J Alexanders Mac and Cheese Recipe (2024)

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Make our J. Alexander’s Mac and Cheese Recipe at home tonight for your family. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Mac & Cheese will taste just like J. Alexander’s.

J Alexanders Mac and Cheese Recipe (1)

Photo by Helen Graves

J. Alexander’s Mac and Cheese

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J. Alexander's Mac and Cheese Recipe

Make our J. Alexander's Mac and Cheese Recipe at home tonight for your family. With our Secret Restaurant Recipe your Mac & Cheese will taste just like J. Alexander's.

Course: Kid Favorite, Side Dish

Keyword: J. Alexander's

Ingredients

  • 6 cups Chicken Stock
  • 2 cubes Chicken Bouillon/base
  • 2 cups 8 ounces Cavatappi (also called Cellentani or Double Elbows, is macaroni formed in a spiral tube shape with ridges)
  • 3 tablespoons Olive Oil
  • 2 teaspoons Lemon Juice
  • 1 teaspoon Sugar
  • 3 tablespoons Butter — divided plus extra for greasing pan
  • 2 tablespoons Flour
  • 1 cup Heavy Cream
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream
  • 1/2 cup Half and Half
  • 1/2 small Red Onion — minced and sauteed in a bit of butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon of minced Garlic sauteed with onion
  • 1 teaspoon Cholula Brand Hot Sauce more if you prefer a spicy kick
  • 2 1/4 cups fresh grated Gruyere cheese divided
  • 1/2 cup fresh grated Parmigiano-Reggiano Cheese Super expensive - but oh, so worth it!
  • Freshly ground Black Pepper No extra Salt. There is plenty of Salt in the chicken stock, bouillon and cheese
  • 1/2 cup Panko

Instructions

  • Bring 6 cups chicken stock and 1 1/1 cubes chicken base/bouillon to rolling boil in medium saucepan.

  • Add macaroni and cook until al dente, 8 to 10 minutes.

  • Drain and put in large bowl, toss with olive pomace oil and lemon juice.

  • Melt 2 tablespoons butter in large saucepan over medium-low heat.

  • Whisk in flour and cook, whisking constantly, 3 minutes.

  • Gradually whisk in heavy cream, half n half, and sour cream.

  • Stir in sautéed onion and garlic mixture, , sugar and Tabasco.

  • Simmer gently, stirring often, 15 minutes.

  • Remain on low heat and stir in 1 1/2 cups of Gruyere and Parmesan cheese.

  • Season to taste with pepper.

  • Stir in macaroni. Pour half of mixture into greased, deep 1 1/2-quart baking dish (or 3 - 4 ramekins) and sprinkle with 1/2 of remaining cheese mixture.

  • Top with remaining macaroni and remaining cheese mixture.

  • Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter and 1/2 cube chicken base in small skillet over medium heat.

  • Add panko and toss to coat. (Don’t brown in pan)

  • Sprinkle buttered panko and over top of macaroni.

  • Bake at 350: F. until panko is lightly browned, about 25 - 30 minutes.

  • Let stand 5 minutes before serving. Makes 4 servings.

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The Mac + Cheese Cookbook 50 Simple Recipes from Homeroom, America’s Favorite Mac and Cheese Restaurant

J Alexanders Mac and Cheese Recipe (8)A fun and playful cookbook featuring retro, decadent, and kid-friendly mac-and-cheese recipes from the popular Oakland restaurant Homeroom.

Macaroni and cheese is one of America’s favorite comfort foods, beloved by kids and adults alike. But there’s no need to rely on prefab mixes—all you need is a handful of kitchen staples, some tasty cheese, and a little insider advice courtesy of Homeroom restaurant. This perennially popular Oakland, California, eatery—with its entire menu devoted to mac and cheese—now shares its secrets for the best-ever mac recipes.

These inventive dishes offer something for everyone: nostalgic homestyle recipes like Tuna Mac, international varieties like Sriracha Mac, decadent delights like Truffle Mac, and even the logic-defying Vegan Mac. You’ll also find recipes for quick veggie sides like Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and old-school desserts like frozen Peanut Butter Pie.

Click HERE Now to get The Mac + Cheese Cookbook: 50 Simple Recipes from Homeroom, America’s Favorite Mac and Cheese RestaurantJ Alexanders Mac and Cheese Recipe (9)

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Photo of Mac n’ Cheeese is by Helen Graves and Food Stories and is used by permission under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-SA 2.0) License. Thank you, Helen. Great Picture. Photos may be “representative” of the recipe and not the actual finished dish. All photo licenses listed were correct at the time of the posting of the page. Additional Information Courtesy of Wikipedia and is used by permission.

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J Alexanders Mac and Cheese Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Can I use yogurt instead of milk for mac and cheese? ›

Finally, using a plain yogurt is one of the best options for replacing milk in kraft mac and cheese! A plain whole milk yogurt or a greek yogurt would work well. Mix it in the same way you'd mix in sour cream, until it is well incorporated. This may have a slightly tangier flavor, but that is a personal preference.

How does Gordon Ramsay make the best mac and cheese? ›

Preparation
  1. In a large pot over medium heat, combine the pasta and milk. ...
  2. Once the pasta is cooked, remove the pan from the heat and add the butter, cheddar cheese, salt, and pepper. ...
  3. Divide between serving bowls and top with the bread crumbs.
  4. Enjoy!
  5. All your favorite recipes, stored in one place.
May 4, 2023

How to make ready meal mac and cheese better? ›

Here are five tips to elevate your next dinner to include extra flavor and texture.
  1. Add extra cheese to your dish.
  2. Mix in some hot sauce and chicken to make buffalo chicken mac n' cheese.
  3. Add in vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and spinach.
  4. Sprinkle some bacon bits or breadcrumbs on the top of your dish.
May 21, 2022

Is regular milk or evaporated milk better for mac and cheese? ›

Any milk is fine. I usually use whole milk, then add some cream, sometimes, just to make it richer. Then you add the cheese of your choice, and melt that, then put the cooked macaroni in. If you are used to using evaporated milk, it's because it makes the sauce a little creamier/richer.

What happens if you use water instead of milk in mac and cheese? ›

You most definitely can use water in place of milk in any pasta recipe including mac and cheese. It is how I make mine, in fact, and it is just as healthy and delicious. The thing is that it will make it not as creamy and perhaps less thick.

How can I keep my mac and cheese creamy? ›

Add more milk if you haven't already. More milk leads to less dry mac and cheese. If that doesn't work and you've already tried, use a different type of cheese. Velveeta works well.

What thickens mac and cheese? ›

Unsalted Butter + All-Purpose Flour: The combination of these creates a roux, which thickens the cheese sauce. Milk: The base of the cheese sauce! I recommend using whole milk for a richer, thicker sauce, but 2% will also work.

What are the 3 best cheeses for mac and cheese? ›

What Is the Best Cheese for Mac and Cheese? Sharp cheddar is the overwhelming popular choice, but for extra-creamy results, we think medium cheddar is even better. Other delicious options include Gruyère, smoked Gouda, and Monterey Jack.

What makes mac and cheese taste so good? ›

Great mac n' cheese needs one or more cheeses that melt well, and one or more cheeses that bring the flavor. The best melters include monterey jack, fontina, baby swiss, asiago, provolone, mozzarella, and alpine-style. Cheeses for flavor: cheddar, havarti, smoked gouda, gorgonzola, feta and any other of your favorites.

Why add sour cream to mac and cheese? ›

Whether making it from scratch or the box, sour cream is the secret ingredient to rich and creamy macaroni and cheese. This tart and tangy additive goes a long way regarding recipes, and just a dollop can transform any dish into a thick and creamy masterpiece.

Why is my homemade mac and cheese not smooth? ›

By paying attention to the quality of ingredients, heat control, and technique, you can often achieve a smoother and creamier mac and cheese. Make sure you are using a good melting cheese, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or Gruyère. Cheeses that are aged or overly processed can result in a grainy texture.

What seasonings to add to Kraft mac and cheese? ›

Sour cream. Also season with black pepper, creole seasoning, onion powder, and paprika. We like to get some spam and chop it and fry it up to get it a little crispy and add it to the Mac and cheese.

How do I substitute yogurt for milk in a recipe? ›

When it comes to replacing a liquid, like milk, you'll need to be more creative. If the recipe calls for one cup of milk, use 1/4 cup of yogurt paired with 3/4 cup of milk (if you're just short on milk) or water. Substituting yogurt for a liquid oil works best in small quantities, like a few tablespoons.

Can I add yogurt instead of milk? ›

Greek yogurt can substitute milk, sour cream and heavy cream. Milk: If you're short on milk, half and half or light cream, Greek yogurt can be used to make up for the difference. If your recipe calls for one cup of milk, use three-quarter cup of milk and one-quarter cup of Greek yogurt instead.

Can you make Annie's mac and cheese without milk? ›

While you technically can use water instead of milk in your mac and cheese recipe, it may result in a less creamy and flavorful sauce. Dairy-free milk substitutes, such as almond milk or oat milk, offer a more satisfying alternative that helps maintain the desired texture and taste.

What is a substitute for milk in pasta sauce? ›

Non-dairy milk: While soy milk is my go-to for dairy-free sauces, you can also use almond, cashew, or oat milk. Choose an unsweetened, unflavored milk.

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