Baked Orzo and Cheddar with Pepperoni

By Lshah

Ingredients

• 1/2 c 1/4 inch diced pepperoni
• 1/2 c chopped onion
• 2 Tbsp flour
• 3/4 c chicken broth
• 1 1/2 c grated Cheddar (about 1/4 pound)
• 3/4 c orzo (rice shaped pasta)
• 1/4 c fresh bread crumbs

Details

Preparation time 45mins

Preparation

Step 1

In a saucepan cook the pepperoni over moderately high heat, stirring for 2 minutes, add the onion, and cook the mixture, stirring, for 4 minutes.
Reduce the heat to low, add the flour, and cook the roux, stirring for 3 minutes.
Wisk in the broth and simmer the sauce, whisking, for 2 minutes.
Wisk in the Cheddar, wisking until the sauce is smooth, and keep the sauce warm.
In a large saucepan of boiling salt water boil the orzo until it is al dente, drain it well, and stir into the sauce.
Turn the mixture into a a buttered 10-inch oval gratin dish, sprinkle the top with the bread crumbs, and bake in a 450 degree oven for 15 minutes, or golden and bubbly.