Paul's Crafty Mac N Cheese with Pancetta

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with Paul’s Crafty Mac N Cheese with Pancetta—a gourmet twist on a beloved classic. This recipe combines creamy, melty layers of sharp cheddar, Gruyère, and Parmesan cheeses with irresistibly crisp pancetta for a rich and smoky flavor profile. A buttery roux ensures the cheese sauce is luxuriously smooth, while al dente elbow macaroni soaks up every drop. The pièce de résistance? A golden, crunchy panko breadcrumb topping kissed with olive oil for the perfect finishing touch. Baked to bubbling perfection, this decadent dish is sure to impress at family dinners or potlucks. Get ready to elevate your homemade mac and cheese game with this mouthwatering masterpiece!

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:30 mins

Total Time:45 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 12 oz Elbow macaroni
• 6 oz Pancetta, diced
• 4 tbsp Unsalted butter
• 3 tbsp All-purpose flour
• 3 cups Whole milk
• 2 cups Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Gruyere cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 1 tsp Salt
• 0.5 tsp Black pepper
• 0.5 tsp Paprika
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Olive oil

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow macaroni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the diced pancetta until crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the pancetta with a slotted spoon and set aside on a paper towel-lined plate. Reserve the rendered fat in the skillet.

Step 3

In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, whisk in the flour to create a roux. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until the mixture is golden and smooth.

Step 4

Gradually add the milk to the roux, whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and stir until the mixture thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5

Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cheddar, Gruyere, and Parmesan cheeses, one handful at a time, until completely melted and smooth.

Step 6

Season the cheese sauce with salt, black pepper, and paprika. Stir in the crispy pancetta.

Step 7

Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and stir until the pasta is fully coated.

Step 8

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Transfer the mac and cheese to a greased 9x13-inch baking dish.

Step 9

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs with the olive oil. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the mac and cheese.

Step 10

Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and crispy.

Step 11

Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1809.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	4848.7

Total Fat 280.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 147.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.1g
Cholesterol 770.9mg	0%
Sodium 9138.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 363.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 15.2g	0%
Total Sugars 51.1g
Protein 227.3g	0%

Vitamin D 394.1IU	0%
Calcium 4518.1mg	0%
Iron 19.4mg	0%
Potassium 1835.2mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 51.6%

Protein: 18.6%

Carbs: 29.8%