar but a mexican blend sounds good with yellow Kraft).

What is the most common thing added to mac and cheese? ›

Crispy and golden breadcrumbs are the most traditional addition to mac and cheese. The interplay of texture between soft pasta and rich, buttery breadcrumbs is the reason why this combination has endured the test of time.

What was Kraft's mascots name? ›

The Cheesasaurus Rex was the mascot of the Kraft Macaroni and Cheese product. He was introduced in 1991, and was kept all the way until the late-2000s.

What can I use if I don't have milk for mac and cheese? ›

Water actually works perfectly well as a milk substitute in mac and cheese. It adds all the liquid you need, though it doesn't have the creaminess or flavor that other substitutes add. However, if you add a little pasta water, instead of plain tap water, to your cheese sauce, you might get better results.

How do I substitute yogurt for milk in a recipe? ›

When it comes to replacing a liquid, like milk, you'll need to be more creative. If the recipe calls for one cup of milk, use 1/4 cup of yogurt paired with 3/4 cup of milk (if you're just short on milk) or water. Substituting yogurt for a liquid oil works best in small quantities, like a few tablespoons.

Can I add yogurt instead of milk? ›

Greek yogurt can substitute milk, sour cream and heavy cream. Milk: If you're short on milk, half and half or light cream, Greek yogurt can be used to make up for the difference. If your recipe calls for one cup of milk, use three-quarter cup of milk and one-quarter cup of Greek yogurt instead.

What happens if you don't put milk in mac and cheese? ›

If you're wondering about making boxed mac and cheese without milk, such as Kraft mac and cheese, you can do that, too! Simply replace the milk with chicken broth or water, melt in a bit of cream cheese, and you'll still end up with a tasty, cheesy meal.

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