Grown Up Macaroni and Cheese

C4Bimbos's picture

Jan. 14, 2013

Ok, lets get something straight here. Im not one to say that my recipe is the best Ive ever had. Even though most of the time it is. Just kidding kind of. I have to say though, this mac and cheese is unreal. Its very important to use good quality cheese for this recipe. Come on people, you can do better than that shredded fake yellow Kraft cheddar! Dont get me wrong, theres a time and a place to use it, but this recipe isnt the time. Use the good stuff. Ok, time for mac and cheese

Ingredients

Ditalini pasta 1 Pound ((macaroni, or any pasta of your choice))
Butter 1/4 Cup (4 tbs)
Pancetta 4 Ounce , diced (Optional)
All purpose flour
Milk 3 Cup (48 tbs)
White cheddar cheese 5 Ounce , grated ((sharp))
Gouda cheese 3 Ounce , grated
Gruyere cheese 5 Ounce , grated
Nutmeg 1/2 Teaspoon
For topping
Panko 1 Cup (16 tbs)
Parmesan 1/3 Cup (5.33 tbs) , grated
Chopped parsley 1/4 Cup (4 tbs)

Directions

GETTING READY

1. Preheat oven at 400*F.

MAKING

2. In a saucepan with salted boiling water, put in the pasta and allow to cook as per the packet instructions.

3. Meanwhile, in a pot, heat butter and stir in pancetta, until it gets light browns and crispy.

4. Using a slotted spoon, remove the pancetta in a plate and keep aside.

5. In the same pot, sprinkle in all-purpose flour and cook whisking continuously it for about 1 to 2 minutes.

6. Stream in little bit of milk at a time and whisk it well after each addition.

7. Add in all the cheeses to the pot and sprinkle with nutmeg, whisk well.

8. Using a slotted ladle, drain the boiled pasta and add in to the cheese sauce.

9. Stir in the fried pancetta and turn off the heat.

For the topping

10. In a mixing bowl, put together panko, cheese and parsley, and stir well to mix.

11. Sprinkle the panko mixture all over the macaroni and cheese, and bake in the oven for 15 minutes at 400 F.

SERVING

12. Serve hot as desired.

Recipe Summary

Difficulty Level: Medium
Cook Time: 45 Minutes
Ready In: 45 Minutes
Servings: 8

Nutrition Facts

Serving size

Calories 609Calories from Fat 264

 % Daily Value*

Total Fat 30 g46.2%

Saturated Fat 16 g80%

Trans Fat 0 g

Cholesterol

Sodium 614 mg25.58%

Total Carbohydrates 57 g19%

Dietary Fiber 2 g8%

Sugars 7 g

Protein 27 g54%

Vitamin A % Vitamin C %

Calcium % Iron %

*Based on a 2000 Calorie diet