Laura's Crumb-Topped Macaroni and Cheese |
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Prep Time: 0 Minutes Cook Time: 20 Minutes |
Ready In: 20 Minutes Servings: 10 |
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One of the comfort foods, that we can all enjoy at any time!! Ingredients:
1 lb cavatappi pasta |
4 slices day old oat bread or 4 slices whole wheat bread |
1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil |
1/2 lb pancetta, cut into 1/2 inch dice |
10 tablespoons unsalted butter |
3 1/2 cups whole milk |
1/4 cup flour, plus |
2 tablespoons flour |
2 cups mozzarella cheese, grated |
3 cups white cheddar cheese, grated |
3 cups gruyere cheese, grated |
2 cups fontina cheese, grated |
3/4 teaspoon grated nutmeg (don't use preground) |
fresh ground pepper |
Directions:
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for 8 minutes; pasta will be slightly undercooked. Drain, rinsed with cold water, and drain again.
2. Pulse bread in food processr until coarse crumbs form (about 2 3/4 cups).
3. Heat oil in a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add pancetta, and cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and crisp, 9-10 minutes. Remove pancetta with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels.
4. Reserve 1 1/2 tablespoons pancetta drippings in pan. Melt 4 tablespoons butter over medium-high heat with drippings. Add breadcrumbs, and cook, stirring to coat, until they are light gold and beginning to crisp, about 8 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
5. Heat milk in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until steaming (Do not let milk come to a boil) Melt remaining 6 tablespoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add flour to butter, whisking until smooth. Add milk slowly, whisking constantly until combined. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon until thickened, about 15 minutes. Remove from heat. Add cheeses, and stir until melted. Stir in reserved pancetta, nutmeg, and 1/2 teaspoons salt. Season with pepper.
6. Preheat oven to 350°F Place pasta in a 9-inch round baking dish that's 3-inches deep. Stir in cheese sauce, 1 cup at a time, mixing well after each addition. Spread bread crumbs on top. Pace dish on a rimmed baking sheet, and bake until crumbs are deep golden brown and sauce is bubbling, about 20 minutes. Serve hot.
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