Irish Cheddar Mac and Cheese with Crispy Pancetta
This Irish cheddar mac and cheese is super creamy, delicious, and topped with crispy pancetta! The ultimate comfort food.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta of your choice (I used Banza chickpea pasta!)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cups whole milk
- 2 1/2 cups freshly grated Irish cheddar cheese
- 1 cup freshly grated Dubliner cheese
- 1 teaspoon dijon mustard
- 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (a healthy pinch)
- salt and pepper to taste
- 4 ounes diced pancetta
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
Instructions
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Cook pasta according to package directions. Set aside.
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Preheat a medium skillet to medium-high heat and add pancetta. Cook for 5 minutes or so, stirring frequently until deeply golden and crispy. Set aside and let drain on paper towels.
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In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium-high heat. Add the flour, whisking constantly and cook for 1 minute.
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Slowly add the milk, still whisking constantly. Raise heat to high, bring to a boil and cook for 2-3 minutes until thickened, still whisking (you don't want the bottom to burn!). Add the dijon, nutmeg, and a few cracks of black pepper.
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Reduce heat to medium-low. Gradually add the cheddar and Dubliner, stirring until completely melted. Add the pasta and half of the pancetta and stir until combined. Season to taste with pepper and salt if it needs it (I find the pancetta and cheese are salty enough).
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Portion into bowls and top with remaining pancetta and chives!