So, in our continuing search for the perfect macaroni and cheese, we have attempted to reach the holy grail of mac and cheese in Atlanta, and that is Community Q. Some argue that Community Q is a Mac and Cheese restaurant disguised as a BBQ joint. It is by far the best we have had, and on holidays we regularly go pick some up to go for a side. However, this Thanksgiving we were faced with a sold-out situaish. So, let's make it ourselves. SEE RED FOR UPDATES.
Research:
Ingredients:
16 oz Rigatoni noodles
UPDATED TO 2.25 CUPS
8 oz Monterey Jack cheese
8 oz Cheddar cheese
4 oz Parmesan cheese
UPDATED TO 2.25 CUPS
8 oz Monterey Jack cheese
8 oz Cheddar cheese
4 oz Parmesan cheese
Don't get too fancy with the ingredients here. It is mac and cheese, so use staple store brands.
Execution:
Boil some water
Salt the water - as salty as the sea and then some (extra salty) - and add noodles. Follow the box.
In the meantime, grate up some cheese. All the cheddar and the Jack and then a cup of the Parmesan.
Drain the noodles but don't rinse
.
Mix in all the cream and half the cheese and stir
Then place in a shallow pan - UPDATED TO A DEEPER PAN
Sprinkle on some extra parmesan and the remaining cheese
Bake at 350 for 30 minutes
Enjoy!
Verdict:
It was a little dry. I think that the recipe was fine, but we used a pan that was too big and spread the mac and cheese too thin with too much surface area - it isn't how they make it in the store. Next time, we will use a smaller and deeper pan and keep the mac and cheese a little thicker with less surface area. Otherwise, the taste was perfect. We will do this again without modifying the recipe.
Standby we will update this.
UPDATED TO DEEPER PAN AND LITTLE MORE CREAM. THIS WAS PERFECT!! ALSO NEEDS TO REST FOR 20 MINUTES OR SO.
Standby we will update this.
UPDATED TO DEEPER PAN AND LITTLE MORE CREAM. THIS WAS PERFECT!! ALSO NEEDS TO REST FOR 20 MINUTES OR SO.