Video: Chef John’s Macaroni and Cheese

See how to make Thomas Jefferson’s favorite comfort food.

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You don’t have to be a Founding Father to crave this creamy, cheesy comfort food. In this video, you’ll learn how to make classic Thomas Jefferson-style macaroni and cheese. You’ll also discover exactly what “Thomas Jefferson-style” means. You’ll start by making a simple roux with butter and flour. From there, you’ll build on the roux, adding herbs and spices, and cold milk—and learn how to avoid getting lumps in your mix. Then it’s time for grated nutmeg, Worcestershire sauce, and three kinds of cheeses—with a bit of Dijon mustard stirred in at the end. You can easily alter this recipe to your personal tastes by adjusting the amount of pasta you use. Finally, Chef John will reveal the secret to a perfectly crisp, caramelized macaroni and cheese crust. Get Chef John’s recipe for Macaroni and Cheese.

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Comments

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Josephina Maietta

May 8, 2012 10:58 am

I have just a few words... pilladelphia cream cheese as your base, been eating it all my life

knowak

Apr. 30, 2012 5:06 pm

No on the feta! You have to use cheese that will melt creamy and gooey.

jtsondagii

Apr. 30, 2012 11:30 am

Very close but Jefferson did not invent Mac and Cheese. He was introduced to it during his time in Paris, and was the first prominent figure to bring it back to the US and served it regularly to his guests at the White house and at Monticello. Excellent video. Your narration was fantastic.

Zooterpust

Apr. 8, 2012 12:40 pm

Loved the narration! I might even try the recipe, though macaroni and cheese is not very waistline friendly.

hooie

Mar. 21, 2012 12:27 pm

I have made this recipe 4 times now. The last time was absolutely the best mac & cheese that my wife and I have ever had. Chef John is right, fresh grated nutmeg is the way to go. (I found some at Whole Foods). We used 16 ounces of Hoffman's Vermont White Cheddar cheese. We found this to be better than the Guda/Cheddar cheese mixture that we had tried before. We also found 12 oz Barilla Elbows was the right amount of pasta for this recipe. Not too saucy, not too dry. Kudos Chef John! This recipe is SOOOOO good!

benilde little

Mar. 21, 2012 9:49 am

Any body ever add feta? Don't have enough cheddar.

Bermygirl

Mar. 21, 2012 6:08 am

Looks yummy. Cant wait to try it!!

Homes123

Mar. 10, 2012 3:49 pm

He Sounds Like Seth Rogen O.o

mibs

Mar. 5, 2012 8:53 am

love it! SERVE WITH A SLICE Of HAM, GREEN BEANS,and warm apple sauce.GREAT! Company is HERE!!!!