Alright, cheese lovers, gather 'round! Let's talk about mac and cheese. Not just any mac and cheese, mind you, but the kind that makes your taste buds sing opera and your belly do a happy dance. We're diving deep into the cheesy universe today with a pancetta mac and cheese recipe that's so good, it's practically illegal.
Now, you might be thinking, 'Mac and cheese? That's kid stuff!' Oh, my friend, you couldn't be more wrong. This isn't your grandma's basic boxed variety (though, bless her heart for trying). We're taking the classic comfort food and turning it into a gourmet experience with a cheese selection that's more impressive than a wine connoisseur's cellar. We're talking goat cheese, white cheddar, yellow cheddar, brie, and provolone. Yes, all of them! It's like a cheese party in your mouth, and you're invited.
Why this Mac and Cheese Rocks
- Flavor Explosion: The combination of these cheeses is nothing short of magical. It's creamy, tangy, sharp, and smooth all at once, with a salty, smoky pancetta kick.
- Versatility: This isn't just a side dish; it's a star! Serve it at your next dinner party, bring it to a potluck, or enjoy a big bowl all by yourself (we won't judge!).
- Customizable: Don't have all the cheeses? No worries! Mix and match your favorites to create your own signature mac and cheese masterpiece.
Let's Get Cooking!
Ready to embark on this cheesy adventure? Here's what you'll need:
- 4 ounces of diced pancetta
- 1 lb elbow macaroni
- ½ cup butter
- ¼ cup flour
- 2 teaspoons ground mustard
- 2 teaspoons onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 ½ cups milk
- 4 ounces plain goat cheese
- 4 ounces shredded sharp white cheddar
- 4 ounces shredded sharp yellow cheddar
- 4 ounces Brie
- 4 ounces provolone
Instructions
- Cook your macaroni according to package directions. Drain it like you mean it.
- While that's happening, toss the pancetta in a skillet over medium-high heat until it's crispy and golden brown. Drain the excess fat (save it for another recipe perhaps?), and crumble the pancetta into tasty little bits.
- In a large saucepan, melt the butter and then whisk in the flour, ground mustard, onion powder, and salt, let it cook for a minute or two.
- Gradually pour in the milk, stirring constantly until it starts to simmer and thicken.
- Take the pan off the heat and stir in the goat cheese, white cheddar, yellow cheddar, brie, and provolone until everything is smooth and melted. If it's not perfect put it back on the heat for a short while.
- Add the cooked macaroni to the cheese sauce and mix until everything is thoroughly coated.
- Finally, stir in the crispy pancetta.
Level Up your cooking
Want to take your mac and cheese, and all your meal planning to the next level? Check out Menuistia – the app that lets you create custom recipes and plan your meals like a pro. It's perfect for discovering new combinations of flavours and healthy meals, and it makes it easy to keep track of everything.
Final Thoughts
This pancetta mac and cheese is not just a recipe; it's an experience. It's a celebration of cheese, comfort, and good food. So, go ahead, indulge a little (or a lot), and let your inner gourmet shine. And don't forget to check out Menuistia to help you plan your next culinary creation. Happy cooking!