Chef Douglas Keane's Michelin-Star Mac 'n' Cheese

Chef Douglas Keane's Michelin-Star Mac 'n' Cheese is a easy American recipe that serves 2. 620 calories per serving. Recipe by NBC California Live on YouTube.

Prep: 10 min | Cook: 15 min | Total: 35 min

Cost: $8.51 total, $4.26 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3/4 cup Cheddar Cheese (Fiscalini aged cheddar, grated)
  • 3/4 cup Parmesan Reggiano (Aged Parmigiano‑Reggiano, grated)
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard (Adds acidity and heat relief)
  • 1/2 cup Sour Cream (Full‑fat for richness)
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt (To taste)
  • 2 oz Elbow Macaroni (Dry elbow pasta; yields about 3 cups cooked)

Instructions

  1. Grate the Cheeses

    Using a box grater, grate the aged cheddar and Parmigiano‑Reggiano into a large mixing bowl. Aim for a mix of fine shreds and slightly larger pieces for texture.

    Time: PT5M

  2. Make the Sauce Base

    Add the sour cream, Dijon mustard, and salt to the bowl with the grated cheeses. Stir until the mixture is evenly combined; a few small lumps are fine.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Cook the Pasta

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the elbow macaroni and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain in a colander and set aside.

    Time: PT10M

    Temperature: 212°F

  4. Combine Pasta, Cheese, and Sauce

    Return the saucepan to medium heat. Add the cooked pasta, then pour the cheese‑sour‑cream mixture over it. Stir continuously until the cheese melts and coats the pasta.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: Medium heat

  5. Finish with a Light Boil

    Increase the heat just enough to bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Let it bubble lightly for 1–2 minutes until the sauce is glossy and the pasta is fully coated.

    Time: PT2M

    Temperature: Medium‑high heat

  6. Plate and Serve

    Divide the mac and cheese between two plates, garnish with a pinch of extra grated Parmesan if desired, and serve immediately.

    Time: PT0M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
620
Protein
25g
Carbohydrates
55g
Fat
30g
Fiber
2g

Dietary info: Vegetarian

Allergens: Dairy, Gluten

Last updated: April 20, 2026

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Chef Douglas Keane's Michelin-Star Mac 'n' Cheese

Recipe by NBC California Live

A luxurious, adult‑focused mac and cheese inspired by James Beard Award‑winning Chef Douglas Keene of Cyrus. Creamy sour‑cream sauce, aged Californian cheddar, Italian Parmigiano‑Reggiano, and a touch of Dijon mustard create a rich, tangy dish perfect for a date night. Ready in under 35 minutes with minimal cleanup.

EasyAmericanServes 2

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
8m
Prep
17m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
35m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$8.51
Total cost
$4.26
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Grating the cheeses to appropriate size for melt and texture
  • Cooking the pasta al dente
  • Melting the cheese without scorching
  • Achieving the right sauce consistency (creamy, not grainy)

Safety Warnings

  • Handle boiling water and hot pasta pot with oven mitts to avoid burns.
  • Cheese can splatter when melted; keep the saucepan partially covered.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of adult mac and cheese in California cuisine?

A

Mac and cheese is a classic American comfort food, but in California cuisine it’s often elevated with artisanal cheeses and unexpected flavors like Dijon mustard, reflecting the state’s focus on farm‑to‑table quality and culinary experimentation.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of mac and cheese in the United States?

A

In the Northeast, sharp cheddar dominates; the South favors a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack with a buttery crust; the West Coast, especially California, incorporates aged artisanal cheeses, mustard, and sometimes Japanese umami ingredients for a sophisticated twist.

cultural
Q

How is adult mac and cheese traditionally served in a fine‑dining setting at Cyrus restaurant?

A

At Cyrus, the dish is presented as a small, intimate portion for two, plated on a warm stone or shallow bowl, often accompanied by a glass of sparkling wine and a brief explanation of the cheese origins, creating a curated dining journey.

cultural
Q

What occasions or celebrations is adult mac and cheese associated with in California dining culture?

A

It’s popular for date nights, casual upscale gatherings, and wine‑pairing events where guests want a comforting yet refined dish that pairs well with crisp whites or light reds.

cultural
Q

What makes adult mac and cheese special or unique in California cuisine?

A

The use of premium, aged Californian cheddar and Italian Parmigiano‑Reggiano, combined with Dijon mustard for acidity, creates a balanced richness that elevates a humble comfort food into a sophisticated, adult‑focused entrée.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making adult mac and cheese?

A

Common errors include overheating the cheese, which causes it to separate; overcooking the pasta, leading to a mushy texture; and using too little liquid, resulting in a dry sauce. Follow the moderate heat and gentle boil steps to keep the sauce creamy.

technical
Q

Why does this adult mac and cheese recipe use Dijon mustard instead of regular yellow mustard?

A

Dijon mustard provides a sharper acidity and subtle heat that cuts through the richness of the aged cheeses, preventing the dish from feeling overly cloying while adding a sophisticated flavor layer.

technical
Q

Can I make adult mac and cheese ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare the sour‑cream‑mustard sauce up to a day ahead and refrigerate. Cook the pasta separately, store both components in airtight containers, and combine them just before reheating on the stove for best texture.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when the adult mac and cheese is done?

A

The sauce should be glossy and coat each pasta piece evenly, with small melted cheese strands visible. The mixture should bubble lightly but not boil vigorously; a gentle steam rise indicates the sauce is hot and creamy.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel NBC California Live specialize in?

A

NBC California Live focuses on showcasing California’s vibrant food scene, featuring local chefs, restaurant concepts, and seasonal recipes that highlight the state’s diverse culinary influences.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel NBC California Live's approach to California cuisine differ from other cooking channels?

A

NBC California Live blends on‑location restaurant storytelling with step‑by‑step home cooking tutorials, emphasizing regional ingredients, chef collaborations, and the cultural context behind each dish, unlike many channels that only provide kitchen‑only demonstrations.

channel

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