CAJUN MACARONI AND CHEESE RECIPE RECIPES

Steps:

• Cook noodles in liberally salted water one minute less than the package instructions for al dente preparation. Drain noodles then set aside.
• While noodles are cooking, shred cheese, reserving two cups of cheese for the top layer.
• Combine evaporated milk, eggs, salt, pepper, mustard powder and cayenne pepper in a large bowl and mix thoroughly (make sure the eggs are well combined into the mixture).
• Spray a 3-quart 13x9 baking dish with cooking spray. 
• Layer noodles and cheese evenly into baking dish (aim for about 4 layers of noodles.
• Sprinkle reserved 2 cups of cheese evenly over everything then pour milk mixture evenly over noodles and cheese.
• Cut butter into thin pats then place them evenly on top of cheese.
• Bake, uncovered for 40-45 minutes at 350 degrees or until cheese is lightly browned and dish is bubbly.
• Remove from oven then let rest 20-25 minutes before serving. Don't skip this step... if you dig into this right out of the oven the inside will be soupy. The dish needs time to "set up".

Steps:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
• Place a baking rack on a sheet pan and arrange the bacon in 1 layer on the baking rack. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the bacon is crisp. Remove the pan carefully from the oven - there will be hot grease in the pan! Transfer the bacon to a plate lined with paper towels and crumble when it is cool enough to handle.
• Drizzle oil into a large pot of boiling salted water. Add the macaroni and cook according to the directions on the package, 6 to 8 minutes. Drain well.
• Meanwhile, heat the milk in a small saucepan, but don't boil it. Melt the butter in a medium pot and add the flour. Cook over low heat for 2 minutes, stirring with a whisk. While whisking, add the hot milk and cook for a minute or 2 more, until thickened and smooth. Off the heat, add the Gruyere, Cheddar, blue cheese, 1 teaspoon salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Add the cooked macaroni and crumbled bacon and stir well. Pour into 2 individual size gratin dishes.
• Place the bread slices in a food processor fitted with a steel blade and pulse until you have coarse crumbs. Add the basil and pulse to combine. Sprinkle the bread crumb mixture over the top of the pasta. Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbly and the macaroni is browned on the top.