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J. Alexander's Mac and Cheese Recipe
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J. Alexander's Mac and Cheese Recipe

Make our J. Alexander's Mac and Cheese Recipe at home tonight for your family. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Mac & Cheese will taste just like J. Alexander's.
Prep Time45 minutes
Active Time45 minutes
Total Time1 hour 30 minutes
Course: Kid Favorite, Side Dish
Keyword: J. Alexander's

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Chicken Stock
  • 2 cubes Chicken Bouillon/base
  • 2 cups 8 ounces Cavatappi (also called Cellentani or Double Elbows, is macaroni formed in a spiral tube shape with ridges)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Butter — divided plus extra for greasing pan
  • 2 tablespoons Flour
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/2 cup Half and Half
  • 1/2 small Red Onion — minced and sauteed in a bit of butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon of minced Garlic sauteed with onion
  • 1 teaspoon Cholula Brand Hot Sauce more if you prefer a spicy kick
  • 2 1/4 cups fresh grated Gruyere cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Super expensive - but oh, so worth it!
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper No extra Salt. There is plenty of Salt in the chicken stock, bouillon and cheese
  • 1/2 cup Panko

Instructions

  • Bring 6 cups chicken stock and 1 1/1 cubes chicken base/bouillon to rolling boil in medium saucepan.
  • Add macaroni and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.
  • Drain and put in large bowl, toss with olive pomace oil and lemon juice.
  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium-low heat.
  • Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, 3 minutes.
  • Gradually whisk in heavy cream, half n half, and sour cream.
  • Stir in sautéed onion and garlic mixture, , sugar and Tabasco.
  • Simmer gently, stirring often, 15 minutes.
  • Remain on low heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.
  • Season to taste with pepper.
  • Stir in macaroni. Pour half of mixture into greased, deep 1 1/2-quart baking dish (or 3 - 4 ramekins) and sprinkle with 1/2 of remaining cheese mixture.
  • Top with remaining macaroni and remaining cheese mixture.
  • Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 cube chicken base in small skillet over medium heat.
  • Add panko and toss to coat. (Don’t brown in pan)
  • Sprinkle buttered panko and over top of macaroni.
  • Bake at 350: F. until panko is lightly browned, about 25 - 30 minutes.
  • Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 4 servings.

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