Name: Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumbs, Plain and Chipotle
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 1 hr
Yield: Serves 8 adults plus 10 children as part of a buffet
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 large garlic cloves, finely chopped; 2 cups coarse fresh bread crumbs; 2 to 3 tablespoons chopped chipotle chiles in adobo; 1/2 stick unsalted butter; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 3 cups whole milk; 2 cups heavy cream; 1 tablespoon dry mustard; 1 pound macaroni; 2 pounds extra-sharp Cheddar (preferably white), grated

Image may contain Food Pasta and Macaroni

Macaroni and Cheese with Garlic Bread Crumbs, Plain and ChipotleQuentin Bacon

We make half of this mac 'n' cheese plain, for kids, and into the other half we stir some chipotle chiles to give it a grown-up kick. Any tubular pasta will do, but we like to use cavatappi, a ridged, spiral macaroni that lends the dish a particularly festive air.

Cook's note:

• Macaroni and cheese may be made 2 days ahead, put into casseroles, cooled completely, and chilled, covered. Do not add bread crumbs until ready to bake. (Baking may take longer than 30 minutes.)

Recipe notes

Mascarpone Cheesecake

An extra-silky filling (no water bath needed!) and a smooth sour cream topping make this the ultimate cheesecake.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Golden Mushroom Soup With Orzo & a Pat of Butter

This is the type of soup that, at first glance, might seem a little…unexciting. But you’re underestimating the power of mushrooms, which do the heavy lifting.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Crème Anglaise

The silky French vanilla sauce that goes with everything.

Caramelized Onion Pasta

Turn humble onions into this thrifty yet luxe pasta dinner.

Smothered Italian Sausage

This is what I call a fridge-eater recipe. The key here is getting a nice sear on the sausage and cooking the tomato down until it coats the sausage and vegetables well.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.