"Large pasta shells drenched in homemade Shake Shack cheese sauce and topped with an Italian bread crumb that will change your life."
Baked Mac & Cheese with/ Shake Shack Cheese Sauce
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Prep time 1hr
Cook time 35mins
Serves or Makes: 6
Recipe Card
ingredients
- 1 box of Large Shells
- 2 cups American Shredded Cheese
- 2 cups Sharp Cheddar Cheese
- 1 tablespoons Canola Oil
- 1 tablespoons White Wine Vinegar
- 3/4 cup sliced Onion
- 1/2 tablespoons Kosher Salt
- 2 tablespoons Peppercorns
- 2 cups Heavy Cream
- 2 tablespoons White Wine (Your Choice)
- 6 thin slices Jalapeno
- 1 cup Italian Bread Crumbs
- 1/2 stick Unsalted Butter
Method
Step 1
Start with the cheese preparation as this takes the longest. Heat the canola oil in a medium size sauce pan on low to medium heat. Thinly slice half of a white onion. Once the pot is hot, add the onions, cook for 3-4 minutes or until they start to become translucent. While the onions are cooking, slice your jalapeno, use about 6 slices and add them to the pot. Add your peppercorns, salt and chopped garlic and cook together for 3 minutes before adding your white wine vinegar and white wine. Cook until is starts to evaporate down. Once is has evaporated a bit, turn off the heat and add the heavy cream and set it to the side, allow it to steep for at least 30 minutes.
Step 2
Once the 30 minutes has passed, grab another medium size sauce pot and using a strainer, strain the the cream into it. You can discard all of the aromatics. Add the pot with the cream to the stove and place on medium heat, let it come to a slow boil. While waiting for it to boil, start preparing your water and salt for the Large shells to cook. Follow the instructions for the shells that are on the box, it should take no more than 12 minutes to cook. As the shells are cooking, add your cheese to the boiling heavy cream and turn off the heat. Mix the cheese until smooth, this will take about 5 minutes. Add a teaspoon of flour to the cheese if you want it a bit thicker.
Step 3
Drain your pasta once done and let it cool down. You can rinse with cool water and shake to drain as much water as you can. Return to the pot and add the cheese sauce, mix thoroughly. Preheat your oven to 350 degrees , add your mac and cheese to individual ramekins or a large rectangular pan. Mix the butter and Italian bread crumbs and top the mac and cheese before going into the oven. It will cook for 15-20 minutes, do not overcook or it will dry the pasta out. Serve alone or with your favorite meat dish, Enjoy!