Almost Zov’s Mac and Cheese is a rich, creamy, super-cheesy baked macaroni and cheese with a crunchy topping. Recipe from Orange County chef Zov Karamardian.
I love mac and cheese — it’s the ultimate comfort food. On blustery, cold days, a bowl of creamy macaroni and cheese warms more than just your belly; it feels like a little comfort for the soul. I used to avoid it because it isn’t light, but I’ve decided to indulge at least once a month. (Yes, more time on the treadmill will follow.)
For my first mac and cheese of the year I made Zov’s silky baked macaroni and cheese. Zov is a respected Orange County restaurateur and celebrity chef. When I first saw this recipe before Christmas, I knew I had to try it. The generous white sauce promised a thick, luscious finish, and I liked the addition of hot sauce — it adds depth and a gentle heat. The original cheese blend produces a mellow, approachable flavor that suits kids and anyone who prefers a milder cheese profile. Zov balances that with tabasco, cayenne, and black pepper so you can adjust the heat to your taste.
The first time I made it I followed the recipe as published. The second time, for New Year’s Day, I made a few small changes. The panko layer called for in the original turned out soggy for me because it touched the sauce, leaving only a thin crunchy surface. I replaced the panko with a toasted chunky breadcrumb topping and increased the cheddar for a more pronounced cheddar flavor. I also omitted the Parmesan and reduced the hot sauce slightly to suit my family’s milder spice preference. These tweaks keep the dish true to Zov’s original while adapting it to our tastes.
I hope your new year is off to a delicious start!
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
Almost Zov’s Mac and Cheese
Ingredients
Topping:
- 1 1/2 Cups Chunky Bread Crumbs, Toasted
- 1/2 Cup Butter, Melted
- 1/2 Cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese, Shredded
- 2 Tablespoons Italian Parsely, Chopped
- To Taste Salt
- To Taste Black Pepper
Mac and Cheese
- 2 Tablespoons Kosher Salt
- 1 Pound Large Elbow Macaroni
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
- 9 Cups Whole Milk
- 1/2 Cup Unsalted Butter
- 1/2 Cup All Purpose Flour
- 6 Ounces Fontina Cheese Cut Into Small Cubes
- 9 Ounces Sharp Cheddar Cheese Shredded
- 4 Ounces Asiago Cheese Finely Shredded
- 2 Tablespoons Worcestershire Sauce
- 1/2 Teaspoon Tabasco Sauce
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
Instructions
-
Prepare the topping: Mix all topping ingredients together in a small bowl and set aside.
-
Adjust oven rack to the lower third position and preheat oven to 325°F (163°C).
-
Cook the macaroni: Combine 4 quarts of water and 1 tablespoon salt in a large pot and bring to a boil. Add macaroni and cook until tender but still firm to the bite, about 6 minutes, stirring often. Drain in a colander; toss with the olive oil to coat and set aside in the colander while you make the sauce. Reserve the pot for the sauce.
-
Prepare the sauce: Warm the milk in a large saucepan until hot but not boiling; cover and set aside. In the reserved large pot, melt the butter over medium heat until foaming. Add the flour and whisk, cooking until fragrant and slightly darker, about 4 minutes. Gradually whisk in the hot milk. Increase heat to medium-high and whisk until the mixture comes to a full boil, about 3 minutes — a full boil is necessary for proper thickening. Reduce heat to medium and simmer, whisking occasionally, until the sauce thickens to the consistency of heavy cream, about 5 minutes.
-
Remove from heat and gradually add the cheeses, whisking until fully melted. Stir in Worcestershire sauce, Tabasco, black pepper, and the remaining 1 tablespoon salt. (The sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat in a saucepan before using.)
-
Butter a 9x13x2-inch baking dish. Stir the cooked macaroni into the warm cheese sauce, then transfer the mixture to the prepared dish. Evenly spread the breadcrumb topping over the casserole.
-
Bake until bubbly around the edges and heated through, about 30 minutes. If desired, turn on the broiler and broil the casserole until the topping is deep golden brown, about 1–2 minutes, rotating the dish for even browning. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Fans Also Made:
-
Chick Fil A Mac and Cheese -
Creamy Crockpot Mac and Cheese
-
Paula Deen Mac and Cheese
-
The BEST Creamy Baked Mac and Cheese
RATE THIS RECIPE
Nutrition
More Macaroni Recipes!
- Pioneer Woman Mac and Cheese
- Smoked Gouda Mac and Cheese
- Green Chile Mac and Cheese
- Stovetop Mac and Cheese
- Popeyes Mac and Cheese
- Taco Mac and Cheese
Source: Zov via The Orange County Register