Today's Case:
Clifton's Cafeteria Macaroni and Cheese
Re: Clifton's Mac & Cheese Recipe
From: Matthew
To: Phaedrus
Date: 3/20/2025, 7:16 AM
On 3/19/2025 9:57 PM, Matthew wrote:
Hello I'd like to request the Clifton's Mac and Cheese recipe please!
I'd like to recreate it at home! Thanks!
Sincerely,
Matthew
Hello Matthew,
I could not find the actual Clifton's recipe for their Mac and Cheese, but perhaps by using the information below you can come up with something close:
Phaed
I found a purported list of the actual ingredients used by Clifton's posted by someone who claims it has a connection with Clifton's:
flickr
"The original Macaroni and Cheese recipe is actually pretty simple:"
Elbow Pasta
Cheddar Cheese
Milk
Butter
Flour
White Pepper
Nutmeg
Paprika
Sugar
Salt
Also, I asked an online AI to produce a "copycat recipe" for Clifton's Cafeteria Macaroni & Cheese:
Clifton's Cafeteria-style macaroni and cheese. (copycat recipe by an AI)
Ingredients:
2 cups elbow macaroni (or your preferred pasta shape)
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
2 cups whole milk
1/2 cup heavy cream (to add that rich, Clifton's touch)
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, for a slight tang)
1/4 tsp paprika (for a hint of warmth)
Salt and pepper to taste
Bread crumbs (for topping—Clifton's often added a crunchy layer)
Directions:
Cook pasta: Boil your macaroni until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Make the roux: In a saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes to get rid of the raw taste.
Add milk and cream: Slowly pour in the milk and cream, whisking
continuously until the mixture is smooth and thickened.
Add cheese: Lower the heat and stir in the cheddar and parmesan
cheeses until melted and creamy. Mix in mustard, paprika, salt, and
pepper for extra flavor.
Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the cooked pasta in the cheese sauce
until evenly coated.
Bake with breadcrumbs: Transfer the macaroni to a baking dish, sprinkle
breadcrumbs on top, and broil for 3-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
You can adjust the proportions of cream to milk or change up the cheeses
to suit your preferences. For an extra vintage vibe, consider adding diced
ham or a dash of Worcestershire sauce to the cheese sauce!
