Anthony Bourdain's Crunchy Baked Macaroni

Prep Steps

Preheat oven to 400°F and grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Cook in boiling water for 3 to 5 minutes less than package directions, then drain well...

• 1 lb elbow or penne macaroni

Gather ingredients to prepare for layering...

• 16 oz (4 cups) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
• 3 tbsp butter
• 3/4 tsp [kosher salt]{tip:We test with Morton kosher salt. Using table salt? Use about 3/4 as much. Diamond Crystal? Use about 1 1/2 times as much.}
• pepper to taste

Layer & Bake

Layer into prepared baking dish:

• 1/3 of par-boiled pasta
• Sprinkle of 1/4 tsp kosher salt
• Sprinkle of pepper to taste
• Sprinkle of 1/3 of cheese
• Dot with 1 tbsp butter

Repeat these layers twice with the remaining ingredients.

Note: Don't tamp down the pasta, it will make the dish too dense.

Pour evenly over the top of the layered pasta...

• 4 cups whole milk

Bake at 400°F for 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on how crisp you like the top.