Famous Dave's Mac 'n' Cheese
Yield: 8 to 12 servings
6 tablespoons butter, divided
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups milk
3/4 cup half-and-half
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 teaspoons barbecue sauce
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
4 ounces aged white cheddar cheese, shredded
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
1 1/2 cups sweet corn kernels, drained if necessary
2 jalapeños, finely chopped
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
1 pound jumbo elbow macaroni, cooked and drained
8 ounces sharp yellow cheddar cheese, cubed
8 ounces Colby cheese, cubed
1/2 cup cracker crumbs
1/2 cup panko (Japanese-style) bread crumbs
1/4 cup unseasoned dry bread crumbs
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a large, heavy pot over medium heat. Whisk flour into butter until thoroughly combined to form a roux. Slowly whisk in milk, then whisk in half-and-half. Whisk in mustard, barbecue sauce, salt and pepper.
3. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, whisking constantly, 8 to 10 minutes to develop the flavors. Whisk in white cheddar and Parmesan cheeses. Stir in corn, jalapeños and parsley, then remove from heat.
4. Stir in macaroni, then cubed sharp cheddar and Colby cheeses. Spoon mixture into a buttered 13-by-9-inch baking dish.
5. Melt the remaining 4 tablespoons butter in a small saucepan. In a medium bowl, combine cracker crumbs, panko and unseasoned bread crumbs; add melted butter and toss to combine. Sprinkle over the macaroni and cheese.
6. Bake until bubbly and browned on top, about 40 minutes.