Description
This fusion of a classic Italian dish and a nostalgic American favorite can be served as either a main course or a side dish.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) olive oil
- 4 strips of uncooked smoked bacon, cut into small dice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) all-purpose flour
- 6 - 7 cups (1440 - 1680 ml) whole milk, heated
- 4 large egg yolks, lightly whisked
- 2 tsp finely chopped fresh chives
- 1 tsp cayenne pepper
- 2 cups (480 ml) freshly grated Asiago cheese, plus more for the top
- 1-1/2 cups (360 ml) white Cheddar, plus more for the top
- 1-1/2 cups (360 ml) sharp yellow Cheddar, plus more for the top
- 1 cup (240 ml) grated mozzarella cheese, plus more for the top
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) freshly grated Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for the top
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb (450 g) elbow macaroni, cooked just under al dente
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) coarsely chopped Italian parley
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (about 177 degrees C). Grease the bottom and sides of a 3-quart baking dish with butter and set aside.
- In a large saute pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced bacon and cook until golden brown. Remove with a slotted spoon to a plate lined with paper towels.
- Add the garlic to the pan and cook until lightly golden brown. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Next, whisk in 6 cups of the hot milk, increase the heat to high, and cook, whisking constantly until thickened, for 3-5 minutes. Whisk in the light beaten egg yolks until incorporated and let cook for 1- 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat and whisk in the chopped chives, cayenne, and all of the cheese until completely melted. Season with salt and pepper. If the mixture appears too thick, add some of the remaining milk 1/4 cup at a time.
- Mix in the cooked macaroni, reserved bacon and chopped parsley, and stir until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan. Combine together additional Asiago, Cheddars, Mozzarella, and Parmigiano cheeses in a bowl and sprinkle evenly over the top of the macaroni. Bake in the oven until heated through and the top is lightly golden brown (about 12-15 minutes). Remove from the oven and let rest 10 minutes before serving.
- Prep Time: 30 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620