Three Cheese Balsamic Pancetta Mac & Cheese
- 2 packages Pancetta, Thinly Sliced, 3 Ounce Packages
- 2 Tablespoons Balsamic Vinegar, Divided
- 4 Tablespoons Butter
- 4 Tablespoons All-purpose Flour
- 2 teaspoons Fresh Rosemary, Minced
- 2- 1/2 cups Whole Milk, Warmed
- 1/2 cups Half-and-Half, Warmed
- 10 ounces, weight Cavatappi (corkscrew) Pasta
- 6 ounces, weight Gouda Cheese, Grated
- 4 ounces, weight Fontina Cheese, Grated
- 2 ounces, weight Smoked Gouda Cheese, Grated
- Salt And Fresh Cracked Pepper, To Taste
- Preheat oven to 400 F. Place a large pot of water over high heat and cover the pot.
- Roll up the pancetta slices and slice them into strips with a sharp knife.
- In a large pan over medium heat, cook the pancetta strips until just starting to crisp, about 3-4 minutes.
- Then drizzle 1 tablespoon of the balsamic vinegar over the pancetta and stir.
- Remove the cooked pancetta from the pan and allow it to drain on a paper towel and set aside.
- In a medium sized saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- When the butter has melted, whisk in the 4 tablespoons of flour.
- Continue to cook and whisk the flour for about 30 seconds.
- Add the rosemary and continue to cook for another 30 seconds.
- Slowly pour in the warmed milk and half-and-half and continue to whisk continuously so that there are no lumps.
- Allow the sauce to come to a simmer, stirring constantly.
- While waiting for the sauce to simmer, liberally salt the pot of boiling water.
- Add the pasta to the water and cook for about a minute less than package directions.
- When the sauce has come to a simmer, stir in the 6 ounces of gouda and the fontina cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Remove from heat and stir in about 1 tablespoon of balsamic vinegar, or more if you want a more pronounced flavor.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Drain the cooked pasta and stir it into the cheese sauce until combined.
- Pour the macaroni mixture into a medium sized baking dish (something like a 9x9 dish) and sprinkle the top with half of the smoked gouda.
- Top with the cooked pancetta and then the remaining smoked gouda.
- Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the topping is crisp and the cheese is bubbly.
- If the pancetta starts to get too dark, cover with a piece of aluminum foil.
- Serve hot.
balsamic vinegar, butter, allpurpose, fresh rosemary, milk, weight cavatappi, gouda cheese, cheese, gouda cheese, salt
Taken from tastykitchen.com/recipes/main-courses/three-cheese-balsamic-pancetta-mac-cheese/ (may not work)