Macaroni and Cheese Art Smith is the executive chef and co-owner of Table Fifty-Two and Art and Soul restaurants in Chicago. Smith worked as Oprah Winfrey’s personal chef for ten years, and he continues to cook for her special events around the world. by chef Art Smith

Ingredients 

1 pound penne or elbow macaroni

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) unsalted butter,

plus extra for buttering casserole

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

4 cups milk, heated

2 cups (8 ounces) shredded extra-sharp cheddar cheese

2 cups (8 ounces) finely chopped American cheese

Salt and freshly ground pepper

Hot pepper sauce

1/4 cup (1 ounce) freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Method 

1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the penne and cook until al dente. Drain well.

2. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a deep 4-quart casserole.

3. Melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in the flour. Gradually whisk in the milk. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes.

4. Remove from the heat and stir in 1 cup of the cheddar cheese and 1 cup of the American cheese. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and hot sauce.

5. Combine the remaining cheddar and American cheeses. Spread one third of the penne over the bottom of the casserole dish.

6. Top with half of the shredded cheese and a third of the sauce. Repeat, using another third of the penne with the remaining cheese and half of the sauce. 

7. Finish with the remaining penne and sauce. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the top.

8. Bake until bubbly and golden brown around the edges, about 30 minutes.