Anthony Bourdain's Baked Macaroni (recipe)

[Guest guest]

I have never made/baked macaroni this way and wanted

to try it. I love Bourdain's shows (A Cook's Tour and

No Reservations) and was curious as to what he thought

was " the best macaroni in the whole world " (it's his

mother's recipe). The recipe was easy, but it turned

out a little dry and too crunchy for my tastes. That

doesn't mean someone else won't enjoy it.

 

Anthony Bourdain's Baked Macaroni

 

1 lb macaroni, such as elbow or penne

3/4 tsp. salt

pepper to taste

16 ounces (about 4 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese

2 T. butter

1 quart (4 cups of whole milk

 

Cook pasta in boiling water 3 to 5 minutes less than

package directs. Drain well.

 

Meanwhile heat oven 400 degrees and grease a 13 X

9-inch baking dish.

 

Spread about 1/3 of the pasta in the prepared dish.

Sprinkle with 1/4 tsp. salt, some pepper, and 1/3 of

the cheese. Dot with 1/2 T. butter. Repeat layers

twice, dotting the top layer with 1 T. butter. Don't

tamp down the pasta; it will make the dish too dense.

Pour milk over top.

 

Bake 45 minutes to 1 hours, depending on how crisp you

like the top.