# White Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Crispy Pancetta

This is an extra-creamy white shells and cheese dish that is rich, cozy, and features a perfect blend of sharp white cheddar, Gruyère, and crispy pancetta.

- Cuisine: American
- Category: Dinner
- Language: en

## 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

## Instructions

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

## Equipment

- pot
- cold pan
- baking 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.

## Source

- Original video: https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8ftmCjF/
- Recipe page: https://www.cliprecipe.com/recipe/1b3f9f49-cb05-49c0-8770-c6ce825aa069
- Extracted: 2026-01-25

Extracted from the video by Clip Recipe (https://www.cliprecipe.com). Quantities and steps are as stated or shown in the video. Site guide for agents: https://www.cliprecipe.com/llms.txt