This fantastic Mararoni and Cheese recipe
appeared on the Tillamook Cheese website, and was the 2005
Regional winner of the Tillamook Macaroni & Cheese Contest. This recipe is
by Brenden Mesch of Dallas,
TX. Doesn't it look yummy?
Pasta Hints and Tips
and
more delicious
Pasta Recipes,
Bacon and Black Truffle
Macaroni & Cheese
2 tablespoons butter, melted
3/4 cup panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) or coarse dry
bread crumbs
3 cups (12 oz) shredded extra sharp cheddar cheese, divided
8 ounces dry penne pasta
1 tablespoon
black truffle
oil
(optional)
2 teaspoons extra-virgin
olive
oil
4 slices (4 ounces) uncooked smoked bacon, chopped
2 tablespoons minced shallots or green onions
1 tablespoon minced
garlic
1/4 tablespoon dried thyme
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 1/2 cups half and half
cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon freshly-ground
black pepper
1 tablespoons minced fresh basil leaves
Preheat oven to 350 degrees° F. Lightly butter four 8-ounce
shallow ramekins.
To make topping, in a small bowl, combine butter, breadcrumbs, and
1/2 cup cheddar cheese; set aside.
Cook pasta according to package directions; drain and return to pan
to keep warm.
Learn How To Cook Pasta Properly. Pasta is done when it is slightly chewy to the bite or al
dente. Drain pasta in a colander and transfer to a large bowl.
Toss pasta with
truffle oil and set aside.
Prepare sauce while pasta is cooking:
-
Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over
medium heat. Add bacon and cook until golden 3 to 4 minutes.
-
Stir in shallots,
garlic, and thyme; cook for 1 additional minute.
-
Whisk in flour and cook an additional
3 minutes, whisking constantly. Gradually add half and half cream and bring just
to a boil, whisking constantly. Reduce heat and simmer, stirring often, until
sauce slightly thickens, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
-
Add salt, pepper, and remaining 2 1/2 cups of cheddar cheese; stir until cheese
is melted.
-
Remove pan from heat and fold in basil and cooked pasta.
Note: The dish can be covered and refrigerated for up to 3 days at this point
When
ready to cook, divide mixture into individual baking dishes and top with reserved
breadcrumb mixture.
Bake for approximately 10 to 15 minutes until bubbly and top begins
to brown. Remove from oven and let sit 5 minutes before serving.
Serves 4 as a main dish
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