Macaroni and cheese is a dish traditionally served as a side or appetizer. However, this macaroni and cheese recipe becomes the main course by using panko bread crumbs, which give it a crunch to the palate, and an essence of truffle oil, which gives it a smooth savory flavor. This twist on a classic American dish will make sure you never go back to the cupboard for Easy Mac!
Ingredients:
• 1 pound rotini pasta
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
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• 6 tablespoons all-purpose flour
• 3 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 tablespoon freshly
• Ground black pepper
• 1 pound white Cheddar, shredded
• 4 oz Romano, shredded
• 4 oz Asiago, shredded
• 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
• 1 tbsp Salt (to taste)
• 1 tbsp truffle oil (optional)
• Bacon bits (optional)
1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
2. In large pot filled with water, add olive oil and 3 pinches of kosher salt. Once the water comes to boil, add the pasta and let cook until al dente, which will take about 8-9 minutes. Drain. Set aside. Do NOT rinse the pasta, as the starch on the pasta will help it adhere to the cheese sauce.
3. In a large saucepan, melt the butter. Sprinkle flour over the butter and cook 2 to 3 minutes on medium heat to make a roux (a cooking mixture of wheat and fat). Add cold milk and whisk vigorously until dissolved. Cook sauce on medium-low heat until thick and creamy. Add heavy cream, all cheeses, 1 tablespoon of salt, and 1 tablespoon of pepper. Cook until cheeses are fully melted. Stir occasionally until the cheese sauce becomes a light blonde hue.
4. In a separate pan melt 2 tablespoons of butter and then mix in panko bread crumbs until the butter is thoroughly absorbed.
5. Add cooked pasta to cheese mixture and mix thoroughly. Place macaroni mixture in a baking dish and top with bread crumbs. Place in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until golden brown.
6. For an extra crispy topping, place under broiler after baking until bread crumbs turn golden brown.
7. To finish, add a few drops of truffle oil and bacon bits.
8. Bon appetite! You’re ready to serve!
