A Cooking Show inspired by Beastie Boys Lyrics
The inspiration for this installment of Mmmm Drop comes from the Beastie Boys song “Get It Together” from their 1994 album Ill Communication:
“Like Chachi and Joanie, she’s the cheese and I’m the macaroni…”
Thirty years later, that lyric still pops into my head whenever I make mac and cheese. So for this episode of Mmmm Drop, I decided to stop fighting it and turn it into a recipe that was a little more advanced that the box of Kraft Macaroni and Cheese.
This baked Chachi and Joanie Mac & Cheese combines sharp cheddar, Parmesan, and a few slices of American cheese (or American “cheese,” depending on your position on the matter) with a crunchy panko topping for a casserole that’s creamy, comforting, and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Chachi and Joanie Mac & Cheese
Ingredients
Pasta
8 ounces elbow macaroni (like the kind you used to make necklaces out of)
1 tablespoon kosher salt for pasta water
Cheese Sauce
3 tablespoons butter
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2¼ cups whole milk
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon kosher salt
8 ounces sharp cheddar cheese, freshly grated (melts easier than the cubed I used)
5-6 slices American cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (or upgrade to a Parm and Ramano mixture)
Topping
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1 tablespoon butter, melted
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional— I did not add it in this video, but wish I had for extra flavor)
Directions
Preheat oven to 375°F and butter an 8x8-inch baking dish.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the tablespoon of kosher salt and cook the macaroni until just shy of al dente. Drain. Whatever you do… DO NOT WATCH THE WATER. It will never boil. Someone told me that. I think maybe it’s a tip from professional chefs.
In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about 1 minute.
Slowly whisk in the milk and continue cooking until the mixture thickens slightly, about 4 to 5 minutes.
Add the Dijon mustard, smoked paprika, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
Reduce the heat to low. Stir in the American cheese until melted.
Add the cheddar and Parmesan and stir until smooth and creamy.
Combine the cheese sauce with the macaroni and transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In a small bowl, mix together the panko, melted butter, Parmesan, and smoked paprika. Sprinkle evenly over the top.
Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, until bubbly and golden brown.
Let rest for 10 minutes before serving. Or if you’re impatient like me, just grab a fork and dig in.
Mmmm Drop Playlist Pairing
Beastie Boys – “Get It Together”
Beastie Boys – “Sure Shot”
Beastie Boys – “Sabotage”
Beastie Boys – “Root Down”
Because every good mac and cheese deserves a soundtrack.
Final Thoughts
Mac and cheese has survived countless food trends, diet fads, and people trying to convince us that cauliflower is somehow a substitute for pasta.
Some things don’t need improving.
Like cheese and macaroni.
Or the Beastie Boys.
Enjoy.