Recipes
Irresistible Macaroni & Cheese
Description: A twist on traditional macaroni and cheese, this uses a bit of mustard and horseradish for a kick.
2007 Tillamook Macaroni and Cheese Contest, Becky Lay, San Antonio, TX Regional Finalist

Instructions:
Preheat oven to 350° F.  Lightly butter a 9 x 13 inch shallow baking dish.

In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, 3 tablespoons melted butter and sesame seeds. Set aside.

In a large pot, bring 4 quarts of water to a boil.  Add 1 tablespoon salt and pasta. Cook, stirring occasionally, according to package directions.  Pasta is done when it is slightly chewy to the bite or al dente.  Drain pasta in a colander and set aside.  

Prepare sauce while pasta is cooking.  In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt remaining butter. Stir in onions and sauté 3-5 minutes until softened. Whisk in flour and cook 3 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually add milk and half and half and bring just to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, whisking often, until sauce slightly thickens, 4-5 minutes. Whisk in mustard, horseradish, paprika, salt and pepper. Add cheese and stir until melted.  Remove pan from heat and gently fold in macaroni.  Pour mixture into prepared baking dish and top with breadcrumb mixture.
 
Bake 25- 30 minutes until cheese is bubbly and top begins to brown.
Remove from oven and let rest 5 minutes before serving.

Serves 8
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cooking Time:  25-30 minutes

Ingredients:
1½ cups panko (Japanese style bread crumbs) or coarse dry bread crumbs
7 tbsp. Tillamook® Unsalted Butter, divided
1 tbsp. sesame seeds
12 oz. dry medium elbow macaroni
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
3 tbsp. all-purpose flour
2 cups whole milk
1 cup half and half
2 tsp. Dijon mustard
2 tsp. creamy horseradish
1 tsp. paprika
1 tsp. salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
2 cups (8 oz.) Tillamook® Sharp Shredded Cheddar Cheese
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Tillamook® Colby Jack Cheese
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Tillamook® Swiss Cheese