Pancetta Baked Mac n Cheese

If you're looking for a delicious, grown-up macaroni and cheese, you've come to the right place! With just a few easy steps you'll have this heavenly dish whipped up in no time!

Ingredients

  • 1 lb. elbow pasta

  • 1/2 cup shredded asiago cheese

  • 1 cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

  • 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

  • 1/2 stick unsalted butter

  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream

  • 3 cups whole milk

  • 1/2 cup flour

  • 1/4 ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

  • freshly grated nutmeg

  • 1/2 pound pancetta, diced

  • Italian bread crumbs

Instructions

  1. Heat a pan over medium, once hot add the pancetta. Cook, stirring occasionally, until crispy. Shut off stove and remove from heat. Set aside.

  2. Fill a pot with water for your pasta, you won't need to turn the heat on yet. Just have it ready.

  3. In a pan with high sides or a pot, heat on medium, melt the butter. Once it starts to bubble add the flour and whisk until it starts to bubble. Then start adding the milk and cream as you are whisking constantly while it cooks. Do this until the mixture thickens and lightly bubbles.

  4. Start boiling your water, make sure to salt the water once you put the pasta in. Under cook the pasta because once you put it in the oven to bake, it will continue to cook.

  5. Preheat oven to 350.

  6. Lower the heat with the milk mixture, keep on low, add the cheeses, nutmeg, ground pepper and salt. Slowly stir as the cheeses melt. Once your cheese sauce is done, remove from heat, cover and set aside if the pasta isn't done yet.

  7. Finish cooking the pasta, drain then add the noodles to the cheese sauce. Add the pancetta on top (try not to pour in all the pancetta grease). Stir to combine. Place in an oven safe baking dish. Sprinkle an even layer of bread crumbs over top and bake for 15 minutes

  8. Serve hot.

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PastaDanielle SimoneComment