Pancetta Mac and Cheese
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Mac and Cheese with Pancetta Au Gratin

Few dishes are as popular and versatile as mac and cheese. Some may say it’s the perfect weeknight recipe; others may love it on a cozy weekend or for dinner with friends.
Either way, this mac and cheese is comforting, decadent and tasty! Plus, it’s fun to make with kids.
This dish can be served as a main course with greens or as a side dish with barbecue chicken, ribs, hotdogs, or meatloaf … you name it!
Despite its apparent simplicity, macaroni and cheese au gratin can be accompanied by something other than soft drinks.
A lightly acidic, low-alcohol lager would be an excellent choice. As for wine, consider a light red wine with red fruit flavours or a rich white wine such as Chardonnay.

Servings : 6 Servings
Preparation time :  15 minutes
Cooking time :  30 minutes
Total time :  45 minutes
Ingredients

400 g Le P’tit Bonheur Bergeron Cheese

300 g short, dry pasta (rigatoni, penne, and so on)

125 ml (1/2 cup) diced pancetta

30 ml (2 tbsp) butter

30 ml (2 tbsp) flour

500 ml (2 cups) milk (2% or 3.25% m.f.)

1 clove garlic, grated or minced

5 ml (1 tsp) Dijon mustard

1 ml (½ tsp) grated nutmeg

Toppings

30 ml (2 tbsp) butter

1 clove garlic, grated or minced

125 ml (1/2 cup) panko crumbs

30 ml (2 tbsp) minced fresh oregano, or 5 ml (1 tsp) dried oregano

2 ml (1/2 tsp) salt

Freshly ground black pepper

Instructions
  1. Grate the Le P’tit Bonheur Bergeron Cheese. Measure out 1/2 cup (125 ml) of the cheese and save it for the topping. Set the cheese aside.

  2. Preheat the oven to 220 °F (425 °F). Oil a 20 or 23 cm (8 or 9 in) square baking dish and set over a baking sheet to catch any sauce bubbling

  3. Cook the pasta in generously salted water for 2 minutes less than the suggested cooking time (the pasta will keep cooking in the sauce.) Drain the pasta and set aside.

  4. In a large, non-stick skillet, cook the pancetta until it’s golden brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pancetta to a small bowl and leave the pan in the pan. Add the butter and stir until melted. Add the flour and keep cooking, stirring constantly, for 1 minute. Whisk in the milk.

  5. Bring the sauce to a boil, whisking constantly. Lower the heat and simmer for 2 minutes, then mix in the garlic, mustard, and nutmeg. Gradually incorporate the Le P’tit Bonheur Bergeron Cheese, whisking to melt it into the sauce. Keep whisking until the sauce is perfectly smooth.

  6. Remove the sauce from the heat, then add the cooked pasta and stir to distribute the sauce. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the topping.

  7. Remove the sauce from the heat, then add the cooked pasta and stir to distribute the sauce. Transfer the pasta to the prepared baking dish. Set aside while you prepare the topping.

  8. Scatter the topping over the pasta. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the sauce is bubbling and the topping is golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes, then serve.

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