The Food Network’s Alton Brown explores the nation’s best comfort food in a show called America’s Best. He’s traveled all over the country in a search for the top 10 comfort foods around, including a stop at Zingerman’s Roadhouse for the best: a creamy dish of Mac & Cheese.
Wear our mac-n-cheese home with you! Show your friends and family where your comfort food loyalty lies. Available at Zingerman’s Roadhouse, $20 each. Live out of town? Give us a call and we would love to mail one to you! 734.663.3663
Hi Alton
I enjoyed the show of the Top 10 Comfort Foods – I am trying to find the Zinerman Mac & Cheese recipe so I can print it up.
Incidentally, re the Martelli Pasta, I have been to their very “homey factory” in Tuscany, fascinating! It is definitely the best pasta.
Thanks as always,
Mary Buchanan
It’s by far the best macaroni and cheese I’ve ever had.
: )
Hi Mary,
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the show. Roadhouse Macaroni and Cheese is one of my favorites! And, it’s a really good example of how flavorful a simple dish can be when you use the right ingredients. I’ve got a recipe from Chef Alex that I’m going to share below:
ROADHOUSE MACARONI AND CHEESE
Ingredients:
Coarse sea salt
1 pound macaroni
2 tablespoons butter
1/4 cup diced onion
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups whole milk
1/4 cup heavy cream
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 pound grated raw milk cheddar cheese
2 Tsp Olive Oil
Method:
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 1 to 2 tablespoons salt and the pasta and stir well. Cook for about 13 minutes (if using Martelli) or until the pasta is done. Drain it and set it aside.
Meanwhile, melt the butter for the sauce in a large heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat (be careful not to scorch the butter). Add the onion and bay leaf and sauté until the onion is soft, about 5 minutes.
Remove the bay leaf. Add the flour, and cook for a minute or so, stirring constantly.
Slowly add the milk, a little at a time, stirring constantly to avoid lumping. When the flour and milk have been completely combined, stir in the cream. Keep the mixture at a gentle simmer (not at a high boil) until it thickens, 2 to 3 minutes.
Reduce the heat to medium. Stir in the mustard, cheddar cheese and salt. Simmer for 5 minutes and set aside.
In a heavy bottom skillet over med-high heat get the pan very hot. Add olive oil and when it begins to smoke add the cheese sauce and the drained cooked noodles. Toss thoroughly and continue to cook, stirring occassionally until you have approximately 15 % of the mixture golden brown.
Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary. Remove from heat.
Serve each bowl of macaroni. Dig in!