White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Crispy Pancetta

Serves 1
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Directions

  1. 1Add your half and half to a pot.
  2. 2Add your herbs to the pot.
  3. 3Turn the heat on low and let the half and half slowly infuse while you prep the rest.
  4. 4Add your pancetta to a cold pan.
  5. 5Turn the heat on and let the pancetta slowly render until it's golden and crispy.
  6. 6Leave about 2 tablespoons of the rendered fat in the pan.
  7. 7Add in your butter and toast your spices.
  8. 8Add in your flour to create a roux.
  9. 9Add in a splash of white wine (optional).
  10. 10Slowly whisk in your infused half and half, making sure it's nice and smooth before each addition.
  11. 11Season with some Dijon mustard.
  12. 12Pour nutmeg, black pepper, and a little pinch of salt.
  13. 13Whisk that together.
  14. 14Turn the heat off.
  15. 15Gradually add in your cheeses.
  16. 16Add in half of your crispy pancetta and your cooked shells.
  17. 17Stir to combine.
  18. 18Add half of the mixture to a baking dish.
  19. 19Sprinkle on a little bit more pancetta and a light layer of cheese.
  20. 20Repeat the layering process.
  21. 21Bake until it's golden.

Ingredients

  • 8 oz chopped pancetta
  • 1 lb medium pasta shells
  • 2 tbsp pancetta fat
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
  • 4 cups warmed half & half (infused with thyme + sage, optional)
  • 3 cloves grated garlic
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • Kosher salt
  • black pepper
  • 1 pinch nutmeg (optional)
  • 16 oz freshly shredded sharp white cheddar
  • 8 oz freshly shredded Monterey Jack
  • 7 oz freshly shredded Gruyère
  • 4 oz freshly grated Parmesan (plus more to top)
  • Fresh chives, for garnish

Equipment

potcold panbaking dish

Tips

  • The Dijon mustard helps bring out the flavors of the cheeses.
  • A splash of white wine is optional.
  • Make sure the infused half and half is nice and smooth before each addition when whisking.
  • Bake until it's golden.
White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Crispy Pancetta | Clip Recipe