Side: Mac Daddy Mac n' Cheese

By SharonE

Guy Fieri's recipe, slightly modified. It reminds me of my pasta carbonara...yum.

Ingredients

• 2 shallots, peeled
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 6-7 pieces bacon, diced, cooked, reserving 1+ tablespoon bacon fat
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 4 cups heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 pound penne pasta, cooked
• 1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
• 2 tbsp. melted butter
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Read more at: http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/guy-fieri/mac-daddy-mac-n-cheese-recipe.html?oc=linkback

Preparation

Step 1

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.

Place shallots and garlic in a small aluminum foil pouch and drizzle with olive oil. Roast 30 minutes or until tender. Remove from foil and chop.

In a large saute pan, reheat reserved bacon fat over medium heat. Add roasted shallot and garlic and saute for 1 minute. Add flour and stir for 1 minute. Whisk in heavy cream and thyme. Reduce by a third. Stir in cheeses until melted, creamy and thickened. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and gently stir in pasta. Place in a 9X13 casserole dish.

In a small bowl, mix together diced bacon, bread crumbs, butter and parsley. Top Mac n Cheese with Panko mixture and bake uncovered at same heat until bubbling and lightly browned on top, 20 to 25 minutes. Broil for 3-5 minutes to brown top.