Mini Mac n' Cheese - Wedding Article

Macaroni and cheese becomes an elegant passed appetizer when served in dainty ramekins. Our version features sharp white cheddar and Gruyere.

Ingredients
Makes 84 one-ounce servings
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, plus more for ramekin
6 slices good-quality white bread, crusts trimmed, torn into cubes
5 1/2 cups milk
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
4 1/2 cups (about 18 ounces) grated sharp white cheddar cheese
2 cups (about 8 ounces) grated Gruyere cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 pound elbow macaroni, cooked 2 to 3 minutes less than package directions

Directions
1.Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Butter 84 one-ounce ramekins. In a small pan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons butter; toss with bread in a medium bowl.
2.Heat milk over medium heat until just steaming. Melt remaining butter in a deep skillet over medium heat. When butter bubbles, stir in flour; cook, stirring, 1 minute. Whisking constantly, slowly pour in hot milk, bring to a boil, and cook until thick enough to coat back of spoon.
3.Remove from heat. Stir in nutmeg, cayenne, 3 cups cheddar, 1 1/2 cups Gruyere, salt, and pepper. Stir in macaroni.
4.Pour into ramekins. Sprinkle with remaining cheeses and breadcrumbs. Bake until browned, about 30 minutes.

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