MF DOOM Mac and Cheese Recipe
The MF DOOM Mac and Cheese is a creamy, cheesy comfort dish with a smoky twist, inspired by the legendary rapper. It blends sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella for rich flavor. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights, it’s easy to make and customizable. This recipe serves 6-8 and takes about 45 minutes total.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling pasta)
- Colander for draining
- Medium saucepan for cheese sauce
- Whisk for smooth roux
- Baking dish (9x13 inches)
- Mixing bowls for cheese and breadcrumbs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Oven mitts for safety
Ingredients
- Elbow macaroni: 1 pound 16 oz, classic shape for mac and cheese.
- Sharp cheddar cheese: 2 cups shredded, for bold flavor.
- Gruyère cheese: 1 cup shredded, for nutty richness.
- Mozzarella cheese: 1 cup shredded, for stretchy texture.
- Butter: 4 tablespoons unsalted, for the roux.
- All-purpose flour: ¼ cup to thicken the sauce.
- Whole milk: 3 cups for a creamy base.
- Heavy cream: ½ cup for extra decadence.
- Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon for a subtle smoky kick.
- Garlic powder: ½ teaspoon for savory depth.
- Mustard powder: ½ teaspoon to enhance cheese flavor.
- Salt: 1 teaspoon or to taste.
- Black pepper: ½ teaspoon freshly ground.
- Panko breadcrumbs: ½ cup for a crunchy topping.
- Parmesan cheese: ¼ cup grated, for the topping.
- Olive oil: 1 tablespoon for the breadcrumb mix.
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 7-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
- Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s ready for baking later. Grease your baking dish lightly with butter or oil.
Step 3: Make the Roux
- Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until golden. This forms the base of your sauce.
Step 4: Add Milk and Cream
- Slowly pour in the milk and heavy cream, whisking constantly. Keep stirring until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes. Don’t let it boil.
Step 5: Season the Sauce
- Stir in smoked paprika, garlic powder, mustard powder, salt, and black pepper. These spices give the sauce its MF DOOM flair. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 6: Add the Cheese
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the cheddar, Gruyère, and mozzarella until melted and smooth. The sauce should be velvety and rich.
Step 7: Combine Pasta and Sauce
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce. Stir gently to coat every noodle evenly. Pour the mixture into the greased baking dish.
Step 8: Prepare the Topping
- Mix panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil in a small bowl. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the mac and cheese. It’ll give a golden, crunchy crust.
Step 9: Bake the Dish
- Place the baking dish in the oven. Bake for 20-25 minutes until the top is golden and bubbly. Keep an eye on it to avoid over-browning.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
- Let the mac and cheese cool for 5 minutes before serving. This helps the flavors settle. Scoop into bowls and savor the cheesy goodness.